Give thanks for your life with the people you love
A living funeral isn’t so different from a traditional service… aside from the fact that you will attend.
You might be wondering…what is a living funeral?
A living funeral isn’t so different from a traditional service…aside from the fact, you get to attend!
Living funerals are already common in South Korea and Japan and are becoming more popular in the UK. David Williamson, the Spiritual Care Lead at St Leonards Hospice in York, is even planning to introduce living funerals as a service to patients.
This short documentary was filmed by students from the University of Stirling as part of their final year project. It’s an insightful piece that delves into the often taboo subject of death and the concept of having a living funeral. This is a gathering where friends and family celebrate the life of a loved one who is nearing the end of their journey.
This unique ceremony allows for a shared moment of reflection, appreciation, and farewell, which is especially meaningful for those with terminal illnesses or in their twilight years. It’s a poignant way to show gratitude for the impact of a person’s life with them present, to give gifts and to have a final fling!
Here’s my story.
This is a celebration for anyone wondering: “Can I have my funeral before I die?
”Because why shouldn’t you be able to?
Typically, living funerals are for those who are still alive but are nearing the end of their life following a terminal diagnosis.
A living funeral is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate happy times with your friends and family in a meaningful way.
Plus, you get to hear all the lovely things people would normally be saying after your death!
If you think this could be the perfect way to say goodbye, we will work together to create a day that reflects your wishes – at any time or place you like.
You don’t have to call it a funeral…think about it as your final fling!
How many times have you attended a funeral and thought:
“I wish they could see what an amazing send-off they have had”
It might seem like a strange idea, but in many cases, it makes perfect sense to have a living funeral.
The beauty of a living funeral is that there are no rules. You can include anything you like!
You can hold a traditional formal funeral, with religious aspects such as hymns, prayer, and biblical readings. Or host a casual party that incorporates your eulogy.
You can also use this time to give gifts, leave letters and share treasured mementoes. Rituals are always popular – for example, planting a memorial tree.
Why Choose Legacy for your Living Funeral Service?
We have all avoided the topic of death for far too long. It’s time to get comfortable with it!
One of my main missions in life is to get people talking about and feeling more comfortable around death. A living funeral is one of the best ways to toast the life you’ve had while accepting what comes next – for both you and your family.
If you choose to work with me for your living funeral service, I promise that every detail will be of your choosing.
I will help you select the perfect venue and can incorporate any rituals you wish into the day – religious or otherwise.
Every word in your eulogy will come from the heart and run past you or your loved ones in advance of the ceremony to ensure no mistakes.
And if you want to learn more about planning your own funeral, Coffin Club Aberdeenshire would be delighted to welcome you! Read more on the Coffin Club