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: 

• A hotel or restaurant 

• Your own or a loved one’s home 

• Your favourite pub 

• A marquee in a garden 

• The local community centre 

• A public outdoor space, like a park or beach 

• A place of worship, like a church or synagogue  

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

• Parking 

• Food and drink 

• Seating 

• Lighting 

• Music 

• Dress code 

• Memory book 

• Photos 

• How long the ceremony will run for 

• Venue capacity 

• Who’s invited 

• Invitations 

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

• GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks offer a contemporary choice for people’s funerals, burials, cremation, and memorial services across many faiths, supporting diverse communities across 260 acres of carefully managed woodlands, meadowland and grounds. They are committed to nurturing the natural environment to enable more people to live with loss more easily.
• GreenAcres have created six beautiful, natural spaces in British woodlands and landscapes situated in Bucks (Chiltern Park), Norfolk (Colney Park), Essex (Epping Park), Hampshire (Heatherley Park), southeast London (Kemnal Park) and Merseyside (Rainford Park). The Group has plans to create new parks, all designed by its sister company Cemetery Development Services (CDS), according to green design philosophy that minimises impact on the environment.
• The GreenAcres Group is a private company and allocates a portion of its revenue to an Independent Trust Fund to ensure the longevity of all its parks for generations to come.
• GreenAcres is a member of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA), and as such is independently assessed by national organisations that monitor the industry standards.

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:

• Opt for natural coffin materials, such as as the mushroom Loop Living Cocoon™ coffin, bamboo, cardboard, willow or banana leaf
• Choose not to use a coffin at all, instead select a shroud
• Select a woodland burial
• Using a biodegradable urn for your ashes
• Encourage mourners to plant a tree as a tribute instead of offering flowers
• Request that mourner’s car share or use public transport to attend your funeral

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:

• Download a brochure
• Book a visit to a Park
• Request a telephone call back
• Email us for more information

Whether it’s expected or not, nothing can truly prepare you for the death of a loved one. Organising a funeral is one of the hardest things you’ll have to face. With so much to do and think about, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To help you during this difficult time, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide on what to do when a loved one dies and where to go for more help and advice. 

1/ Notify friends and family 

One of the first tasks you’ll need to handle after a death is informing the loved ones of the deceased. It’s important to notify close family and friends as soon as possible. You may choose to inform less immediate contacts once funeral arrangements are in place. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from those closest to you if you need additional support in sharing the news during this difficult time.  

2/ Register the death 

When a loved one dies, their death needs to be registered with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths in the district where the death occurred. Only certain individuals are legally qualified to register a death, and it must be done within five days in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, and within eight days in Scotland. 

Who can register the death? 

• A relative of the deceased
• The person arranging the funeral
• A person present at the death 

What the Registrar will ask you about the deceased: 

• The person’s full name at the time of death
• Any names previously used (e.g., maiden name)
• The person’s date and place of birth
• Their last address
• Their occupation
• The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits 

What to take with you: 

• Medical Cause of Death Certificate
• Birth, Marriage, or Civil Partnership Certificates 

If you need support with notifying companies of a death or don’t know where to start, you may find the Life Ledger and Tell Us Once services useful. These free services allow you to notify most government organisations and businesses connected to the deceased in one go. Visit Life Ledger or Tell Us Once for more information and assistance.  

3/ Start planning the funeral 

You don’t need the death certificate to begin thinking about and planning the final goodbye. Take your time and don’t feel pressured into making decisions right away. It’s important to remember that the funeral doesn’t have to happen immediately; it can wait several weeks if you’d prefer. While your decision may be influenced by personal beliefs, there’s no legal requirement to rush this process. 

Before planning the funeral, it’s always a good idea to consider what funds are available and how much the funeral will cost. Determine how the funeral will be paid for:

• The deceased may have a funeral plan in place, which could cover some or all of the costs
• If no plan exists, funeral expense can typically be deducted from the deceased’s estate 

If you receive certain benefits and need help covering funeral costs, you might be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment). This payment can cover

• Burial fees
• Cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor’s certificate
• Travel expenses to arrange or attend the funeral
• The cost of moving the body within the UK (if over 50 miles)
• Death certificates or other necessary documents 

In addition, you may also receive up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers, or the coffin. For more information and to find out if you qualify, click here.  

4/ Burial or cremation? 

Deciding between a burial or cremation is a deeply personal preference, often guided by the deceased’s wishes if they were expressed before their passing. If your loved one didn’t specify their preference, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of both options to ensure you honour them in the way they would have wanted. 

Burial

• Some families prefer a more traditional burial, particularly if they have strong religious or cultural beliefs that support this option
• Before making a decision, check with the family lawyer to see if there’s a lair certificate or deeds for a pre-paid burial plot, which might influence your choice

Cremation

• Cremation is often chosen for the flexibility it offers in memorialising a loved one. Ashes can be kept, scattered in a meaningful location, or divided among family members
• If you decide on cremation, a medical practitioner or GP will need to issue the necessary cremation paperwork. This paperwork will be forwarded to your chosen Funeral Director, and a fee will be charged for this service

The medical practitioner or GP will also provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which is forwarded on to the registrar, allowing the family to officially register the death.

All legally required paperwork must be submitted to the crematorium at least 24 hours before the funeral service can take place.

5/ Choose a Funeral Director 

You have the option to either organise the funeral yourself or use a Funeral Director to assist with the arrangements. At GreenAcres, we can collaborate with any Funeral Director to help plan the service according to your wishes. 

Tips for choosing a Funeral Director: 

• Take your time, there’s no need to rush this decision. Take the time you need to find the right Funeral Director who meets your needs
  
• Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also look at impartial reviews on Google and Facebook to gauge whether they’re the right Funeral Director for you
  
• Check what’s included in the price and compare quotes to find one that suits your budget
  
• Ensure you understand what’s included in the price and compare quotes to find a service that suits your budget
  
• Choose a Funeral Director that easy to travel to, or consider one that offers home visits to make the process more convenient for you
  
• Talk about payment options, such as the possibility of spreading the cost over a longer period, to ensure the service fits within your financial means
  
• Ask if the Funeral Director has any formal qualifications or training, such as from the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), to ensure they meet professional standards

Ultimately, the choice of Funeral Director is entirely yours. By following these steps, you can feel confident that your plans and ideas will be respected and implemented. 

6/ Write a eulogy 

Writing a eulogy is a meaningful wat to honour and say goodbye to your loved one. While there are no rules about what you can and cannot say, crafting a funeral speech can feel overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time. To help make the process less daunting, consider incorporating the following ideas into your eulogy: 

• Decide on the tone
  
• Ask family and friends for their memories. These can provide inspiration and add a personal touch to your speech
  
• Consider what key points you want to include, such as the person’s character, significant life events, or favourite stories
  
• Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the deceased
  
• Thank people for attending 
  
• Share memories of the deceased
  
• Close the eulogy with words of comfort and reflection 
  
• Keep your speech short and sweet 

For more detailed tips and advice on giving a eulogy, visit our blog. 

7/ Make arrangements for the day 

Whether you’ve decided on a burial or cremation, organising the structure of the day will help you plan the service. It’s a good idea to seek contributions from family, friends and loved ones for memories, highlights, favourite songs, or music to make the service personal and meaningful. Think about the following things:  

• Pick a venue and date that is convenient for family and friends
  
• Typically, a hearse will transport the deceased, with close friends and family following behind in limousines or other vehicles. Ensure that transportation arrangements are made well in advance
  
• Put together an order of service, which is often a printed booklet distributed to mourners when they arrive. This document outlines the sequence of events and any special instructions such as details of the wake
  
• Choose music and readings that reflect the deceased’s personality and preferences. Consider offering family and friends the opportunity to say a few words if they wish 
  
• Make arrangements for the wake. This can be hosted at your home, a local venue, or a place with catering options  

Before the day, specify any special requests, such as

• Whether mourners should wear brightly coloured clothing instead of traditional black
• Instructions for making donations to a charity in lieu of sending flowers   

8/ Decide on your memorial options 

There are several options to choose from to create a fitting and personal tribute to the person you love. Here are some options for you to consider:

• Relive happy times and create a long-lasting tribute with an entry in our Book of Remembrance
  
• Chooser a ‘greener’ option like planting a Living Memorial Tree to commemorate your loved one. Alternatively, you can opt for a biodegradable urn, which, along with the surrounding soil, nurtures a tree or wildflowers with the ashes
  
• For those who prefer a more traditional approach, consider marking the grave with a simple oak plaque or small granite plaque. You can choose an engraved inscription that reflects your loved one’s legacy
  
• In some burial parklands, you can place a memorial bench, rose bush, leaf vault, or other memorial, along with an engraved plaque

All memorial options are priced the same across our GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. To explore these options and find the right memorial for you, please speak with a member of our friendly team.

We’re here to help 

If you need advice about funeral planning or just want a friendly ear to talk through your options, we’re here for you. Click here for more information and to access the following services: 

• Download a brochure
• Book a visit to a Park 
• Request a telephone call back 
• Email us for more information 

Bereavement support 

Grief is personal and each person’s journey is unique. We are committed to supporting you during this difficult time and offer various resources to help you navigate your bereavement. When you lose someone you love, meeting others who can relate to how you feel can help.

Our Bereavement Cafés are held within the beautiful landscapes of our Parks where you can feel the uplifting and healing power of nature around you. We promise you a warm welcome from our experienced and compassionate team.

Please feel free to drop-in, all are welcome, or you can register here.

Here are some other resources too: 

The Good Grief Trust – provide practical support and connects you to over 800 bereavement organisations under one umbrella

CRUSE Bereavement Care – offers nationwide bereavement counselling, advice and information  

The Compassionate Friends – supports bereaved parents and their families after the death of a child   

Grief Chat – a free service that allows you to talk instantly with a qualified and professional bereavement counsellor, available Monday to Friday 09:00 – 21:00 (GMT)

The Samaritans – available 24hrs a day, 365 a year. Call 116 123 for confidential support

Child Bereavement UK – for anyone affected by the death of a child

Sands – The stillbirth and neonatal death charity support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support

Caring for a wooden memorial is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. Our wooden memorials, crafted from high-quality English oak, are coated with either Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil to protect and enhance the wood’s appearance.

However, exposure to the elements over time will naturally lead to wear and tear. Factors such as sun damage, rain, ground moisture, poor drainage, and varying weather conditions can all impact the condition of the wood. Regular maintenance and care are necessary to ensure these memorials continue to honour loved ones for years to come.

To keep your memorial looking good for as long as possible, you will need to give it a coat of Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil every 3-6 months.

Regular maintenance will help ensure that your memorial remains in good condition for years to come.

 Here are some tips to help you take care of your memorial

1. Remove the memorial and store in a dry place before applying oil
   
2. Using a soft brush or cloth gently scrub the surface to remove dirt, dust and grime. If it doesn’t improve with gentle scrubbing, you might need a fine grade sandpaper or ultra fine steel wool (0000 grade). Remember to wipe away any sanding dust with a clean cloth
   
3. Before applying the oil, you will need to ‘key’ the surface with a fine grit sandpaper. Go in the direction of the grain
   
4. Small splits and cracks may appear in the timber surface or side edges. These can be filled with wood coloured wax. We recommend Liberon Wax Filler Stick, colour light walnut for the best match. Simply rub the wax into any crack until the area is filled, then wipe off excess wax with a rag, then sand the surface going in the direction of the grain. We advise you do this before applying the oil
   
5. When the surface is clean, dry and dust-free apply a generous coat of oil with a clean brush. We advise you to apply an even coat of Fiddes Exterior High Build Wood Oil or Osmo UV Protection Oil designed for outdoor use to shield the post from moisture and UV rays. Make sure you catch any runs from the lettering or side edges when applying
   
6. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for five to ten minutes
   
7. Before applying further coats allow to dry for a minimum of five hours. We recommend a minimum of two to three coats at each oiling
   
8. For best results gently rub with wool wire or 240 grit minimum sandpaper between coats. It is important to ensure that sufficient coats of oil are applied to give maximum protection
   
9. We advise you to conduct regular inspections for any signs of damage or wear, check for splinters, cracks or loose components
   
   

Terms & Conditions

Our wooden memorials are backed with a 12-month manufacturers guarantee from the date of installation. If your memorial develops any issue within this period, the manufacturer will replace it free of charge, except under the following circumstances:

• The memorial has not been maintained as specified in the care instructions
• The recommended oil has not been used on the memorial

Reporting issues

For any issues, please contact your GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks. You will need to provide at least two large, high-quality photos clearly showing the problem. Once we receive the photos, the manufacturer will assess the best course of action to resolve the issue.

Replacement process

If the manufacturer determines that a replacement is necessary, a new order will need to be processed. In this case, please contact the GreenAcres team for further assistance.

Please note, GreenAcres is not responsible for natural wear and tear of the memorial.