Funeral Arrangements
Check List
The list that follows is just a suggestion of things you may like to consider in relation to making funeral preparations.
Are there any preferred funeral payment plans - for example - insurance cover or a prepaid funeral plan or will the associated funeral costs be paid from an estate left with in a will or other sources?
Have specific funeral plans/ other requests been included in a will?
Is it to be a burial in a traditional location such as in a grave yard by a church or council burial site or a natural green burial site or a cremation?
Are any special clothes to be worn?
If it is to be a cremation are the ashes to be buried, scattered where and by whom?
If the ashes are to be kept have you considered the vessel in which they will be stored? Away with Willow Coffins can weave a special willow casket (as a keepsake, using the same-coloured willow as your chosen coffin) with a calico cotton draw string lining to hold your loved one’s ashes, (and adorned with willow hearts, if you would like this too).
Have you considered the type of coffin for the cremation or burial - options range from cardboard to wooden coffins. All Away with Willow Coffins are individually handmade and include:
A lining of 100% natural, cotton calico;
A solid weight bearing wooden birch/ pine base;
Locally grown, handwoven Scottish willow - sides and lid;
Strong, full weight bearing, natural fibre, sisal rope handles;
Handcrafted hazel wood toggles, which hold the lid securely in place.
Additional willow hearts can be created to adorn the Away with Willow Coffin, along with a cotton calico pillow stuffed with sheep fleece to create a personalised coffin.
8. Are there documents available that explain whether anyone has been allocated to organise the funeral. Will it be a ‘self organised funeral’ by family or friends or other trusted colleagues or through a Funeral Director?
9. As well as the legal name plate requirements is there an alternative name requested to be added to the name plate and if appropriate headstone?
10. (Natural burial grounds, cemeteries and crematoriums have a legal requirement for a name plate to accompany any coffin. The name plate must contain the person who has passed away’s date of birth, date of death/ age at death and their legal name (you can add an additional nick name if you would like to)).
11. Away with Willow Coffins can make a wooden name plate if requested.
12. Is there to be a funeral service, this can be separate to the place of burial or cremation. Will it be religious, non religious or no ceremony?
13. Is there a specific faith leader or other celebrant to conduct the service?
14. Is there specific music or readings, songs, poems or prayers to be included in the ceremony?
15. Is there anyone specific who will be doing readings or make speeches?
16. Will there be flowers or donations to charities? For every Away with Willow Coffin used as part of a funeral service a new tree sapling will be planted, and in time a new woodland will be created.
17. Is there a wake, gathering, tea or party to be organised? If so where?
18. Have invites been sent to friends and family and others?
19. Is a notice required in the local paper?
20. Deaths must be registered before a funeral can be arranged. A death certificate might be needed to make arrangements.
21. Check if there is a doner card and inform any medical personal as appropriate.
