In the delicate process of arranging a funeral, every detail is carefully considered, including what the person that has died might wear. If this is the first time you’ve had to organise a funeral, you may be unsure as to what is appropriate for the deceased person to be dressed in and have a few questions. Should I include underwear for the deceased to wear? While not necessary, or visible we recommend that you provide underwear for the person that has died, for their dignity and modesty. If you don’t have access to any underwear we can provide something appropriate (this can be common if the ..read more

When a brother or sister dies, it can have a lasting impact on their siblings – and on the family as a whole. Sarah Moyes, from the Charity Sibling Support, unpacks what is distinctive about sibling grief and highlights some things which can help children and young people facing the death of a sibling in a conversation with Poppy’s. What do you think makes grieving a sibling different from other experience of grief and loss? We did a survey last year that showed that 90% of siblings feel completely forgotten in their grief. I see this myself when I chat to young people who have lost a sibling ..read more

The legal process and key considerations A person’s last Will and testament is a legally binding document that should reflect their true wishes by outlining what should be done with their estate following their death. If someone you are close to dies and their Will does not appear to match up with what you know they would have wanted, it is worth investigating whether there might be grounds to challenge its validity. Contesting a Will can be time-consuming and stressful if you are unfamiliar with the process, and you should investigate the validity of a Will before it is admitted to probate. T ..read more

Is the Angel of Death really that grim? To people in severe pain with no hope of recovery, or even a life of any quality, he can be welcome relief. To the elderly for whom life offers no more, he can be ‘an old friend’. Indeed, he is always nearby us all, as we step out into the road or climb upstairs, board a plane or even sit watching the television. We shall all meet him someday. Around the world, beliefs about whether the spirit lives on vary widely and, therefore, so do the rituals at death. Burial may be in the hope of some form of resurrection whilst cremation is usually followed by the ..read more

Losing a child is an indescribable pain, one that no parent should ever have to endure. Yet, when faced with the heart-breaking reality of planning my little girl’s funeral, my wife and I found solace in an unconventional choice: a wicker coffin. Amid our grief, this decision became a symbol of our love, our values, and our commitment to her memory in a way that felt true to who she was and what she meant to us. The idea of a wicker coffin first came to us during a conversation with our funeral director. As we discussed various options, we were struck by the natural beauty and simplicity of wi ..read more

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds as Memorial Treasures Funerals and memorials stand as poignant rituals in England, serving as solemn occasions to bid farewell to departed loved ones. These ceremonies are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric, offering solace and closure to grieving families and friends. As traditions evolve, so do the means of commemorating cherished memories. One such innovation gaining prominence is the use of laboratory-grown diamonds, offering a unique and everlasting way to honour the lives of those who have passed away. Memorial Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Transforming Memori ..read more

When people arrange a funeral, it is interesting to consider what influences them. It is easy to imagine that people choose natural burial because they care about the environment, but that is not the only reason. For instance, I was always surprised at the number of people who told me they disliked conventional cemeteries. That was often because, as children, they were forced to visit graves at weekends, either to place flowers or to cut the grass. Others simply disliked the serried rows of identical headstones and repetitive inscriptions. There were also those opposed to cremation because the ..read more

Why are you so afraid of dying Dear beloved, little one? Do you not know that you’ll comehomewards Back to us, where you belong? Do you not know that we are waiting Here, to welcome you back home? With much joy and celebration To be united with the one? Are you afraid of retribution For some things you may have done? Worry not my dear beloved Love is where we all come from. Are you afraid that you will vanish Dissolved into eternity? The real you can never vanish It lives in you, it lives in me. Surrender all that you have strived for Let go all your fear and pain Hold not on toacquisitions Ho ..read more

A Man’s Tears Grief is a universal experience, an intricate tapestry of emotions that demands acknowledgment and expression. In a world where traditional gender norms have often dictated that men should be stoic in the face of loss, it’s crucial to challenge these expectations and recognise that it’s not only okay for men to cry when grieving but an essential part of the healing process. Navigating the Depths of Grief Grief is an unpredictable journey, a tumultuous sea of emotions that engulfs individuals in the aftermath of loss. For men, societal expectations to be strong and composed in the ..read more

Thankfully, the stigma associated with suicide has diminished considerably in recent decades. The hurt within families and friends has not, nor is it ever likely to. At the time of writing, we have just come to the end of suicide awareness week which, for funeral celebrants like myself, focuses our minds on the work we do. It is almost inevitable that at some time, we will be asked to take a ceremony for someone who has died in this way and we know that it will be a difficult one. Emotions are likely to be highly charged for all, both celebrant and family. Choice of language in any ceremony is ..read more