funeral services Harpenden 2024: With 13 offices across Hertfordshire, we are extremely proud to be the highest rated funeral directors in Hertfordshire, as can be seen from over 1000 5* reviews we have received on Trustpilot. Whenever you need us we are here for you – in person, day and night, 365 days a year. From the minute you first contact us, our compassionate, caring staff will guide and support you every step of the way. Whatever your requirements, we can help you plan the perfect Hertfordshire funeral; from a traditional service to something perhaps a little more unusual. See additional details on funeral directors Hoddesdon.

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.

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.

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.

Impact on Others: Discuss how the person impacted the lives of those around them. Share how they inspired and influenced others, and how their presence made a difference in the lives of their family, friends, and community. You may also reflect on how the person influenced your life. Reflection and Inspiration: Share any inspirational messages, quotes, or life lessons that the person believed in and lived by. Closing: End the eulogy by expressing your final thoughts, feelings and how much the person will be missed. Some people choose to end a eulogy with a quote, a poem or a personal message.

Research amongst funeral directors shows that new trends are emerging regarding funeral planning. Some became popular due to necessity – such as the increased use of video links during the pandemic. Safety measures limited the number of people who could attend a funeral. Video links enabled people who couldn’t attend in person to view the service online. This trend has remained although the restriction on numbers has been lifted. See additional information at https://austins.co.uk/.