Excellent funeral directors Harpenden UK: The Austin Family has served the community, as funeral directors, for over three centuries. Our commitment to bereaved families has established Austin’s as Hertfordshire’s leading, family-owned and operated, funeral director. Those working within our family business are proud to provide a standard of professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge, recognised by both members of the public, professionals and other funeral directors. Read even more info on funeral directors hoddesdon.

Scattering Ashes – This is an increasingly popular option and usually involves a few words spoken as a send off or final goodbye for your loved one. Relatives usually choose a place that was meaningful to their loved one. Alternatively, you can choose somewhere picturesque or peaceful. In the UK, ashes can be scattered anywhere with the landowner’s permission. Creative Options – There are several creative ways in which you can use your loved one’s ashes. Increasingly, people have jewellery made using ashes. Another art-orientated choice is to use the ashes within a painting, sculpture or glass artwork. For music lovers, ashes can be used to make a vinyl record. Some people choose to grow a tree using the ashes. It’s important that this is done using a tree pod. (Cremated ashes can harm plant life if interred on their own due to the acidity involved in the embalming process, but tree pod burials prevent this from happening.)

Austin’s Funeral Directors is one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in Hertfordshire. (We’ve been helping Hertfordshire people for over 320 years.) Each year, the directors choose a local charity to support. As a family business working closely with members of the community, we carefully select charities helping local people. During 2024, Austin’s chosen charity is Feed Up Warm Up, a homeless charity based in north Herts. Feed Up Warm Up offers food and friendship to homeless people in our community who need support. However, it is not a traditional food bank or homeless shelter. Instead, Feed Up Warm Up provides a safe, welcoming space, one evening a week, where guests can pop by to enjoy a hot meal and a chat, hear some live music and find practical and emotional help.

Funeral celebrants often work closely with funeral directors, family members, and other relevant people. This ensures the funeral or memorial service is a fitting tribute to the life of the deceased. They aim to create a meaningful and uplifting experience that helps the bereaved celebrate the life of their loved one and find closure during a difficult and emotional time. How to choose a funeral celebrant – Choose a funeral celebrant who you feel can help you make the funeral process as calm and meaningful as possible. Providing guidance and support to the family throughout the funeral planning process.

Impact on Others: Discuss how the person impacted the lives of those around them. Share how they inspired and influenced others, and how their presence made a difference in the lives of their family, friends, and community. You may also reflect on how the person influenced your life. Reflection and Inspiration: Share any inspirational messages, quotes, or life lessons that the person believed in and lived by. Closing: End the eulogy by expressing your final thoughts, feelings and how much the person will be missed. Some people choose to end a eulogy with a quote, a poem or a personal message.

Direct cremation is an increasingly popular funeral option, with demand more than quadrupling in the last four years. The number of burials has remained consistent throughout this period. However cremations, traditionally the most popular funeral choice, has become split between traditional and direct cremation options. A direct cremation is the simplest option available: one without any service or ceremony with no congregation and a very simple coffin. Demand has increased from just 2% in 2018 to 18% in 2022. (Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2023) Find more details on https://austins.co.uk/.