We help you create a meaningful funeral
We will give you as much information and time as you need to question, explore, think, plan – and change your mind. We accompany and gently advise through this process.
The themes covered below may be of use in exploring what is needed.
The Venue
The venue sets the mood for your ceremony.
We hold ceremonies at our beautiful Riverstone Hall, and at other venues, from the imposing surroundings of Dartington Hall to modest village halls, from riverboats on the Dart to local hotels.
For residents of the parishes, the beautiful local churches are especially appropriate for people who have been churchgoers, or closely involved in the community.
The crematoria in Torquay, Exeter and Plymouth can be convenient, but have time limitations. For this reason, we often hold a ceremony for a wider circle at other venues, followed by an intimate committal at the crematorium.
When there is to be a burial in a woodland or natural burial ground, a churchyard or a council cemetery, it can be very moving to hold the ceremony among the elements and to embrace the weather.
Music
Perhaps the easiest thing to imagine, when we think of our own funeral, is the music we’d like.
At certain points in the ceremony, well-chosen music allows time for memory and reflection, or perhaps a chance for everyone to sing.
- Talented friends and family members may wish to perform favourite pieces
- You may choose to have professional musicians
- We can arrange for recorded music to be cued at the appropriate moments
You may choose to have professional musicians: we can put you in contact with talented singers and instrumentalists.
Flowers
Flowers carry many symbolic meanings, yet perhaps the most meaningful are the private associations when family and friends gather from their own gardens colours and petals that meant the most.
Where that is not possible, we recommend Bearded Florista in Totnes, for their sensitive approach and open, generous arrangements.
Catering
Offering refreshment after a funeral is an ancient tradition, all the more necessary nowadays, when people often travel long distances to attend a funeral.
We work with several cooks and caterers in the area to ensure that your requirements can be met. Some venues provide their own choice of menus.
Transport & Bearers
We offer a choice of vehicles because a formal black hearse isn’t always appropriate. If bearing is needed, we believe it is one of the most meaningful assistances family and friends can offer, with our support and guidance. If this is not possible, we can bring a team of bearers.
- Some families choose to take their loved one in their own vehicle one last time
- There may be a wish for a particular type of transport, such as the VW campervan, Black Betty
- For bikers, adapted sidecars or trailers on a trike can be used.
- We can provide our own discreet but less formal vehicle.
Recording & Printing
- Friend or family can record on a phone
- Zoom
- Livestream in church or at the crematorium
- Professional photographer
- Ceremony sheet
- Keepsake photo
- Memory card
Urns
To take the ashes to a special place, or to be reunited with loved ones, can feel like a homecoming.
- Keep at home
- Burial
- Scattering
- Water burial
Keepsakes
It can be lovely to bring something home to keep and be a reminder of a loved one. It might be a favourite sweet that was always on hand or bulbs and seeds to grow in your own garden.
Or you may like to have a lock of hair or fingerprint transformed into a piece of personal jewellery.
- Lock of hair
- Fingerprint jewellery
- Photo
- Ashes in glass
