In recent years, more and more people are seeking to break from tradition and opt for a colourful celebration of life funeral. We have found some wonderful locations for a Celebration of Life Service in Dorset.
What is a celebration of life? Although many people still prefer the sombre dignity of a traditional or religious funeral, a celebration of life is an alternative way of saying goodbye to a loved one. It can be instead of, or as well as, a traditional ceremony or service.
A celebration of life reflects on how someone will live on in the hearts and minds of others. For some who are close to the end of their lives, it can be a comfort to talk with loved ones about a ‘happy’ funeral and celebration of their life that will include wonderful memories and smiles.
Here are some suggestions for a very special Celebration of Life Service in Dorset.
Harbour View Lytchett Minster
Harbour View is a 70-acre woodland burial ground and crematorium with a vibrant eco-system of wildlife providing local people with a place of beauty to visit and spend time.
The buildings are now a range of spacious and contemporary facilities, with some refurbished from Victorian farm buildings and some new and designed to draw upon local design with materials to link back to our roots and the ancient practices that came before us.
Harbour View, part of Tapper Funeral Service, is a unique facility in the UK, that can provide everything that is required for funeral arrangements, including the funeral service itself and the after-care of post-funeral bereavement support.
Higher Ground Meadow Corscombe
Deep in the West Dorset countryside, Higher Ground Meadow offers an alternative to traditional cemeteries, giving families a memorable and uplifting funeral experience.
Burials can be in woodland or the traditional and butterfly rich hay meadow with panoramic views over the Dorset and Somerset countryside. A beautiful round barrow is being created to offer an amazing permanent resting place for cremated remains.
Dorset Cruises Poole Harbour
Living in Dorset, many people have an affiliation with the sea and what better way to remember the passing of a loved one than by cruising around the beautiful harbour and out to sea?
Dorset Cruises host Celebrations of Life on board the Dorset Queen and – with prior permission from the Harbour Master – ash or flower scatterings can be undertaken from the top deck.
For those personal touches, you can play your loved one’s favourite music through the sound system or arrange for a florist to decorate the boat in your chosen theme.
To arrange a Celebration of Life service in Dorset, you may wish to work with a local funeral director. Independent celebrants will also be able to work with your family to create a service to remember your loved one. See our guide to funeral planning and our section on dealing with death and grief for more information.
