Event Overview

Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you.

Our Bereavement Cafés are welcoming spaces where the topic of death is not a taboo, but an open and honest conversation. Here, you can say your loved one’s name, share your memories, and talk about your grief with others who truly understand.

For those not ready to share, Bereavement Cafés offer the opportunity to simply listen, to be in the presence of others navigating loss, and to find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

These gatherings are not about fixing grief or rushing healing – they’re about creating a safe, compassionate community where every experience of loss is respected, and every story matters. Whether you come to talk, listen, or just be, you are warmly welcomed.

All are welcome. Free coffee and cake!

Event Overview

Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you.

Our Bereavement Cafés are welcoming spaces where the topic of death is not a taboo, but an open and honest conversation. Here, you can say your loved one’s name, share your memories, and talk about your grief with others who truly understand.

For those not ready to share, Bereavement Cafés offer the opportunity to simply listen, to be in the presence of others navigating loss, and to find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

These gatherings are not about fixing grief or rushing healing – they’re about creating a safe, compassionate community where every experience of loss is respected, and every story matters. Whether you come to talk, listen, or just be, you are warmly welcomed.

All are welcome. Free coffee and cake!

Event Overview

Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you.

Our Bereavement Cafés are welcoming spaces where the topic of death is not a taboo, but an open and honest conversation. Here, you can say your loved one’s name, share your memories, and talk about your grief with others who truly understand.

For those not ready to share, Bereavement Cafés offer the opportunity to simply listen, to be in the presence of others navigating loss, and to find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

These gatherings are not about fixing grief or rushing healing – they’re about creating a safe, compassionate community where every experience of loss is respected, and every story matters. Whether you come to talk, listen, or just be, you are warmly welcomed.

All are welcome. Free coffee and cake!

As more and more people begin to talk more openly about death, funerals are starting to look different. Instead of the solemn ceremonies most of us are used to, living funerals are becoming a more popular trend. That’s because they give family and friends the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones before they die, while providing the person being celebrated the opportunity to reflect on their life surrounded by the people closest to them. 

If you’ve never heard of a living funeral before, you’re not alone. We’ve created this blog post to explain more about pre-funeral ceremonies and why you might consider having one. 

What is a living funeral? 

Living funerals – or pre-funeral ceremonies as they’re also known – are held for a living person who is aware of their impending death. They’re similar to traditional funerals; only the person being remembered is very much alive during the celebration.  

Why choose a living funeral? 

While a pre-funeral ceremony isn’t the right choice for everyone, they offer those who know they’re going to die the chance to have a final celebration with their friends and family. Some people choose to have a living funeral because it ensures their final wishes are met. In many cases, instead of loved ones being responsible for funeral arrangements, the person being remembered has complete control – right down to the music, theme and dress code. But there’s also the benefit of having friends and family around to help plan the ceremony if you need support. 

Having a funeral before the person dies takes the stress of paying for and arranging a funeral away from those left behind, giving them time and space to grieve for their loved one once they’re gone. Pre-funeral ceremonies can also provide friends and family with closure – particularly if their loved one has a terminal illness.  

Some people take comfort in sharing memories and celebrating their loved one’s life while they’re still alive and well enough to enjoy their final send-off.  

Why are living funerals so popular?  

The idea of a living funeral first started in Japan in the mid-90s. Known as seizenso – which literally translates to “funeral while alive” – living funerals were born out of the idea that the younger generations were being burdened by the stress of planning their elders’ funerals.  

But even though living funerals aren’t a new idea, they’ve recently been made more popular after comedian Dawn French reprised her popular role as The Vicar of Dibley to deliver a eulogy at her friend Kris Hallenga’s living funeral. According to an article in The Daily Express, Kris, who’s living with stage-four cancer, arranged her “FUNeral” so she could be “drunk on love and gratitude” while celebrating her life with her loved ones. 

What to consider when planning a living funeral 

Planning a living funeral is similar to planning a party and is slightly easier than traditional funeral planning because you don’t need to worry about the burial, coffin or cremation. One of the first things to consider is the location of your living funeral. Here are some ideas: 

There are also the finer elements of funeral planning to think about, such as: 

Now that you know more about a living funeral, you might have some idea about whether a pre-funeral ceremony is the right choice for you or not. But whether you choose to have a living funeral or not, there are many advantages to pre-planning your funeral.  

Not only does thinking ahead give you time to think about important decisions, but pre-planning means you can have the ceremony exactly as you want it. It can also relieve your loved ones from the burden of having to make difficult decisions once you’re gone. Find out more about the benefits in our guide to planning your funeral before you die.  

12.08.2024

GREENACRES REBRAND

GreenAcres Cemeteries and Ceremonial Parks are excited to announce that they are updating their brand to GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. For the last two decades GreenAcres have created beautiful, natural spaces in British woodlands and landscapes that help people come to terms with life after loss, these parks are quite literally memorial destinations that are alive.  Their Parks provide space to heal, remember, and connect with nature.

The new brand reflects their commitment to nurturing the natural environment to enable more people to live with loss more easily. While their look and feel may be refreshed, families and funeral professionals can be assured that their parks continue to offer the same prestigious services that many have come to know and trust.

The website has been redesigned with spectacular photography and videos to allow people to experience the tranquil spaces teeming with richly diverse flora and fauna before they visit: www.greenacresgroup.co.uk

Whilst you can take a virtual walk through their sunny glades, technology cannot replace actually visiting a GreenAcres Living Memorial Park to breathe in the sweet aroma of blossoms, and feel the gentle meadow breeze on your skin.

Managing Director Christopher Koller said: ‘Bereavement isn’t an easy battle to survive, and we want to reach more families across the UK. People’s personal journey with grief is so much more than the day of the funeral. Our parks are designed for the living to provide space to reflect and continue the memory of those who have died. Families tell us how much hope we have given them by providing them opportunity to create modern rituals and establish helpful habits of remembrance. Our aim is to help people live with loss more easily in our natural and comforting places, having designed our parks as destinations families want to visit.’ 

Supporting families through the journey of loss and participating in the local community are core values at GreenAcres. GreenAcres organise a variety of events throughout the year as well as hosting regular monthly Bereavement Cafés held in every Park for all families regardless of whether they have been customers. The GreenAcres Bereavement Cafés provide kind and supportive spaces where individuals can find understanding and connection with others who are living life after loss. For more information about the Bereavement Cafés and other events, please visit greenacresgroup.co.uk/support-resources/events/

At a time when the cost of living, land scarcity, changes to planning regulations, a need for greater regulation, are just some of the factors impacting families and the sector more widely,  GreenAcres rebrand is an output, not an outcome.  The rebrand re-confirms its commitment to helping the nation constructively evolve its approach to bereavement. This signals much to come from this organisation and how it supports families, facilitates conversations about death and dying with local organisations, authorities, and government.

–ENDS–

About GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenAcresCemeteries/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenacresgroup/

It may seem strange to be thinking about your own death and what happens afterwards. But planning how – and where – you’d like to be remembered is part of your legacy. End-of-life planning involves several key components. To help you organise the perfect send-off, we’ve created this simple step-by-step guide on what to consider when pre-planning your funeral and why it’s a beneficial process.

1/ Ease the financial burden on your family

Planning your funeral in advance not only alleviates the emotional and financial burden on your family but can also lead to significant cost savings. No insurance policy covers everything, and with inflation rising each year, paying for your service and plot in advance will save money in the long run. Of course, it also means your family will be free from any financial burden, as well as the emotional cost of having to make important decisions when the time comes.

Pre-purchased plots can now be supported by a 10-month, interest-free instalment plan, available through Direct Debit or a Funeral Safe loan via GreenAcres. For further information, please speak to a member of the team at your local Park.

2/ Get the funeral you want

Everyone deserves to have their wishes honoured when the time comes. By making arrangements early, you’ll ensure that you’re remembered in the way you want and gain peace of mind. Pre-planning also allows you to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, ensuring that you receive the send-off you deserve,  

3/ Ensure you have an up-to-date will

Having an up-to-date will written by a solicitor is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and followed. A valid will also alleviates the burden of difficult decisions and legal complications from your family.

If you don’t have a will or need to update yours, Free Wills Month provides an opportunity for anyone aged 55 and over to have a simple will written or updated free of charge at designated times of the year by participating solicitors across England, Scotland, and Wales.   

To get involved, simply click here and enter your details on the Free Wills Month website to find participating solicitors near you.

4/ Appoint an individual with durable power of attorney

A durable power of attorney is a crucial legal document that authorises another person to make decisions regarding your finances, health and welfare if you become incapacitated. By appointing a trusted friend or loved one, you can avoid the need for costly and stressful court proceedings should you be unable to make decisions for yourself. This is particularly important if you are dealing with a long-term or terminal illness.

5/ Specify preferences for your funeral, burial, or cremation

Regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, deciding between burial or cremation is a significant choice. You may opt for a simple cremation with your ashes scattered in a place special to you, or you may prefer a traditional burial as a more fitting tribute. Taking the time to make this decision early helps take the stress away from your loved ones during a difficult time.

6/ Select your final resting place or memorial

Choosing your final resting place or memorial in advance can provide you and your family with a sense of peace before you pass. You have a range of options, from tranquil, sustainably managed woodlands and beautiful wildflower meadows to meticulously maintained parkland. 

Alternatively, you might prefer a simple oak or granite plaque with an inscription to mark your grave. In GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, you can place a memorial bench, rose bush, or leaf vault, each with an engraved plaque.

All our prices for each memorial option are the same across our Parks. Speak to a member of our friendly team to explore your options and find the right memorial option for you.

7/ Consider the environmental impact of your funeral

If you’re considering a sustainable funeral to minimise your environmental impact, there are several options available:

At GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, we’ve made these choices easier for you by implementing a range of eco-friendly and conservation policies to protect the landscape. Speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team to find out more.

8/ Explore themes, music and colours that you may wish your life to be celebrated 

A funeral or memorial service is a special opportunity to celebrate your life. While traditional etiquette suggests wearing black, you might prefer having your loved ones dress in vibrant colours to say their goodbyes. You can also personalise the service with a customised coffin, your favourite music, or theme that reflects your hobbies, interests, or culture. 

Discuss your wishes with your loved ones, as they can help you plan the perfect send-off and offer ideas you may not have considered. In fact, many families tell us that the conversation they’d been dreading turned into laughter and smiles.

We’re here to help

If you need advice on funeral planning or want a friendly ear to talk through your options, we’re here to help. Click here for more information. You can: