Burials

Traditional or Informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you prefer, and the level of religious content is entirely up to you, reflecting your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

At Staunton Funeral Service, we can organise the funeral and burial at your chosen cemetery or burial ground. If necessary, we can also assist with purchasing a grave on your behalf. Many burial grounds have chapels or rooms where services can be held, but you might also choose a church or another meaningful venue for the service.

If you have an existing family burial plot, we may be able to reopen it for the burial. For families wishing to be buried next to each other, we can help you coordinate with local authorities to purchase or reserve adjacent plots.

What Happens at a Burial?

On the day of the funeral, mourners may choose to gather outside the burial ground to await the arrival of the cortege, or they can take their seats in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be brought to the venue before the mourners arrive.

The funeral service typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes and can include hymns, non-religious songs, eulogies, and readings that hold meaning for you and your family.

After the service, if you choose to have one, the committal service will usually take place at the graveside, led by a minister, clergy, or a non-religious officiant. This can be personalised with readings, songs, and prayers according to your wishes.

Staunton Funeral Service is here to guide you through every aspect of the funeral and burial arrangements, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Natural Burial Grounds

An Alternative to Traditional Funerals

As an alternative to conventional burial or cremation, Staunton Funeral Service can help arrange a woodland or natural burial for your loved one. These serene and eco-friendly burial grounds offer a peaceful place for you to visit and reflect on your loved one’s life. Green and woodland funerals are becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to reduce the environmental impact of traditional funerals.

Woodland burials can still honour religious traditions, as many sites have dedicated areas for different faiths. Many families choose this option to make the funeral more eco-friendly by using biodegradable coffins or urns made from recycled paper, wicker, or willow.

What Happens at a Green Funeral?

Natural burials are often marked with a tree or flowers, blending into the woodland environment, rather than a traditional headstone. Some burial grounds also allow the addition of a memorial tree to mark your loved one’s resting place, offering a beautiful and sustainable way to remember them.

At the graveside, there is typically a short committal ceremony, if desired, and flowers can be placed—though without cellophane or ribbon. Some venues have dedicated rooms or chapels that can be used for services before or after the burial, tailored to reflect your wishes and those of the deceased.

If you are interested in arranging a woodland burial, your Funeral Arranger at Staunton Funeral Service can assist you in finding a natural burial ground near you.