funeral services Hertford today: Austin’s Funeral Directors is one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in Hertfordshire. (We’ve been helping Hertfordshire people for over 320 years.) Each year, the directors choose a local charity to support. As a family business working closely with members of the community, we carefully select charities helping local people. During 2024, Austin’s chosen charity is Feed Up Warm Up, a homeless charity based in north Herts. Feed Up Warm Up offers food and friendship to homeless people in our community who need support. However, it is not a traditional food bank or homeless shelter. Instead, Feed Up Warm Up provides a safe, welcoming space, one evening a week, where guests can pop by to enjoy a hot meal and a chat, hear some live music and find practical and emotional help. Read even more info at vehicles for the funeral.
Some common responsibilities of a funeral celebrant include: Meeting with the family of the deceased to gather information about the person’s life, achievements and personal beliefs. Preparing a personalised funeral service that reflects the deceased person’s personality and life story. This is usually tailored to reflect the person who has died, and the wishes of the deceased and their family. Collaborating with the family to choose appropriate readings and music that are significant to the person who has died and their loved ones.
Almost half of funerals are now planned as a celebration of life (49% – Sunlife research). Perhaps in tune with a celebratory theme, 18% of those organising funerals encourage something unusual or different to be involved with the funeral. This includes bright-coloured clothing, light-hearted speeches and unusual music, for example. The most played funeral song during 2022 was “Abide With Me” – although when asked what song they would like to be played at their funeral, the most popular song was “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. Have you thought about what music you would like played at your funeral? It’s one of the easiest ways of adding a personal touch to your service. Let your loved ones know your choice of songs – and ask them about theirs. This is a more light-hearted way of starting a discussion about loved ones’ funeral wishes – or telling someone what you would like for your own funeral. It’s never too early to make plans, offering peace of mind to you and your loved ones. If you would like to discuss funeral arrangements and options, please talk to the friendly team at Austin’s family funeral directors.
Direct cremation is an increasingly popular funeral option, with demand more than quadrupling in the last four years. The number of burials has remained consistent throughout this period. However cremations, traditionally the most popular funeral choice, has become split between traditional and direct cremation options. A direct cremation is the simplest option available: one without any service or ceremony with no congregation and a very simple coffin. Demand has increased from just 2% in 2018 to 18% in 2022. (Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2023) See more info at https://austins.co.uk/.
Personal Anecdotes: Share personal stories or experiences that highlight the personality, values and interests of the deceased person. This can include funny or inspiring memories. Memorable Qualities: Talk about the special qualities that made the person unique. Reflect on their kindness, compassion, sense of humour, determination or any other virtues that stood out to others. Achievements and Contributions: Highlight the accomplishments and contributions the person made during their lifetime. These can include their professional achievements and personal milestones, for example, involving family, hobbies and career as relevant.
You can buy a plan for you or for someone else. The funeral plans offered below are designed to cover the funeral director’s own costs. As long as they carry out the funeral and the requirements don’t change, neither you nor your family will be asked to pay more for these costs, regardless of when the plan is needed or what happens to costs in the meantime. The plans below also include a contribution towards third party costs, which are based on today’s cost of a funeral. These costs, however, are not guaranteed.