Can we have a funeral in a field?
Wells Funeral Services
This is a question that you don’t get asked every day, but the answer was whole heartedly yes!
When it comes to funeral planning the priority is to deliver what a family want, not what tradition states.
Gone are the days when the choices are church or crematorium, but sadly, these are the only options given to the majority grieving families, and they have no idea that other options and possibilities are available to them. The approach should always be “What would you like to happen?”, not “This is what will happen”.
The family of D wanted something to match his personality and character. A quirky, unconventional man, always looking for a new adventure and who loved the outdoors and nature.
Religion never played a part in his life, he requested there was none included at his funeral. Not a problem, this is becoming a more regular request. Can we have the ceremony in a field, with the coffin there? Of course you can, let’s discuss what you would like and how we can make it work for you.
This is the response you should hear from any funeral director worth their salt. The arrangements were made, the field was chosen, and the family started in their quest to turn the field, in the middle of nowhere on the Somerset Levels, into a festival type place.
What a job they did too, a huge stretch tent was erected, adorned with bunting, garlands and fairly lights. The sound system was set up with a mic for the ceremony and D’s play list blasting through the speakers.
After weeks of hot, dry weather the rain came. It started the day before the funeral and the day of the funeral was very, very wet. The hearse rolled cautiously into the field avoiding the slippery mud track followed by the limo. Family and friends, with guidance from bearers, carried his willow coffin into the tent.
The Celebrant-led ceremony had structure, as the family requested, and the focus was D, his life and achievements and tributes were made from family and friends, each one sharing a different perspective on his life. There was music played and a slideshow of images of his life through the years.
The ceremony ended and it was time to head to the crematorium for a private family committal. Hearse, limo and back up vehicle left the muddy field without incident and D was bid a final farewell.
His family later returned to the field where they continued the celebration of his life with extended family and friends.
D’s family were happy their wishes had been carried out and they had been able to give him the send-off he wanted.
A funeral should be as individual as the person themselves. If you would like something different or just some guidance in giving your loved one the funeral they deserve please get in touch, we’re always happy to help.
