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Alternative Services

There are a number of alternative funeral ideas available to help you say goodbye to a loved one. You can opt for a non-traditional and unique farewell.

When it comes to alternative funerals, Tom Owen and Son care about the little details just as much as you do. We can help you personalise every single detail of the funeral service.

Our guide to alternative funeral options provides an overview of what is involved.

What happens at a celebration of life funeral service?

A celebration of life funeral is a non-religious service and a unique way to say goodbye and celebrate the life of the deceased. There are also humanist funerals that are based on an approach to life based on reason and common humanity.

These services are great for those that don’t have any particular religious beliefs. You can include music, poems, readings and other sorts of tributes. Speak to one of our team about any ideas you may have or ask them for some suggestions, once they have got to know more about you and your loved one.

They are usually conducted by a humanist or celebrant, family member or friend and are held at the crematorium, a cemetery, woodland burial site or other venue.

These types of service are very personal to the person who has died, marked by favourite songs, colours, tributes and readings.

Funeral Service, Llandudno

What paperwork is required at a celebration of life funeral service?

A celebration of life funeral service requires the same paperwork as a normal cremation or burial service. We can assist with that.

Modern funerals, Llandudno

What is a colourful funeral service?

A colourful funeral encourages guests to not opt for black or subdued colours but instead to choose colours that reflect the life of the person who has died and help to celebrate. This can be in the clothing, coffin or flowers.

It may be that guests are asked to wear the favourite colour of the person who has died, whether this is head to toe or a piece of clothing. There is no requirement to wear the colour as some attendees may feel more comfortable opting for traditional black. The idea being that everyone attending feels comfortable and relaxed.

Colourful coffins are a relatively new trend but come in cardboard or wicker options.

Another option is to go for colourful flowers, or perhaps have a garland of flowers around the coffin if wicker. Choosing brighter flowers can help to celebrate the life of your loved one in a unique way.

An alternative hearse may be one way to approach this – whether it’s a fire engine or a horse-drawn carriage draped with your favourite football team flag.

Please speak to our experienced team who are on hand to discuss all options with you.

Funeral flower arrangements, Llandudno

Can I have a woodland burial?

Tom Owen and Son can work with you to find the perfect woodland burial ground in North Wales. Whether this is within a council run cemetery or a specialised woodland burial ground, we are on hand to help and guide you through the process.

As you can expect with a woodland burial, there are some conditions that need to be met in order to meet the sustainable and biodegradable guidelines.

  • Embalming is not allowed - which Tom Owen and Son already refrain from doing unless absolutely necessary;
  • Minimal jewellery and objects to be placed with the body, along with the body being dressed in natural fibres or left unclothed;
  • We promise not to use any plastic linings within the coffins, which will also be made of cardboard, willow or if you prefer, just a linen shroud.

We work alongside The Eternal Forest Trust at Boduan Sanctuary on the Llyn Peninsula if you want a fully green burial.

Eternal Forest 2

Please speak to one of our Funeral Directors if you would like more information.

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