A funeral can be traditional, quiet, imaginative, religious, non-religious or entirely unexpected.
There isn't one way to mark a life. Here are stories of funerals we've arranged, alongside others from our wider community that have stayed with us.
These aren't examples to copy, or standards anyone has to live up to. Each funeral was shaped by the person who died and the people remembering them. Some are quiet and understated. Others are joyful, highly personal or shaped by a particular faith. What they share is attention to what mattered.
Three very different days, with choices made for very different reasons.
Michelle discussed her wishes with Clare before she died. On a snowy morning at Clandon Wood, a white willow coffin, handwritten messages and a horse-drawn journey through the meadow became part of her farewell.
Read Michelle's story→
Simon was 19 when he died. His funeral included sunflowers, his own haiku and a ribbon ritual inspired by a film he loved, giving everyone a way to take part and something to carry home.
Read Simon's story→Pink leopard print, feathers, flowers and a remarkable procession through London. Kath's funeral brought together the people and communities who loved her, with her personality unmistakably present.
See Kath's funeral photographs→
We've also shared funerals from friends, colleagues and others whose choices offer a different perspective.
Our friend Jon founded Death Cafe. His Buddhist funeral at the Jamyang Centre brought together meditation, tributes, tea and cake in a place deeply connected to his life.
Read Jon's story→After eight-year-old Heidi died, her parents gathered people in her grandmother's garden, with her favourite story, the family dogs and the apricot jam sandwiches she loved.
Read Heidi's story→
After Susie died, those closest to her walked through bluebells to a woodland grave. They stood together without speeches or readings, allowing silence to be part of the farewell.
Read Susie's story→These stories are here to show that there are possibilities beyond a standard format. You might want something very traditional or very simple. You might not know what you want yet. We can explain your options and help you work out what matters to you.