Have you thought about the music you would like at your funeral?

ARE YOU A TRADITIONALIST?

Helen Kemp of Kemp and Son Ltd Funeral Directors explores the type of music people like at their funeral services. She said:

"When we talk to families about the kind of funeral service they would like for their loved one, more often than not they decide to have the same format as they have followed previously for other family members. There is nothing wrong with that, but are they choosing it because that’s what they really want, or is it because they aren’t aware that there are other choices?"

The funeral industry is changing and developing very rapidly. Families are taking ownership of their loved one’s funeral services, creating unique and fitting tributes to their nearest and dearest - and quite rightly so. No longer are they conforming to tradition that they feel is out of date; they are coming with fresh ideas and requesting help to make them happen. No longer do burials or cremations have to be preceded by a religious service, although many families do take comfort in the traditional way of conducting a service. They can be non-religious and take place before or after the burial or cremation; they don’t have to be held on the same day or even in the same town or even take place at all. Special requests can be made for those attending to wear a certain colour or carry a particular flower. Services can include live musicians, slide shows, guards of honour, Scottish pipers - the list is endless. Nobody needs to speak. If desired, families can just spend their time at the service listening to music and quietly reflecting.

Helen added: "The choice is theirs to make and can never be wrong. The message I’m trying to relay is that funeral services should be a celebration of the person’s life and reflect their personality within its content. This can be done in many ways and our role is to facilitate the wishes of the deceased and their family. We would encourage them not to be frightened to make the request that they may feel is out of the ordinary, it’s those requests that make the tribute special and bring comfort to those attending, leaving a memorable impression."

For more information or advice please feel free to contact Helen on tel: 01482 844695 or email: hkempandsonltd@gmail.com