- Funerals are individual events, and there are many factors to be taken into account. It is important to discuss exact requirements of the funeral service in order to ensure that the funeral director can meet the needs of family/ relatives.
- There is no legal requirement to hold a religious funeral service.
- Other options include:
- asking a relative or friend to take the service if they feel able to do so.
- asking other members of the congregation to speak or read verses or poems.
- contacting the British Humanist Association as they have a network of officiants who will provide a personal non-religious ceremony.
- Given that we live in an ethically diverse society, facilities for particular religious communities do vary according to region. For example, in some areas, cemeteries have dedicated sections for Muslim burials.
- The decision on whether to have a cremation of a burial will depend on a number of factors including:
- the personal wishes of the deceased (e.g., some people prefer to have a funeral which is designed to be simple and environmentally friendly ["green funerals"]. For example, the use of a cardboard coffin rather than one which is made from wood bi-products.)
- the views of the executor.
- the wishes of family/ relatives.
- the costs involved.
- It should be noted that any stated wish by the deceased is not legally binding on the executors or the family/ relatives in deciding on the type of funeral.
- It should be noted that any case in which the Procurator Fiscal is involved, the decision of the Procurator Fiscal as to whether the deceased can be cremated over-rides any other. (However, in most cases, the Procurator Fiscal will allow cremation in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and of the family/ relatives.)
- If the family/relatives do not want a service of any kind, the funeral director can arrange for burial or cremation without any form of service.
- If for any reason, there is no body, a memorial service can be arranged instead of a funeral service.
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