Eight reasons not to opt for “no fuss” direct to cremation, but to consider a funeral service

 You can find the 8 top reasons for choosing a “no fuss simple cremation” here:  https://latest.goldenleaves.com/direct-crem-original-close

As one who has taken many funerals, perhaps I can offer eight reasons for considering having a funeral service:

(1) A funeral provides a fitting tribute and farewell to the deceased.

(2) No funeral needs to be fussy. What some people might call “fuss” could be called love and  respect shown by taking care over one of the last things we will do for a person, Those with long experience of organising these events with the family's wishes in mind stand ready to offer help and advice. People often enjoy looking back through old photos, sharing memories and planning the service.

(3) Funerals can help us begin to grieve and process our loss. Even if the next of kin doesn’t feel the need for a funeral now, they may regret their choice later and many others might appreciate this opportunity to say a proper goodbye. It can be upsetting for people to think that a loved one is going off to the crem without their family and friends with them.  

(4) Almost every culture in human history has thought that death should be surrounded by some kind of ritual or ceremony.

(5) The human body matters and can be treated with reverence rather than merely dealt with efficiently.

(6) Funerals are sometimes one of the few occasions when extended families meet, share stories and rekindle their connections. It is said family disputes can sometimes make funerals tricky to attend, but they can also bring people together and be an opportunity for a measure of reconciliation.

(7) A funeral is an opportunity for everyone to pause and reflect on what really matters, on what is a good life well lived, and on our own mortality.

(8) For those who belong to a faith tradition, funerals are an opportunity to re-connect with God or with the heritage which has shaped our communities for centuries.

In response to the eight reasons why people choose a “no fuss cremation”, I could offer a few bonus points:

Adding for example a church service to a funeral package need not add an enormous cost to the overall price. The Church of England Fee for a funeral in a church in is £234 and sometimes there may be options in terms of genuine financial hardship.

A funeral and a party are not mutually exclusive options. It is good to grieve, but a funeral need not be morbid or depressing. We also celebrate and give thanks. Often there are tears at a funeral, but often a surprising amount of laughter too. A wake or party or refreshments etc. normally follows on from a traditional funeral and there are further opportunities to share stories etc.

These days funerals can be recorded or livestreamed for those who are housebound or overseas to be involved.

If there is no one to attend a funeral, the minister and undertaker would nevertheless be happy to take the service. One of the most moving services I ever attended was while on placement with a hospital chaplain who took the funeral of a baby where the parents did not feel able to attend. Of course it was heart breakingly sad, but I was glad we could do what that family wanted even though they weren’t present.

Perhaps it's worth adding that even if you decide to go for a direct cremation, you can always think about some kind of memorial service later. Your local parish church can help with discussing the options.