treasuredmoments

8 touching memorial gift ideas

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:10:30 GMT

Are you unsure what to buy as a memorial gift? Explore 8 touching gift ideas, including photos and jewellery.

When a person dies, people often want to buy a gift to show their sympathy. This could be a gift to the family of the person who died or to a place connected to them.

Like many things connected with death, however, it's not always easy to make a decision. People often worry they're going to get it wrong. They might worry that a gift is too obvious, too unusual, too cheap, too expensive, and so on.

At Treasured Moments, we believe there's no right or wrong way to express sympathy. But we also know that people often look for advice at a difficult time. That's why we've put together this list of eight touching memorial gift ideas. We hope it helps.

1. Photos

Do you have a photo or collection of photos of the person who has died? This could be a touching gift for the family or a place connected to the person. You could gift a photograph to a club they were part of, for instance, or the place they received end-of-life care.

There are many ways to present photos. You could have them framed. You could put them in a photo album. You could have them printed on a mug or other object. You could make a slideshow on your phone or computer.

All these options are readily available from high street shops and online stores. It can be a simple but touching way to express sympathy.

2. Gifts for a care home or hospice

If the person died in a care home, hospice or other end-of-life care centre, you might want to give a to the staff. This can help keep their memory alive among staff and other residents. It could also be a gift that makes the place they died a more comfortable place to be.

You could get something that specifically memorialises the person who died, such as a memorial bench or a water feature. If there's a garden, you could buy a garden feature like a tree, a potted plant or some wind chimes.

3. Jewellery

There are many options for memorial jewellery. We explored six of them in our memorial jewellery gift guide .

A piece of jewellery – be it a bracelet, necklace, pair of cufflinks or dog tag – can be engraved with the name of the person who died. It can also have a compartment for ashes, hair or soil.

If you're unsure what kind of jewellery to buy, you could explore a site like Etsy, go to a craft market or visit a jeweller's shop.

Buying memorial jewellery for the family of the person who died can be tricky. It involves buying something that "fits" both the person who died and the person who will wear it. For this reason, it can be a good idea to get the person who will receive the gift to be involved in the process.

4. Candles

Candles are more than just a nice object to receive. Because of their religious associations, they can be lit as a way of remembering the person who died.

There's a huge array of candles on the market. You might want to find out if the person who died had a favourite scent or if they had a personal connection to a particular scent.

You can also make candles using candle-making kits. This can add a layer of thoughtfulness to your gift.

5. Trees and potted plants

Flowers are a common gift at funerals. But if you want to buy a memorial gift that lasts, trees and potted plants can be a better option.

Unlike flowers, a tree or potted plant can be a lasting reminder of the person they died. The person receiving the gift may take comfort in watching something grow as they remember their loved one.

Some garden centres sell particular memorial trees and shrubs. If you're unsure what to get, these can help you decide. You could also buy a tree or potted plant with a personal connection to the person who has died.

6. Charitable donation

You don't have to give a gift to the person's loved one or the place where they spent the end of their life. You could also give money to a charity, either as a one-off donation or something more regular.

This could be a charity that supports the illness the person died from. It could also be a charity that mattered to the person who died or that they supported in their lifetime.

7. Funeral gifts

So far, we've looked at gifts for after the funeral. But what about the funeral itself?

The first thing to remember is that the funeral will usually be organised by the family and the funeral director. They will often have a clear idea of what kinds of gifts they do and don't want. For instance, some families ask attendees not to bring flowers.

Once you've checked what's expected and appropriate, you could consider buying a condolence guest book or a sympathy gift basket. These are gifts that will last long after the funeral is over.

8. Memorial webpage

At Treasured Moments, we specialise in memorial web pages that celebrate the life of the person who died. They can include photos, videos, written memories and more.

Each page is bespoke and is built to last. This makes a Treasured Moments memorial page a touching memorial gift for the family of the person who died.

Do you need to send a gift?

It's worth remembering that you don't have to send a gift if you don't want to. If you don't know what to get, you could show your sympathy through a card, e-card or other kind of message. You could also meet up with the person who is grieving and offer help and support.

A Treasured Moments memorial web page is a unique and lasting way to show your support to someone coping with grief. Why not look at our memorial website examples to see what we can do?

8 UK grief charities that can help you cope with loss

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 19 May 2025 08:34:26 GMT

Are you finding it hard to cope after a loss? Discover 8 UK grief charities that might be able to help.

Losing a loved one is never easy. Some people seek support from friends, family, colleagues, or members of a faith group or other community. But sometimes, people want to speak to an impartial professional – someone who will listen and offer support without forming a close connection.

This is where grief charities can help. They are staffed by professionals who are trained to listen and not judge. When emotions are running high, this can be a huge help, especially if you're worried about burdening people who are close to you or you just need someone to talk to.

Here, then, are eight UK grief charities that can help you cope with loss.

1. Mind

Mind describes itself as "the mental health charity for all". It does a lot of work addressing the stigmas around mental health and offers support to people experiencing mental health issues.

Its website includes articles on bereavement along with signposts to other services. It also has a support line (0300 102 1234) and an infoline (0300 123 3393). Both are open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

2. The Good Grief Trust

The Good Grief Trust is "run by the bereaved, for the bereaved". It offers articles and video content from people who have experienced grief first-hand.

Its website features a map of local and national bereavement support groups for those who need immediate support. You can also get in touch with the Good Grief Trust itself by email .

3. Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse Bereavement Support offers lots of free resources on its website . These include articles on issues relating to loss, "grief booklets" and information for people who don't speak English.

The charity has more than 80 local branches across the UK. It also runs a free helpline staffed by trained bereavement volunteers. Find out more about this service , including opening times.

4. National Bereavement Service

The National Bereavement Service (NBS) offers free bereavement support . It also offers practical support with the tasks you need to complete after someone close to you dies.

In addition, the charity offers what it calls "emotional support and bereavement care… available to those who need extra comfort during this challenging time".

You can contact the NBS team by phone or web form .

5. Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder is a palliative and bereavement support charity. Among other things, it provides online bereavement support .

This includes articles on bereavement, self-help tools and an online bereavement community where people can share their experiences.

The charity also provides short-term online video counselling for people finding it hard to cope. Like all of Sue Ryder's online bereavement resources, this service is free.

6. AtaLoss

AtaLoss describes its mission as "changing the culture of bereavement so that every bereaved person can have timely and holistic support, to navigate their grief and changed circumstances for healthy outcomes".

To this end, the charity provides a database of bereavement services in the UK as well as a free online bereavement counsellor chat service. This is open from 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday.

7. Marie Curie

For 75 years, Marie Curie has been offering end-of-life care and support for anyone likely to die from their illness.

It also offers bereavement support over the phone. You can get up to six free sessions with one volunteer lasting up to 45 minutes each. Read the FAQ and book a call.

8. Winston's Wish

Based in Gloucester, Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps under-25s who have suffered a bereavement. It also helps parents, school staff, healthcare professionals and other adults who care for bereaved children.

Freephone 08088 020 021 puts you in touch with a bereavement support worker between 8 am and 8 pm on weekdays. The charity also offers email support, live chat and text message support.

Finding local grief support groups

If you would like to join a local grief support group, you could look on websites such as Meetup and Eventbrite. You could also ask in your local community centre or library or at your place of worship.

How the NHS England website can help

The NHS England website has a page dedicated to grief after bereavement and loss . It covers symptoms, things you can try to help yourself, and information about where to get NHS help, including talking therapies. It also includes information about prolonged grief disorder.

What to do if you need to talk to someone now

If you're grieving and need to talk to someone immediately, you can call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 .

The Samaritans is a registered charity that you can phone free of charge if you're struggling to cope. Your call will be taken by a trained volunteer who will listen without judgment.

You can also communicate with the Samaritans via email and letter . But if you feel you need a non-judgmental listening ear right now, a phone call is the best way to go.

In an emergency, call 999

If you think you might hurt yourself or someone else, you should call 999 immediately .

No matter who you are or where you are, coping with loss is never easy. Often, we want to speak to someone patient and understanding – but someone, crucially, who we don't know personally.

Many grief charities in the UK provide free counselling services as well as information online to help you cope with loss. We hope one of the charities we've discussed helps you in your grief journey.

What are living funerals?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:29:29 GMT

More and more people are choosing to hold living funerals for themselves. Find out more in our guide.

Living funerals come under many names. They can be called "pre-funerals", "living wakes", "celebrations of life", "farewell parties" and more. Whatever they're called, they serve the same function: to gather together loved ones to celebrate your life while you're still alive.

This is often requested by someone nearing the end of their life, whether through a terminal illness or old age. Some see living funerals as a way to break with tradition and celebrate a person's life and relationships. Some also point to potential cost savings at a time when funerals are expensive.

Others are uncomfortable with the idea. For these people, it might feel like a step too far from cultural traditions – or simply the wrong way to deal with death and dying.

Whichever way you look at it, there's no right or wrong way to do it. It's up to you, your family, and what feels right according to your culture and faith.

Where did living funerals start?

In the 1990s, living funerals began to be held in Japan. Known as seizenso , their origins have been ascribed to different factors.

Some point to the rising cost of funerals in Japanese society at the time. Others point to the "idea that it would take the pressure off family members or friends organising a funeral after someone had died".

Whatever the cause, living funerals have slowly but surely spread ever since. In 2019, some 25,000 people took part in living funerals.

What happens at a living funeral?

Part of the appeal of living funerals for some is that they're more open-ended than traditional funerals. There are no rules to be broken. This leads some people to turn to living funerals as a way of celebrating what makes them unique.

This is linked to the fact that many living funerals have a celebratory, uplifting tone – although this can be the case for more traditional events, too.

Georgia Martin, who founded a living funeral service called A Beautiful Goodbye, puts it like this: "People think it will be morbid… They picture a funeral in a church with a coffin and everyone wearing black.

"With a living funeral, however," she goes on, "nothing is set in stone. You can do whatever you want."

It's perhaps this freedom that's at the heart of the increasing popularity of living funerals in Japan and beyond.

Why do people have living funerals?

Like all kinds of funerals and memorials, different people have different motives for choosing a living funeral.

Often, however, they're held by people who expect to die soon. A living funeral is a way for them to spend time with the important people in their lives while they have the time and energy.

It can give them an opportunity to express their feelings, celebrate their life and relationships and make sure they say goodbye to everyone they want to. It can also be a way of collectively processing a loved one's illness and death.

For other people, a living funeral is a way to make sure they have the funeral they want. This could come from a concern that people won't be invited or that the ceremony won't adequately reflect their beliefs or lifestyle.

Finally, there's the fact that many people choose to have a direct cremation (a funeral without a service). A living funeral can be a way of having a non-traditional celebration and a cost-effective, no-frills cremation.

The case of Kristin Hallenga

You don't have to be famous to have a living funeral. There have, however, been living funerals that made the news.

Kristin Hallenga was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of just 23. She founded the charity CoppaFeel!, which raises awareness about breast cancer among young people.

Before she died, she threw a living funeral that she called a "FUNeral". The star-studded event split opinion, with some loving the spectacle and others criticising it.

Coffin-shaped invitations contained a test tube of tequila. Guests signed a cardboard coffin. Meanwhile, comedian Dawn French delivered the eulogy in character as the Vicar of Dibley. Kris wore a glittery jumpsuit.

Do living funerals have to be religious?

No. Living funerals can be held by people of any faith or no faith.

That said, some faith communities may have different views about the appropriateness of living funerals. This was the case, for instance, when living funerals first began to be held in Japan.

If you're unsure how your community would feel about a living funeral, it could be worth speaking to a faith leader or spiritual counsellor.

What are some alternatives to living funerals?

When it comes to funerals and memorials, living funerals are, of course, the exception rather than the rule. There are, however, other ways that people with serious illnesses celebrate and commemorate their lives before they die.

Some people embark on legacy projects. At its most basic, this involves recording memories of a person's life. Others ask friends and family for living tributes. These could be photos, videos or other mementoes of things that remind them of the person receiving the tribute.

Then there are memorial websites. This is what we offer at Treasured Moments.

About Treasured Moments

At Treasured Moments, we create beautiful, bespoke online memorial websites that celebrate a person's life. These can include pictures, videos and testimonials and can be visited again and again from anywhere in the world.

We also provide professional tribute videos that celebrate and commemorate people's life stories. Our team of writers and videographers will work with you closely to tell your story – or the story of a person close to you – in a way that feels right.

A page on Treasured Moments can also serve as an invitation to a funeral, living funeral or other memorial service. Each page has a unique URL and QR code, meaning it can be shared and accessed with ease.

To find out more about our services, take a look at our tribute page examples or get in touch with our friendly team .

What to do if a person dies without a will

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:39:28 GMT

When someone dies without a will, the rules of intestacy apply. Find out what this means in our guide.

Dying without a will – known also as "dying intestate" – is quite common in the UK. In 2024, Co-op Legal Services revealed that "only 28% of UK adults claim to have a will, with nearly 40 million without one".

This matters because a will is essentially a document of wishes. It expresses what you want to happen to your assets (property and money) after you die.

Dying without a will means you die without legally expressing your wishes. Instead, your assets are shared according to the rules of intestacy.

These rules apply to anyone who dies without a will. It doesn't matter whether the person who died had a closer relationship with one relative than another. If they die intestate, their assets will be shared in a fixed order of priority.

In this guide, we explore the rules of intestacy in the UK. We hope it helps clear up this sometimes confusing legal matter.

What are the rules of intestacy?

In England and Wales, the laws governing intestacy are laid out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925 and amended by the Inheritance and Trustees' Powers Act 2014 .

If the person who died was married or in a civil partnership, the husband, wife or civil partner keeps all assets up to the value of £322,200, along with all the personal possessions.

The husband, wife or civil partner then gets half of what's left and the rest is split between any surviving children. If they had no children, the spouse receives everything. And if a child who was supposed to inherit assets has died, their child or children will inherit their share.

The rules are different for people who die unmarried or not in a civil partnership. First of all, any children will inherit shares of the estate when they turn 18. If there are no children, the estate is shared among relatives in an "order of priority".

In Scotland, the rules are slightly different. There, a spouse or civil partner is prioritised above parents and siblings.

In practice, this means that if a person dies without a will and without children, their spouse or civil partner inherits the estate in its entirety.

In Northern Ireland, intestacy rules are laid out in the Administration of Estates Act (Northern Ireland) 1955, which was modified in 1981 and 2007. These are similar to the rules in England and Wales but not identical.

What are the rules of intestacy concerning cohabiting couples?

In the UK, cohabiting couples have limited legal rights. If you cohabit with a person and they die without a will, you don't get an automatic claim on their estate. Instead, blood relatives are prioritised.

In some situations, this can lead to the surviving cohabiting partner being left without money. They can, however, make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 .

To receive money from the estate, the person applying under this act must demonstrate that they were financially dependent on the person who died. They must also prove that they now face financial hardship.

Who can deal with the estate of the person who died?

A will names an executor – the person responsible for distributing the estate. Without a will, a close relative (spouse, child or parent) usually takes this role.

To do so, they have to apply to the Probate Registry for something called a "Grant of Letters of Administration". This tells banks, building societies and other organisations that you have the right to access and distribute money that belonged to the person who died.

However, not every executor needs a Grant of Letters of Administration. You may not need to apply if the estate is worth less than £10,000 and doesn't include any land, property or shares.

You might also not need a grant if the estate is shared with a spouse or civil partner. In this case, the estate will pass automatically to the joint owner of the estate.

How do you know if someone has left a valid UK will?

Sometimes, a will is easy to find. But sometimes, you'll have to take steps to establish whether the person who died left a valid will.

There are several ways to do this. You can check the Probate Registry online or by post. In order to do this, you'll need the full name of the person who died and the year of death.

You can contact the solicitor who drafted the will. They may have a copy or know where to find the original. You could also ask the executor if you know who they are.

You can search the National Will Register. It's important to note, however, that this is a voluntary register and not a complete database.

Once the will has been found, you need to establish whether it's valid. To be valid, it must be in writing, signed by the testator (the person writing the will) and signed and witnessed by two other people.

What happens when a will is invalid?

If a will is legally considered to be invalid, the estate will be shared according to a previous valid will. If there's no previous valid will, the rules of intestacy apply.

What happens to a bank account when someone dies without a will?

When someone dies without a will, their bank accounts are frozen. To release the person's funds, the bank requires a Grant of Letters of Administration.

If the person who died had a joint account with a spouse or other person, the account automatically transfers to the surviving account holder.

Conclusion

When a person dies, there are many administrative and practical tasks to carry out. Sometimes, these tasks are made more difficult by the emotions you're going through. We hope this article helps make the process that little bit easier.

Treasured Moments creates beautiful, bespoke online tributes to lost loved ones. Why not take a look at our tribute website examples to see what we can do?

Funeral slideshow quotes: inspiring words for a photo montage

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:32:51 GMT

Are you looking for a fitting quotation for a funeral slideshow? Take a look at these 10 inspiring quotes.

A slideshow can be an important part of a funeral service. By showing images from a person's life, the people at the funeral can feel more connected to the life story of the person who died.

As well as images, a slideshow can include a voiceover or overlaid text. These could be quotes from friends, family or colleagues or a favourite lyric, quote or saying of the person who died. They could even be something memorable said by the person who died.

The problem is that the internet is overflowing with quotes for funerals. At a time when you have lots to do and plenty of emotions to process, this overflow can overwhelm.

That's why we've put together this short list of 10 quotes that could work on a funeral slideshow. We hope it helps you find the right quote for the occasion.

1. "Funeral Blues" by W.H. Auden

Written in the 1930s, this classic poem by W.H. Auden expresses a common sentiment. How can the world carry on as normal when the one you love has died?

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Familiar to viewers of Four Weddings and a Funeral , this poem is a moving and darkly comic poem that's a popular choice for funerals.

2. "Fear no more the heat o' th' sun" by William Shakespeare

In Shakespeare's song from Cymbeline , the singer focuses on the things the person who died no longer has to contend with:

Fear no more the heat o' th' sun,

Nor the furious winter's rages…

They also reflect on the inevitability of death:

Golden lads and girls all must,

As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.

This could be a suitable choice for someone who loved the theatre or poetry.

3. "Do not protect yourself from grief by a fence, but rather by your friends"(Czech proverb)

Funerals are about the living as much as the person who died. At a time of grief, friends and family can provide much-needed support.

This Czech proverb is an eloquent reminder of that. Instead of putting up fences, it's often better to connect with our friends. This could be an especially suitable quote at the funeral of a "people person".

4. "Requiem" by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson is perhaps most famous for creating the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. But he also wrote this beautiful, concise poem written from the perspective of a person facing death:

Home is the sailor, home from sea,

And the hunter home from the hill.

This poem is a touching reminder that death can be seen as a homecoming as well as a parting.

5. "The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough" – Rabindranath Tagore

Many people come away from funerals reflecting on how to make the most of their time. This quote from Rabindranath Tagore's Poems on Time makes the case more concisely and beautifully than we ever could.

6. "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" – A.A. Milne

This quote from A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh books makes a point that is easy to forget in the high emotion of a funeral.

You wouldn't grieve if you didn't feel that someone was important to you. In time, this can become a source of gratitude as well as sadness: "How lucky I am" as well as "How hard it was to say goodbye".

7. "God Saw You Getting Tired" – Anonymous

This is a touching tribute to someone who died after a long, full life – someone who had, as we say, a good innings. It touches on themes of old age, grief, illness and acceptance.

Different versions of this poem are available. Perhaps the most famous version is the one which ends: "God broke our hearts to prove to us / He only takes the best."

8. "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas

Many funeral poems and quotes about death focus on gentle acceptance. This classic poem by Dylan Thomas, however, implores us to "not go gentle into that good night" but "Rage, rage against the dying of the light".

"Old age," Thomas says, "should burn and rave at close of day" – and the poem's repetitions mirror this persistent, angry tone.

This could be a good quote for the funeral of someone known for their strong character.

9. "Death Be Not Proud" by John Donne

This poem, written in the 17th century by English "metaphysical poet" John Donne, is another proud and defiant poem:

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee

Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so…

One short sleep past, we wake eternally

And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

While it's not for everyone, this poem could suit the funeral of someone whose faith in God overshadowed their fear of death.

10. "Let Me Go" by Christina Rossetti

Christina Georgina Rossetti is one of the best-loved Victorian poets. Her works include several pieces about death – and "Let Me Go" could be one of the most fitting for a funeral slideshow.

When people are dying, it often pains them to think that their loved ones will suffer. "Let Me Go" reflects this thought, asking people to "Miss me a little, but not for long… Miss me, but let me go."

It's a long poem, so you may want to choose a verse or couple of lines for your slideshow.

Are you looking for a beautiful, bespoke tribute website for a person who has died? At Treasured Moments, we offer tailor-made digital memorials that last forever online.* Why not learn more about what we do or take a look at our example pages ?

How a digital memorial can connect loved ones around the world

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:11:21 GMT

Digital memorials help connect people from around the world at a difficult time. Find out how in our explainer.

Some things never change. When a loved one dies, family and friends gather to share memories, grieve and support one another.

But in recent years, something has changed. More and more people are choosing to memorialise their loved ones with a digital memorial.

A digital memorial can be a number of things. What all the different versions have in common is that they take place online, not in a physical location like a cemetery or crematorium.

It could be a memorial page on Facebook , Instagram or another social media platform. It could be a page on a funeral director's website commemorating the person who died. Or it could be a remembrance website like we offer here at Treasured Moments.

Online memorials have many advantages. One is that they connect loved ones around the world.

Perhaps the person who died has family back in their country of origin. Perhaps they have relatives who moved abroad. In these and similar situations, an online memorial can bring those scattered loved ones together.

But how, exactly? Let's find out.

1. A memorial site for people who can't attend

Not everyone can attend funerals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this applied to pretty much everyone. But in the post-pandemic world, there are still many situations where family members and friends can't attend.

A memorial site is one way around this problem. People who can't make the funeral can still make time to read about the life of the person who has died. They can reminisce, look at photos and watch videos from or about their life.

If the digital memorial is on social media, non-attendees can also leave comments to express their grief and share precious memories of the person.

2. A way of inviting people to a funeral

There are a couple of reasons why digital funeral invites are worth considering. One is that they're greener (more environmentally friendly) than paper invites. Another is that they can be sent around the world in seconds.

A memorial site can serve as an invite as well as a memorial. You can invite people who live abroad but still might be able to make the service – either in person or online.

This allows you to create an invitation that's more personalised than ever. It can include videos, photos, memories from loved ones and much more.

Another recent development in the funeral industry is the use of livestreams for those who can't attend. If you arrange for a funeral to be live-streamed, a digital memorial could include a link to the video.

Livestreamed funerals allow people to attend who can't physically be there. It also allows people to post comments and emojis in real time. This can make people feel closer to one another despite their geographical distance.

3. Interactive headstones

Digital memorials aren't the only innovation in the world of funerals. It's also now possible to put a QR code on a headstone. When scanned, this QR code takes you to an online memorial site.

But this QR code can also be shared with anyone in the world. This means a person visiting a grave can quickly connect with a relative via a thoughtful memorial page filled with cherished memories.

Here at Treasured Moments, we provide a unique URL and QR code with each memorial website. This makes it easy to share the site with loved ones from your smartphone.

4. Increasing accessibility

There are many reasons why someone can't make a funeral aside from living in a different area. They could have a physical or mental health condition that makes it too difficult. They could find it too emotionally taxing.

Digital memorials are truly accessible. All you need is an internet connection and a device. Like live-streamed events, they enable anyone, anywhere to take part.

What we offer

At Treasured Moments, we work with people to create beautiful, bespoke digital remembrance sites . These sites can connect loved ones around the world at the click of a button.

Each tribute page is lovingly crafted to reflect the personality and life story of the person who died. We aim to work with you to make each memorial a unique keepsake that can be visited forever online.

It works like this. First, you get in touch with our team . We'll send you a simple online questionnaire to complete. This lets you share your stories, upload photos, share videos and more.

The questionnaire is an essential part of the process and key to what Treasured Moments is all about. Your contributions – be they videos, images, text or music – are integral to the completed digital memorial.

As an optional extra, we can also create a professional remembrance video. This gives you a professional video memorial with a voiceover. Just think – this memorial video can be viewed again and again by anyone, no matter where in the world they are.

Communication is key to what we do. We'll work closely with you to find out more about your wishes and the personality and life of the person who died.

Materials gathered, our team of writers, videographers and web builders will get to work crafting a loving tribute.

Each remembrance page comes with a unique URL and QR code. This makes it extremely easy to share with friends, family and colleagues.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful and tailor-made digital memorial, why not get in touch with Treasured Moments today? Alternatively, you can find out more about our services or browse some example pages . We look forward to hearing how we can help.

Your guide to writing a eulogy

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:58:44 GMT

Are you struggling to make a start on a eulogy? You're not alone. Learn tips to improve your speech.

A eulogy is a tribute to a person who has died. It's written by someone who knew them. Sometimes, a eulogy is just written down. But most often, a eulogy is read out loud at the funeral by the person who wrote it.

If you're asked to write a eulogy, it's a sign that you were very important to the person who died. In spite of this – or because of it – many people find writing a eulogy difficult and emotionally taxing.

People often feel they're not qualified to write the eulogy because they don't think of themselves as writers. There's often a desire to "get it right", resulting in writer's block.

At Treasured Moments, our philosophy is that there's no right or wrong way to grieve. A eulogy is no exception. Whatever works for you and the people at the funeral is more than enough.

Sometimes, however, this can lead people to feel that there are too many options and that they don't know where to start. This is especially true when the eulogy is one item on a long to-do list in the run-up to the funeral.

There are a couple of things to remember here. The first is that most people will appreciate any eulogy because they appreciate the time and effort that's gone into it. No one expects a masterpiece.

The other thing to say is that there are many eulogy templates online for you to use as a starting point. This can help you get started – often the most difficult thing when writing.

In this article, we don't give you a point-by-point guide to writing a eulogy. Instead, we explore some of the common concerns surrounding the subject. We hope it helps you write a eulogy that's right for you.

What can I include in a eulogy?

The simple answer: anything. If this sounds overwhelming, you could start by sitting down with a pen and paper and jotting down memories of the person who died.

This could include memorable times you spent with them. It could include their positive traits and the ways they affected you. This first stage of writing is all about your relationship with the person who died.

Next, you can write down an outline of their life. What were the milestones? What did people think of them? Are there any achievements to mention?

The next stage is to organise your ideas. Decide which stories to include and which to leave out. What order feels natural to you?

Now it's time to write a first draft. Remember that nothing you write has to stay. A first draft, it's been said, is like shovelling sand into a box so that later you can build castles. You can write and rewrite until you're satisfied.

Involving others

Writing a eulogy is a big responsibility. There are a couple of ways that other family members, friends or colleagues can help.

The first is that they can tell you their own thoughts and feelings about the person who died. This can help you paint the big picture. Remember, however, that people usually want to hear about your relationship with the person who died, too.

The second is to ask if you can read the eulogy to one or more people before the funeral. Practice doesn't make perfect – but it can make the experience less nerve-wracking.

Whether or not you involve others, you should practise reading your eulogy aloud. This will help you figure out what to keep, what to lose and what to change.

How long should a eulogy be?

There's no right or wrong length for a eulogy. Most, however, last around five minutes.

One advantage of reading it aloud before the funeral is that you'll get a sense of how long it is. Find out what else is happening in the service and stick within those time limits. If in doubt, ask the funeral director, celebrant or faith leader for guidance.

Is humour appropriate?

This is a very common concern for people getting ready to read a eulogy. Is it appropriate to make jokes or tell funny stories from the person's life?

The answer is that it depends on the personality of the person who died and the preferences of family and friends. Involving others in the process will help you gauge whether humour is a good idea.

Should you read from a script?

Again, there's no right or wrong way to read a eulogy. If you have public speaking experience, you may be happy with notes or cue cards.

If, however, you're not confident about reading, a script can really help. Make sure it's in a readable font and there's enough space between the lines. You may want to add notes for yourself ("pause", "breathe", "look up", and so on).

Is it OK to cry?

Yes, it's OK to cry when reading a eulogy. But if for any reason you don't want to, it can help to choose a spot in the room to look at when you feel the tears coming. Focus on the spot (not the people in the room), take a deep breath and wait until it passes.

What is a digital eulogy?

A digital eulogy is when the eulogy is put on an online memorial page . This means the text is there forever and can be accessed from any part of the world.

At Treasured Moments, we craft bespoke online memorial pages. These can include videos, photos and written eulogies. One of our expert writers will talk to you about the person who died and then write a touching, personalised tribute for you.

When someone dies, there's a lot to do. Hiring a professional to write a digital eulogy can take one thing off your mind so you can focus on everything else.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful, bespoke memorial website for someone who died, why not learn more about what we do or take a look at our sample pages ?

The meanings behind funeral flowers

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Do flowers seen at funerals have special meanings? Learn about this fascinating topic in our guide.

For many people, flowers are an essential part of a funeral. But as with many things connected with funerals, it's not always obvious which flowers to choose.

The run-up to a funeral is usually a difficult time. Whether you're grieving or not, you may feel unsure about what to do and how to act.

This feeling can sometimes be amplified by talk of rules and traditions. Some cultures, groups and faiths have strict practices for funerals. And when you're buying flowers for a funeral, you may worry about the "meaning" of different flowers.

In the UK, the idea that flowers represent ideas like love, courage or hope stems from the Victorian age. They created a whole language of flowers (floriology) with its own dictionary .

These days, few people know the meanings of different flowers. This means you're highly unlikely to choose the "wrong" flower and upset someone at the funeral.

Thinking about the meaning behind funeral flowers can be a way of making your gift more personal. Alternatively, it can just be an interesting topic to think about. So, what do the flowers often seen at funerals "mean"?

Lilies

Lilies, especially white lilies, are a common sight at funerals. They're often said to represent purity, innocence, sympathy and peace. These qualities can reflect the personality of the person who died or represent hopes for the future.

Roses

Truth be told, we could write an article on roses alone. That's because their different colours represent an array of different things.

At funerals, the most commonly seen roses are white. Like white lilies, they represent peace and innocence.

Some people, however, choose red roses to symbolise romantic love and passion or yellow roses to mourn a strong platonic relationship. Black roses are sometimes also associated with death.

Carnations

A dark red carnation can be a symbol of deep affection, while a pink carnation can communicate a mother's everlasting love. As with roses and lilies, white is a popular choice at funerals.

Carnations are often used at funerals and in sympathy bouquets because they can last up to a few weeks in water.

Chrysanthemums

In some parts of the world, chrysanthemums exclusively represent grief. In the UK, however, they sometimes stand for truth, too. Either way, they're often associated with mourning and used as part of funeral floral arrangements.

Gerberas

These daisy-like flowers come in many different shades. They're often thought to symbolise loyal love and innocence.

Gladioli

Gladioli come in white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange and more. Their tall flower stems make them literally stand out in floral arrangements. They are thought to represent strength of character and are often present at men's funerals.

Do I need to think about the meanings of funeral flowers?

At Treasured Moments, we believe that every grief journey is unique – so why would the flowers you choose be any different?

Flowers are a way to express sympathy and show that you're thinking of somebody at a difficult time. They can also be a way of reflecting the personality or interests of the person who died.

When choosing flowers, you can buy them just because you think they're beautiful. You can buy them because they have a personal significance for you and the person who died. Perhaps they had a favourite flower, shared a name with a flower or even shared a quality with a flower.

You might also want to buy flowers not often associated with funerals. Tulips or daffodils, for instance, could help put the emphasis on celebrating the person's life rather than mourning it. Spring flowers can also represent a hopeful looking forward to the future.

You don't even have to buy cut flowers. A potted plant such as a hydrangea or small tree can be given to the family to plant after the funeral.

Who can send funeral flowers?

Unless asked otherwise, anyone can send flowers to a funeral. Usually, however, the flower arrangements around the coffin will be organised by the family and the funeral director.

If you want your flowers to be present at the service, you should send them directly to the funeral home. If, however, you intend them as a personal gift, you should send them directly to the family.

Sometimes, a family will ask you to donate to charity rather than send flowers. This will usually be a charity that was important to the person who died. This might be expressed in the funeral announcement as "family flowers only" or "in lieu of flowers".

Your best bet is to check the funeral announcement or invitation to make sure your gift of flowers will be welcomed.

Bear in mind, too, that funeral flowers are uncommon or unwelcome in some cultures and faiths. In Islam, for instance, it's not considered appropriate to have flowers at the funeral. However, it's usually OK to send flowers to a Muslim family after the funeral as a condolence gift.

What should I write on funeral or sympathy flowers?

Many people find it difficult to express feelings of sympathy after a person has died. Sometimes, this is because people want to stand out by personalising their message.

There's nothing wrong with this, of course. But often simple words do the job just fine. For this reason, you might consider using a phrase like "With deepest sympathy", "Thinking of you" or "Sorry for your loss".

What's the difference between funeral flowers and sympathy flowers?

Funeral flowers are the sprays, wreaths and displays that are present at a funeral. They're typically placed on or around the coffin and around the funeral venue.

Sympathy flowers, however, are gifts sent to the family of the person who died. They can be bouquets or potted plants.

What happens to flowers after a funeral?

After a funeral, flowers are usually left at the graveside or in the crematorium's memorial garden. Sometimes, flowers can be taken home. This, however, is up to the family.

If you do hold onto the flowers, you might consider pressing the petals to create a simple yet long-lasting memorial keepsake.

Here at Treasured Moments, we specialise in memorial website design . Our team crafts beautiful online tributes by hand – each tailored to the person who has died and their family. Why not take a look at our sample pages to see what we can do?

Alternative types of funerals: terramation, aquamation and more

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:46:15 GMT

The last few years have seen a rise in alternatives to burial and cremation. Learn about 7 of them.

For many years, there have been two main types of funerals in the UK: coffin burial and cremation. In recent years, however, alternative types of funerals have been introduced.

It's partly because relatives and funeral providers are looking for more environmentally friendly ways to deal with death. It's also to give loved ones more choice over the way the person who has died is put to rest.

In this article, we take a look at seven alternative types of funerals.

Note that the information in this article focuses on the laws and regulations in England. Please check the details if you live in another part of the UK.

1. Aquamation

Aquamation uses water and a small quantity of alkaline chemicals to break down a person's body. After three to four hours in a steel container, only the bones are left. These are then ground down to a fine white powder and given to the family in an urn.

The result is much the same as furnace cremation. The key advantage is that aquamation uses about one-eighth of the energy and produces no greenhouse gases.

Aquamation – also known as resomation – is legal and available in the USA, Canada and South Africa. It came into the public eye when Archbishop Desmond Tutu was aquamated in South Africa in 2022.

In 2023, Co-op Funeralcare announced it would introduce aquamation in the UK.

2. Burial at sea

Every year, around a dozen people are buried at sea off the British Isles. Most are former sailors or navy personnel. But anyone can be buried at sea – so long as the person arranging the burial has a licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

The full regulations are on the government website . Key regulations include the need for a doctor's certificate saying the body is uninfected. Special coffins and clothing are also required.

Burials at sea can be organised through some funeral directors and through the Maritime Volunteer Service.

It can be a moving way to bury someone who had a strong connection to the sea, whether through work or not.

There are three approved burial sites at sea off the coasts of England:

Between Newhaven and Hastings in East Sussex
Off the Needles in the Isle of Wight
Off Tynemouth, North Tyneside.

It's possible to be buried at sea elsewhere, but the approval process is much more difficult.

Famous people buried at sea include Francis Drake, Sir Edmund Hillary and Janis Joplin.

3. Woodland burial

As the name suggests, a woodland burial is where a person is buried in a woodland rather than a traditional cemetery.

People choose woodland burials for different reasons. Often, it's because they want to reduce the environmental impact of the burial. It can also be because the person who died had a close relationship to a specific location or to nature in general.

Woodland burial sites have different rules and services. This means it's essential to do your research before arranging one. Some sites, for instance, allow plaques of remembrance, while others don't.

4. Funeral tree pods

Woodland burials have been around in the UK since the 1990s. Funeral tree pods are a recent trend that takes them a step further.

A person's body is placed in a large "eco pod" made from natural materials. This egg-shaped, biodegradable coffin is then buried and a tree is planted on top. Like woodland burials, funeral tree pods have a low environmental impact and can be suitable for people who had a close connection to nature.

Funeral tree pods are available in the UK through some funeral providers.

5. Home burials

Home burial is a legal option, so long as you follow the government's guidelines. If you want a home burial for yourself or another person, you first need to be sure that you own the freehold (the land the home is built on) and not just the leasehold (the home but not the land).

Another thing to consider is whether you have any plans to sell the home or whether you expect it to be sold after your own death. This is because the burial has to be registered on the deeds, which can reduce the value of the property.

Despite these factors, some people feel that a home burial is the most fitting way to put a loved one to rest.

6. Terramation

Terramation, or human composting, involves placing a person's body into a coffin with wood chips, straw and alfalfa (a flowering plant). After 30 days, the body is reduced to compost, which can then be used to grow trees and plants.

Supporters of terramation point out that it's good for the environment compared to cremation. Recompose, a firm in America, says it saves up to 1.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

At the time of writing, human composting is illegal in the UK. This is because there are strict rules about where and how bodies can be disposed of. It's legal in some US states.

7. DIY funerals

A DIY funeral is one done without the help of a funeral director.

DIY funerals tend to be much cheaper than traditional funerals. This can be an appealing option, especially if the person who died didn't leave money for their funeral. They can also be less formal.

These benefits, however, need to be balanced against the time and effort it takes to plan a funeral.

The person's body has to be taken care of. The service has to be arranged. The cremation has to be booked. Legal paperwork has to be signed. Invitations have to be sent and transport arranged for guests.

For many, this is too much work and they prefer to pay a funeral director to do these jobs for them. Others see it as a fitting way of paying tribute to the person who has died that's worth the time and effort.

At Treasured Moments, we create beautiful and bespoke memorial websites for loved ones . Why not take a look at our tribute examples – or request your own memorial by getting in touch with our friendly UK team?

What is an online sympathy card?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:01 GMT

Looking for a unique way to express condolences? Learn about one option: online sympathy cards.

One of the simplest ways to express condolences after a person's death is to send a card. It can help people feel less alone as they grieve the person who has died. Many people still send paper cards, sometimes along with flowers or another gift.

More and more people, however, are sending online sympathy cards. These work just the same as a card. They feature a message of condolence and the names of the person or people who sent it. The only difference is that the card is sent and accessed online.

Online sympathy cards are extremely easy to create and send. They can also be signed by anyone, anywhere in the world. This makes them a popular choice for families, teams or friendship groups who live in different locations.

Another advantage of going online for your sympathy card is that you can add multiple photos, videos and even GIFs.

Some people argue that online sympathy cards are less appropriate than traditional cards. At Treasured Moments, we believe it's all a question of personal taste. Just as there's no right or wrong way to grieve, there's no right or wrong way to express sympathy.

Online sympathy cards for pet owners

Online sympathy cards can be sent to pet owners as well as to the loved ones of a person who has died. These, too, can include photos, videos, personalised messages and GIFs.

Some companies provide online sympathy cards for both situations. Others specialise in one or the other.

What should you write in an online sympathy card?

At Treasured Moments, we believe that there are no rules surrounding grief. This applies to online sympathy cards. At the end of the day, it's up to you what you write.

That said, some people find it difficult to know where to start. They worry about "getting it wrong" and striking the wrong tone. If that sounds like you, here are some things to keep in mind.

First, it's often appreciated if you personalise the card. With a traditional card, this can be done through your handwriting. With an online sympathy card, it's about the message itself.

People often offer help and support to the grieving person. Beyond that, it's your choice how much you want to celebrate the person who died and how much you want to acknowledge the death.

If you want to keep it simple, you could use a phrase like "I am so sorry for your loss" or "Thinking of you". If you want to say more, you could write about your relationship with the person who died and what you will miss about them.

One thing to remember when writing a message for an online sympathy card is that the grieving person will probably have received a lot of messages. For this reason, it can be best to keep the message on the short side. You, however, are the only person who knows what is and is not appropriate.

When should you send an online sympathy card?

As with messages, there are no rules about when to send an online sympathy card. In this, we differ from many online guides to the "etiquette" of sympathy cards. You know the person you are sending the sympathy card to. It's your call how soon after the person's death to send it.

A brief history of sympathy cards

Sympathy cards became popular at the start of the 19th century. In middle-class circles, you were expected to send a card after someone had died.

The fashion in Victorian times was to send a card with a black border. A card with a red border, by contrast, was about a business matter.

Today there are many more options available. People are encouraged to express themselves more. Online sympathy cards are a case in point, letting senders add photos, videos and other personalised materials.

Despite this change in presentation, the purpose of sympathy cards has stayed the same over the years. Perhaps the biggest change was the introduction of sympathy cards for pet owners in the 1980s.

Online sympathy cards have been around since the 1990s. However, they now offer more flexibility than ever before. They can be group-signed and sent with personalised messages, text, audio and video.

Another big change has been the introduction of online memorial web pages . These provide a space for people to share messages, photos, videos and audio relating to the person who died.

Some companies, such as ours, also offer funeral videography services . This means you can commission professional-quality videos for your online memorial.

Sites such as these became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people were unable to attend funerals. Online memorials became a way of paying tribute in a different way. Now that the pandemic is over, the benefits of these web pages have lived on.

Are you interested in exploring the world of online memorial web pages? Let us tell you a bit more about the services we offer here at Treasured Moments.

How we can help

At Treasured Moments, we take the idea of an online sympathy card one step further. Our memorial websites can include photos, text, songs, videos and more.

We go one step further when it comes to personalisation, too. All our tributes are tailor-made by experts, who'll work closely with you to make sure we create the tribute your memories deserve. This can include a professionally produced video slideshow, complete with narration from a UK voiceover artist.

Once online, your memorial site will stay there forever. It can be shared easily with friends and loved ones via a unique QR code.

This QR code can be printed anywhere – from the order of service at the funeral to a piece of jewellery.

Our memorial web pages combine all the advantages of an online sympathy card with a new level of detail, personality and professionalism. They can provide a moving and, above all, personalised tribute to a person that will last forever.

Learn more about our online memoriam cards today. And don't hesitate to get in touch with our UK team if you have any questions. We're always keen to help.

How to choose instrumental music for a funeral video

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:17:46 GMT

Looking for instrumental music for a funeral video? Read our guide for advice, examples and considerations.

In some ways, funerals have stayed pretty much the same for many centuries, even millennia. In others, they've changed, adopting new technologies to make the services even more moving, celebratory or personal.

Take funeral videos. These are now a common sight at funerals. They can be a powerful way of showing still and moving images from a person's life and making the audience feel like they're watching a life unfold.

If you do show a video at a funeral, you will probably want to include some music. It's not essential – you can have a silent video if you like. But often, people find that music enhances the video.

And equally often, people find instrumental music (music without singing) to be most appropriate. This lets people focus on the images and videos rather than lyrics.

At Treasured Moments, we firmly believe that where death is concerned, there are no rules about what you should and should not do. People process grief in different ways. When arranging a funeral, it's up to you to decide what's best for the audience and the memory of the person who has died.

That said, the period following someone's death can be emotionally fraught. Moreover, you may find that arranging a funeral is a very involved task with lots of mini-tasks to complete. This means that people often look for direction.

For that reason, we've put together this guide to choosing instrumental music for a funeral video. We hope it helps you pick the right piece of music to celebrate the life of the person you're mourning.

How to choose

When choosing a piece of instrumental music for a funeral video, it can help to think about who it's for. Usually, it's for the person who has died and for the audience.

This means you'll usually want to choose a piece of music that reflects the personality or tastes of the person who has died. It also means you should choose a piece of music that creates a suitable mood, whether it's celebratory or mourning.

It can help to think about the music the person who died used to listen to. Was there a song they always sang around the house? What music is in their CD and record collection or on their online playlists?

It can also help to think about what the funeral video will show. You might be able to choose a piece of music that reflects a particular time in a person's life, for example.

Finally, asking for help can be a good idea. Ask friends, families and colleagues for suggestions. This can help you make a decision at a difficult time.

What to choose

Once you've thought about the kind of music you want for your funeral video, you need to choose a particular piece of music. This can be difficult, partly because there are just so many options available.

Searching playlists online, for instance, can give you good ideas – but it can also overwhelm you with choices. Here, then, are five pieces of instrumental music to get you started.

1. Oscar Peterson: "Hymn to Freedom"

Taken from his 1963 album Night Train , jazz pianist Oscar Peterson's composition "Hymn to Freedom" is a possible choice for the funeral video of a jazz lover.

Impressively, Peterson wrote this stirring yet gentle piece on the spot. He called it "Hymn to Freedom" as a tribute to Martin Luther King. Over the years, it became an unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA.

2. J.S. Bach: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"

This piece by Bach is often played at weddings and Christian festivals. But it also has a quiet, flowing dignity that makes it suitable for funerals.

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is available in a variety of versions, including choir, organ and piano. The version we've linked here is Myra Hess's transcription, which gave the German-language piece its English name.

3. Erik Satie: "Gymnopédie No. 1"

The first of French composer Erik Satie's Gymnopédies is a gentle, bobbing waltz that's both peaceful and melancholy. It's beloved by classical lovers and casual listeners alike.

4. Sigur Rós: "Untitled #3 (Samskeyti)"

Many popular indie songs are suitable for funerals – but most of them have words. "Untitled #3 (Samskeyti)" by Icelandic indie band Sigur Rós, however, is purely instrumental and has a yearning, building quality that's often looked for in funeral music.

5. Theme from Last of the Summer Wine

Music at a funeral isn't just about the music taste of the person who died. Nor is it just about the mood you want to create. It can also relate to something else about the person – their favourite TV show, for instance, or their favourite sport.

The classic theme from BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine is a great example. It's short, it's bittersweet and it tells you something about the person whose life you're remembering.

Other considerations

Most churches and crematoria allow contemporary music. If they do, they should have a licence letting them do so. If they don't, you'll need to play music that's royalty-free.

This only applies to funerals open to the public. This is because they stop being private functions and become public events that have to follow particular rules.

If you arranged a home burial, for instance, with just friends and family attending, you wouldn't need a license to play music.

It's not an issue that comes up often, but it is worth being aware of. The main thing is to ask the cemetery or crematorium beforehand to avoid any misunderstanding.

If you do need to play royalty-free music, there are many online catalogues you can search through. One example is the YouTube Audio Library .

How Treasured Moments can help

At Treasured Moments, we create bespoke online memorials – including beautiful narrated videos you can show at the funeral. If you'd like to find out more, explore our funeral video services or get in touch with our friendly UK team.

Burying ashes: what are your options?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:00:41 GMT

When a person dies, you may want to bury their ashes. Discover your options in our easy-to-follow guide.

When a person dies, you have the option of burying their ashes. This is different from scattering them.

Ashes can be buried in a cemetery, churchyard, crematorium, woodland burial ground or on private land. If you want to bury them on private land, however, you need to either be the landowner or get the landowner's permission.

The choice of location will depend on a few things. It will depend on the person who died. If they loved nature, for instance, you might think it most suitable to have their ashes buried at a natural burial site.

It depends on how much you've budgeted for the burial. Different burials have different costs, as do additional memorials such as benches, plaques and columbariums.

It will also depend on the religion of the person who died and their surviving family members. Catholics, for instance, have to follow specific guidelines about the burial of ashes.

It's also important to say that this article is only about burying ashes in the UK. If you want to bury ashes elsewhere, there may be other rules and regulations to follow.

When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know what needs to be done. Emotions often run high. For many people, this makes the decision-making process difficult.

For this reason, we hope this article helps you understand your options at a difficult time and choose the most appropriate option for the person who has died.

Burying ashes in a memorial garden

In the UK, many cemeteries and crematoriums have memorial gardens. These are quiet, often landscaped areas set aside exclusively for the burial of ashes.

These memorial gardens also offer different types of memorials. You can get a plaque, for instance, a bench or a tree.

Some memorial gardens also offer columbariums. These are structures, usually made of stone, which house urns containing ashes.

Burying ashes in a cemetery or churchyard

You also have the option of burying ashes among other graves in a cemetery or churchyard.

To do this, you need to sign a burial plot application form and purchase exclusive rights of burial. This is usually done through the council.

Exclusive rights of burial usually last around 50 years. If you already have the rights, you don't need to apply for the burial plot. It's possible to buy plots next to each other for family members.

Ashes in cemeteries and churchyards can either be buried as they are or placed in an urn first. As with memorial gardens, you often have the option of buying a plaque, headstone, bench, columbarium or other memorial structure.

Burying ashes at home or on private land

It's legal to bury ashes at home or on private land so long as you are the landowner or have the landowner's permission. If you sell the home or piece of land where the ashes are buried, however, you will need permission from the new landowner to visit.

Some places are off-limits. Depending on where you live, this could include War Memorial Parks, conservation sites, nature parks or sites of special scientific interest. Before you bury ashes in any of these locations, you should contact the council for permission.

The Environment Agency says it's OK to scatter ashes in rivers but not in still bodies of water such as lakes and ponds.

If you do scatter ashes on private land that's not your own, it's important not to leave anything at the burial site that won't biodegrade. Coins, clothes, jewellery and plastic flowers are a few examples.

Natural burial sites

There are now more than 250 natural burial sites in the UK. Some are located on private land and run by the landowner. Others are run by local authorities.

A natural burial site can be anywhere that provides a habitat for wildlife. Often, they're located in woods and orchards.

Natural burial sites are eco-friendly, with ashes often being buried in 100% biodegradable urn-like containers.

One thing to note is that most natural burial sites don't allow headstones. Some, however, let you use grave markers.

What happens when ashes are interred (buried)?

The interment of ashes is a ceremony like a funeral. And like a funeral, there's no right or wrong way to do it. However, the ceremony often goes something like this.

Friends and family get together. The ceremony can be led by anyone but is often a religious head, funeral director or relative. Prayers, eulogies and poems are often read and flowers are often laid.

Different religions have different rules surrounding the burial of ashes. The Catholic Church, for instance, has guidelines on where ashes should be buried.

Who owns a person's ashes?

UK law states that no person can claim ownership of a person's body or ashes. If you are responsible for disposing of a body, you're considered to have possession of it.

Sometimes, arguments about a person's ashes have ended up in court. The rulings given, however, have not been the same in each case. This makes it an area of the law that's still not 100% clear.

How much does it cost to bury ashes?

The price of burying ashes varies a lot across the UK. Contact your local cemetery, council or memorial garden for an exact figure. On average, however, burial charges come to £1,797 per person.

Where can ashes be scattered?

So far, we've looked at the rules surrounding the burial of ashes. This is different from the scattering of ashes.

In the UK, you can scatter ashes on your own land or on a body of water without permission. However, if you want to scatter ashes on private land, you should get permission from the landowner.

If you do scatter ashes over a body of water, check the Environment Agency guidelines first.

You can find out more in our guide to scattering ashes in the UK .

Are you looking for a beautiful memorial website for a loved one ? At Treasured Moments, we build all our online tributes from the ground up to match your most cherished memories. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our UK team if you have any questions or would like to know more.

How to hold an online memorial service

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:43:32 GMT

An online memorial service sees loved ones gather by video to remember a person. Learn how to plan one.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we talk and think about funerals.

Here in the UK, lockdown rules meant that funeral attendance was strictly limited. During the height of the pandemic, only 30 people or fewer were allowed to go to a funeral in person. Moreover, attendance was restricted to close family members, a celebrant and staff at the venue.

People had to find new ways to pay their respects. Venues began to offer livestreaming for funerals, so those who couldn't attend could still watch the ceremony as it happened. And grief became part of our online conversations, as families created social media memorial pages and held virtual memorial services using videoconferencing software.

The big surprise is that these digital memorials have stuck around. The pandemic gave us new tools that we could use to express our grief, share our emotions and remember our loved ones online.

But this is all new to most of us. There's no rulebook that tells us how to organise an online memorial service or what it should look like.

That's what this guide is for. It's an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for arranging a virtual memorial service.

But remember – it's just a guide. Grief and remembrance are very personal – so you're free to change things or use it as a starting point for something completely different. The important thing is that it feels right for you and the person who has died.

What do we mean by an online memorial service?

A memorial service is a ceremony that happens after or instead of a funeral.

No two memorial services are the same – like funerals, they can be formal, informal, short, long or totally unique. What makes them different to funerals is that they happen after the person who died has already been buried or cremated.

When we talk about an online memorial service, we mean a similar kind of ceremony that takes place online. All or most of the guests are in different places and attend the service using videoconferencing software.

This isn't the only type of online memorial. We look at some of the other options below, including livestreamed services and online memorial pages .

However, in this guide, we focus on the first kind. If you want to hold an online memorial service using videoconferencing software like Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, where should you start?

Your step-by-step guide to planning an online memorial service

1. Set a date and time

It might sound obvious, but it's worth pinning down a date and time as soon as possible. You might want to talk to close family members and friends to find a time when most of them can attend.

You should also have a rough idea of how long the service will last. It will help people plan ahead.

2. Choose a videoconferencing platform

There are lots of videoconferencing platforms to choose from. Some of the most popular are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype.

If close friends and family already have a preferred platform, use that one. This way, people won't have to go out of their way to install a new piece of software or learn how to use it.

Bear in mind that some platforms have restrictions unless you pay for a premium account. Zoom, for instance, only allows meetings of up to 40 minutes with its free user accounts.

3. Decide who'll lead the service

Putting someone in charge of the service can help things run smoothly. It doesn't have to be the person who organises the service. Anyone who knew the person who has died and is comfortable speaking in public can do it.

However, this isn't obligatory. If you want a more informal service, you might decide that nobody is "in charge". Instead, people can chime in with a few words whenever they feel comfortable.

4. Decide what to include

It's totally up to you what to include in the service. But unless you're going for a very informal feel, it's a good idea to map things out in advance. This way, you can stick to a schedule and make sure that everyone who wants to speak gets a chance to.

Here are some ideas:

Play a slideshow of photographs or videos.
Read a meaningful poem or a passage from a favourite book.
Ask friends and relatives to share memories and stories.
Get drinks ready and raise a toast to the person who died.
Play one of their favourite pieces of music. You could even have a singalong.

The structure of the service will likely change as you make arrangements. So, don't worry if you haven't finalised it early on. As long as you know the basic structure of the service, you can go ahead and let people know about it.

5. Send invitations

Make sure you send invitations with plenty of time to spare. People are less likely to be able to attend if they find out about it at the last minute.

Invitations can be digital (by email) or physical (by post). You could even make an event on social media to advertise the service – but make sure it's private so uninvited guests don't turn up.

Another option is an online memorial page . This can include treasured photographs, stories and a eulogy, as well as information about the service you've planned.

In any case, be sure to include details of how to join the service. This could be a link to the event, login details (the room code and password) or both.

6. Rehearse the service

If you're holding a structured memorial service, it's worth doing a dress rehearsal before the real thing.

This is for two reasons. The first is to check the timings and make sure everyone's comfortable with what they'll say and do. The second is to make sure that the technology works. You don't want to deal with unexpected technical hiccups halfway through the service.

7. Hold the service

It's time for the main event. Hopefully, your careful planning means it will go off without a hitch.

As with a traditional service, it's best if the speakers and organisers turn up early – 15 or 30 minutes, say, before the event starts.

You might want to keep other attendees in a virtual "waiting room". This way, you can let them all join the main room at once when the event starts.

After the service, you could let people chat and mingle online or share a social media group or email address they can use to keep in touch.

Other types of online memorial

1. Livestreamed memorial services

This is a similar idea. However, the big difference is that the memorial service takes place in a real-world venue and people go to the venue in person. The service is filmed and the video is streamed online.

With this kind of service, the livestream is an option for people who can't make it to the venue. They can watch the ceremony as it happens, but it's often difficult for them to take part.

2. Social media memorial pages

Some social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, allow you to "memorialise" a person's account when they die .

This makes it so that nobody can log into the account. However, the person's photographs and posts will still be visible. Friends and relatives can share photos and memories on the person's timeline.

3. Memorial websites

A memorial website is just what it sounds like: a website that pays tribute to a person who has died.

This isn't the same as a social media memorial page. It's an online space that's dedicated to remembering a lost loved one. Often, it will have its own URL – the address you type into your browser to reach a certain website.

There are lots of types of memorial websites. At Treasured Moments, we create beautiful, bespoke memorial sites that are built from the ground up to reflect your memories.

If you think you might want a memorial website, why not learn more about what we do ? And don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Our friendly team is always happy to help.

Where can you scatter ashes in the UK?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:28:37 GMT

Are you allowed to scatter ashes anywhere? Learn the rules for scattering ashes at sea, at home and more.

When a person dies and is cremated, it's common for their family to scatter their ashes in a special place. This could be a beautiful outdoor spot, a place that meant something to the person who died or somewhere else entirely.

But are you allowed to scatter ashes anywhere? Are there any laws or guidelines that say where you can or can't scatter them?

That's what this article is about. We tell you what the law says about scattering cremated remains in the UK and look at several potential locations in more detail.

Where can you scatter ashes legally in the UK?

There is no law in the UK that specifically covers where you can scatter ashes.

This means you can scatter ashes almost anywhere. However, there are a few things to consider before you choose a spot.

Is it on private land? If so, you must get permission from the landowner.
Are there any rules or guidelines to be aware of? This could be local guidelines covering, for example, a public park or general guidelines about protecting the environment.
Is it a busy public place? It's best to choose a quiet spot to avoid upsetting passersby.

Now we know what to do, let's look at some popular locations and see how these guidelines apply.

Can you scatter ashes on a family grave?

Cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds are private land – and each has its own rules about scattering ashes.

If these rules aren't posted publicly, you should ask the cemetery owner's permission. You can do this yourself or get your funeral director to ask for you.

Some cemeteries don't allow scattering ashes. Some do allow it, but only in a designated spot (such as a memorial garden). Others will be happy for you to scatter ashes on a family grave – but in any case, it's best to get permission first.

Can you scatter ashes in a public park?

Most public parks are owned and managed by local councils. Others are owned by conservation organisations, such as the National Trust.

If it's a council-owned park, you should write to the local council and ask permission to scatter the ashes. You'll want to contact the council's bereavement services department.

If you want to scatter ashes on National Trust land, you can contact the National Trust online to ask permission.

Can you scatter ashes in a National Park?

The UK's National Parks are a little unusual. Unlike National Parks in the United States, for instance, or Ireland, most of the land in our National Parks is in private hands.

So, if you want to scatter ashes in a UK National Park, you should first determine who the landowner is and – again – ask their permission.

Most of the time, this will be a private company or individual. A much smaller proportion of land is owned by National Park Authorities, the organisations responsible for managing National Parks.

Can you scatter ashes in a river or lake?

The guidance here is a little confusing. Some resources say it's OK to scatter ashes on any river or lake without permission. Others say you need permission from the landowner if it's a privately owned watercourse.

Our advice is to play it safe. Find out if the river or lake is on private land and ask permission from the landowner if necessary.

It's also important to follow local rules and regulations, as well as the Environment Agency's guidelines on scattering ashes in water.

These are:

Limit the impact on the environment and wildlife as much as possible.
Make sure other people who are using the water aren't affected.
Don't throw any other objects, such as wreaths or urns.

Can you scatter ashes in the sea?

Yes. You're free to scatter ashes at sea without getting permission or a special licence. That's one reason why it's such a popular choice.

However, you should still follow the Environment Agency's guidelines and any local rules.

Remember that beaches are often busy, too – and ashes can blow in the wind. Make sure you go on a quiet day or choose a secluded part of the beach to avoid upsetting people around you.

Can you scatter ashes in your own back garden?

It depends on whether you own your house and garden.

If you do, you're free to scatter the ashes – it's your land, after all. However, if you rent your house, you should ask permission from your landlord.

Other ways to pay tribute

There's a reason why many people choose to scatter ashes. It's a chance to get together with loved ones in a special place and say a final goodbye to the person who died.

But it's not the only way to pay tribute. If you'd prefer to hold onto the ashes, you could keep them in an urn at home. An urn is a special container designed to keep cremated remains safe.

This might be a good choice if you want to feel close to the person who died. Their remains will always be there when you want to take a moment to reflect.

Another option is to bury the ashes. Most cemeteries and burial grounds have special plots for cremated remains. These are usually more affordable than full burial plots.

Burying ashes at home is also an option. This comes with its own set of rules and regulations. We'll cover these soon in another blog post.

However, you don't have to choose any one of these options. You could, for instance, bury most of the ashes in a cemetery but keep a little in an urn at home. Or you could scatter half of the ashes in one place and half in another. Or share them between family members. It's up to you.

And remember that there are no deadlines. Don't feel rushed to do something with the ashes – you're free to take your time making your mind up.

Treasured Moments makes memories sparkle with beautiful memorial websites. It's the only build-a-tribute-page solution where everything is crafted for you by artists and experts. Why not look at some examples of what we can do? Or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Let memories sparkle: 6 inspiring memorial jewellery ideas

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:37:23 GMT

Are you looking for a creative way to remember a loved one? Explore 6 types of memorial jewellery.

When a loved one dies, there are public and private ways to remember them. Public remembrances can include the funeral service, condolence books, cards, memorial trees and more. In private, one way to remember a loved one is to buy a piece of memorial jewellery.

Jewellery is often used as a way to remember. The classic example is the wedding band. Pretty much any piece of jewellery can be made into a memorial: necklaces, bracelets, charms, cufflinks, dog tags – the list goes on.

There are many ways they can be made into a keepsake, too. A piece of memorial jewellery could contain a tiny compartment holding ashes, hair, soil from the burial site, or even a piece of clothing. Alternatively, those materials could be set into resin.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. One of the great things about memorial jewellery is how easy it is to personalise.

Memorial jewellery comes in different styles, from classic designs to the kinds of jewellery worn by fans of rock and metal music. It can be masculine, feminine or gender-neutral. It can look just like any other piece of jewellery or more obviously resemble a memorial.

Whatever you go for, it can be comforting to know that you're carrying a memorial to your loved one with you in your day-to-day life.

Here, then, are six ideas for inspiring memorial jewellery. We hope it helps you find the right piece for you.

1. Hair memorial jewellery

Memorial jewellery can be made with a lock of your loved one's hair. Some jewellers can set individual strands of hair into a hard-setting resin. This creates a discreet, beautiful and, above all, unique piece of jewellery to remember your loved one by.

Alternatively, you can get a piece of jewellery made with a small compartment to hold the lock of hair. This can be a standalone piece of jewellery like a pendant or a pair of earrings. Alternatively, it can be a separate compartment attached to a bracelet.

2. Memorial ashes jewellery

Like hair memorial jewellery, memorial ashes jewellery can take different forms.

You can get a piece of jewellery that contains or consists of a tiny urn, so you're always carrying around a sample of your loved one's ashes. You can get a piece of resin jewellery that encases the ashes. Or you can get a small box hanging off a separate piece of jewellery.

As with all these options, the piece of jewellery can be in any style. The main thing is to find a piece that reflects your feelings about the person who has died.

3. Fingerprint jewellery

If you have a photo or print of your loved one's fingerprints, you can have them printed onto a piece of jewellery.

This works like any other kind of jewellery printed with a photo. Typically, you choose your piece of jewellery and upload or send the photo to the jeweller. The result is a memorial piece that is truly unique.

4. Initials, names and other text

There are many options available for pieces of jewellery that include text.

You could have a pendant made out of the letters of your loved one's name, initials or years of birth and death. You could have their name or initials engraved onto a signet ring or other piece.

For a more personalised choice, you could have a piece of jewellery printed with a sample of your loved one's handwriting. Like fingerprint jewellery, this means that your memorial jewellery is literally one-of-a-kind.

5. Cremation diamonds

We've said that ashes can be set in resin or kept in a compartment. They can also be forged into diamonds.

This is done with a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) machine. This extraordinary piece of equipment is used to make lab-grown diamonds.

It achieves this in the same way diamonds are naturally formed, exposing carbon (in this case ashes) to extreme heat and pressure.

Once the diamond has been forged from the ashes, it can be cut and polished like any other piece of jewellery.

6. Memorial keychains

Perhaps you want to carry a keepsake with you but don't usually wear jewellery. If this sounds like you, you could consider buying a memorial keychain.

As with the other options, this could contain ashes, hair or other material. It could be engraved with initials or printed with fingerprints. The only limit is your imagination.

How to send materials

If your piece of memorial jewellery involves ashes, hair, soil or other materials, you may be wondering how to send them to the jeweller.

In most cases, the jeweller will send you a sample kit or collection kit. This will include instructions on how to store and send the materials.

It's important to note that this kind of jewellery can take time to produce. If you want it in time for a memorial service or anniversary, make sure to plan ahead.

How to look after memorial jewellery

Memorial jewellery is precious in two ways. It's a financial and emotional investment. For this reason alone, you'll want to take good care of it.

If your jewellery contains ashes, hair or another material, the material will be fully sealed. Even so, it can be sensible to take off a piece of cremation jewellery before it comes into contact with water.

Other than that, you should look after your memorial jewellery just like any other piece. Try to avoid situations where it could be tangled, scratched or otherwise damaged.

Most jewellers will provide you with guidelines on how to look after your purchase. These will depend on the metal or material used. It's important to follow these guidelines to avoid damaging your jewellery.

Are you looking for a unique, tailored memorial web page for a loved one? Explore a selection of tribute website examples from Treasured Moments – or feel free to get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions.

Funeral songs to Dad from his daughter: 8 beautiful tracks

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:10:58 GMT

Are you looking for music to play at your father's funeral? Here are 8 beautiful tracks to choose from.

Music can play an important part in a funeral or remembrance service. But it's not always easy to choose.

This is sometimes because people worry about getting the tone right. Is a song too sad or too uplifting? Does it fit the personality of the person who died?

Most of the time, there are no rules to follow. Yes, there's a sequence of events in many funerals. But you can choose the music that feels right for you and the person who died. This can help create a fitting tribute for the person who died and a moving experience for the attendees.

It can, however, be hard to make decisions at a time when there's lots to do and lots of emotion to process. That's why we've put together this list of beautiful tracks that can be played at a funeral from a daughter to her dad. We hope it helps.

1. Randy Newman: "Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father"

Taken from Randy Newman's 1977 album Little Criminals , this song combines wistful lyrics with a rich piano accompaniment.

Although the title is specific, the lyrics are general, asking us to "Sing a sad song for a good man / Sing a sad song for me". It finishes with the beautiful line, "Papa, we'll go sailing".

2. Johnny Cash: "You Are My Sunshine"

This song has been covered by many people. But the version by country singer Johnny Cash is especially popular at funerals.

It's a sweet, mid-tempo song about one person's love for another: "You'll never know, dear, how much I love you / Please don't take my sunshine away." It could be a suitable choice if you want a song that's not too sad but still expresses deep feelings.

3. Luther Vandross: "Dance with my Father"

The wish to see a person who died one more time is universal. In this song, soul singer Luther Vandross expresses it about his father:

If I could get another chance,

Another walk, another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever, ever end

It's a simple, heartfelt chorus that makes for a classic funeral song.

4. Celine Dion: "Because You Loved Me"

This soothing song from "The Queen of Power Ballads" expresses a universal sentiment: "I'm everything I am / Because you loved me".

Some of the lyrics, however, make it especially suitable for a song from a daughter to her dad – lines like "You saw the best there was in me / Lifted me up when I couldn't reach".

5. Queen: "The Show Must Go On"

Another power ballad, Queen's "The Show Must Go On" is a defiant anthem about keeping going. "Inside my heart is breaking / My makeup may be flaking / But my smile still stays on."

With its powerful singalong chorus, "The Show Must Go On" could be a fitting memorial to a dad who loved rock music. It could also be a way of reflecting your feelings and sharing them with others at the funeral.

6. Franz Schubert: "Ave Maria"

German composer Franz Schubert wrote a huge amount of music. Perhaps his most famous piece is the hymn "Ave Maria". Familiar to many from the Disney film Fantasia , it's a popular choice at funerals.

There are many versions. Usually, it's a simple arrangement of piano and vocals. The melody is calm and uplifting. This is perhaps why it was performed by the opera singer Luigi Vena at US President John F. Kennedy's funeral in 1963.

7. Frédéric Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2, third movement

Chopin was a classical composer known for his emotionally rich writing. The third movement of his second piano sonata is the famous funeral march ( Marche funèbre in French).

The solo piano version is reflective and yearning. There is, however, a huge range of versions for different instruments and ensembles. An arrangement by Napoléon Henri Reber was played at Chopin's own funeral in Paris in 1849.

8. Charles Mingus: "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat"

This classical jazz instrumental by American bassist and composer Charles Mingus could be a suitable choice if your dad was a jazz fan.

Written in memory of the sax player Lester Young, it's a sparse, spacious piece that ebbs and flows with emotion. Versions with lyrics are available – perhaps one will resonate with you.

When is music played at a funeral?

Music plays a big role in many funerals. It's played at different points of the service. This is something the organiser can choose.

Music can be played when the coffin is carried in. It can be played during the service, sometimes over a slideshow. Some funerals will feature hymns or other pieces of religious music. It can be played when the person who died is "committed" (the final goodbye before the body is put in the grave or crematorium).

We've written elsewhere about how to choose music for a funeral slideshow . We've also covered 10 beautiful songs and compositions for funerals .

Sometimes, the use of music in a funeral will be influenced by the religious beliefs of the person who died. Often, however, it's up to you.

This can lead to personal, heartfelt services that are full of depth and emotion. But it can also be difficult to choose a piece of music at a time of grief.

There's no right or wrong way to do it. The main thing to decide is what mood you want to create and what feeling you want to express. Often, this will be influenced by the life and character of the person who died.

We hope these suggestions help you make a choice that feels right for you and your dad.

At Treasured Moments, we create beautiful, bespoke remembrance websites . Explore our tribute examples to see what we can do – or get in touch in your own time if you'd like to ask a question.

How to make a funeral slideshow on PowerPoint

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:02:10 GMT

Looking for tips on making a PowerPoint slideshow for a funeral? Check out our simple how-to guide.

A slideshow at a funeral can be a powerful and memorable way to remember the person who died. It's a way of sharing memories, paying tribute, providing comfort and even giving loved ones a keepsake for later.

There's no right or wrong way to do it. But as with many aspects of the funeral, it can be hard to know where to start.

To help with this, we've put together this how-to guide. We hope it helps you create a slideshow that will be a fitting tribute to the person who died.

Why use PowerPoint?

There are many different pieces of software available that let you make slideshows. Some are paid, and some are free to use. So, why choose PowerPoint?

The answer is simple: PowerPoint is easy to use. It's the Microsoft Word of slideshow software. You don't need any specialist knowledge to use it. Yet it's packed with features that will give your presentation a professional look.

When making a slideshow for a funeral, most people have two priorities. They want the presentation to look the part, and they want to do the job with a minimum of fuss. PowerPoint lets you do both.

That said, there's no reason why you have to use PowerPoint over another piece of slideshow software. That's why we've included a list of alternatives towards the end of this article.

2. How to make a slideshow

First, open a new presentation on PowerPoint. Next, insert photos onto individual slides. You do this by clicking "Insert" on a slide, selecting "Picture", and adding a photo from your computer.

Once you've added the picture to the slide, you can change its size and position.

PowerPoint also lets you put in transitions between slides. One slide can fade into another, for instance, or "wipe" from one side to the other.

Some people like to put slides in a funeral presentation in chronological order. You can do this by dragging the slides into sequence.

You also have control over how long each photo is displayed for. Make sure to give mourners time to look at each slide.

You can also add text to the slides. You could label the location or event of a photo ("Sarah's wedding, Grassington, 1974", for instance). You could also include testimonials from friends, family and colleagues.

If you add text to a slide, you will need to leave it up longer than a slide that has just an image on it.

When your slideshow is finished, play through it to check the pacing and how the images and text are sized and positioned. You can then go back and make any changes before exporting it.

Finally, save the presentation as a video file you can play at the funeral. Do this by going to File > Export > Create a Video. Then choose a video format.

Adding music to your slideshow

Many people like to add music to a funeral slideshow. This is easy to do on PowerPoint.

The main thing to remember is that you can only add music you've saved as a file on your computer. Compatible formats are MP3, MP2, MPEG-4 and WAV.

You can play your presentation at the same time as music from a separate device, but this can lead to technical difficulties.

To add music, select the "Insert" tab and select "Audio". Next, select "Audio on My PC" and find the music file you want. Then select "Insert".

You're then able to sync the music with the slides by changing slide timings. Other options include audio trimming, fading in and out and adjusting volume.

As with the presentation itself, there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to music. It could be a song or composition that has the right atmosphere or something connected to the person who has died.

If you're stuck for ideas, read our blog post, "Music for a funeral slideshow: 10 beautiful songs and compositions" .

How long should it be?

The ideal length of your slideshow will depend on how much material you want to include. It will also depend on the other speeches, readings and pieces of music that need to be included in the service. That said, five to 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb.

Collaborative slideshows

One of the best things about funeral slideshows is that they can be collaborative. You can invite loved ones, friends and colleagues to provide photos and text for the slideshow.

It can be a good idea to tell people early on that you won't be able to include everything. This can help prevent disappointment and hurt feelings when emotions are already running high.

Whether you include others in the process or not, many people like to save the presentation so it can be shared after the funeral.

Alternatives to PowerPoint

There are many alternatives to PowerPoint available for all kinds of computers.

On Mac computers, you can use Apple's PowerPoint equivalent, Keynote. You can also use iMovie, although this is designed for movies rather than slideshows.

Online, two options include Canva and Google Slides.

These all give you the tools you need to make a professional-looking slideshow. However, you may want to include videos and a voiceover, as well as photos and text. In this situation, you may want to go down the professional route.

Choosing the professional option

The beauty of PowerPoint and similar pieces of software is that anyone can use them. However, you may have a vision for your funeral slideshow that you're not confident you can execute on your own.

That's where we come in. At Treasured Moments, we offer a bespoke remembrance film – a 10+ minute video collage featuring photos, home videos and a professional voiceover.

If you're interested, take a look at a sample funeral memorial video – or get in touch to learn more. We're always happy to answer questions.

How to make a memory box to remember a loved one

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:29:25 GMT

Making a memory box can help keep the memory of a loved one alive. Find out how in our article.

When a loved one dies, many people look for ways to remember them. It can be an important part of the grieving process and help you to face a future without them.

One way to do this is with a memory box. This is a box filled with special memories of the person who died.

In this article, we take a look at memory boxes – how to make one, what to include and where to keep it. We hope it helps you in your grief journey.

Why make a memory box?

The main purpose of a memory box is to remember. But they have other advantages, too.

Many people find it difficult to start sorting through the personal belongings of a person who's died. A memory box can help you begin this process.

Grief takes time. Sometimes, the ways we remember loved ones can feel rushed or over too soon. A memory box, by contrast, can be an ongoing project. You can work at your own pace, picking it up and putting it down as appropriate.

Making a memory box can help you reflect on your relationship with the person who died. It puts you in touch with the objects, photos and memories they've left behind.

A memory box also helps you keep mementoes safe.

Ultimately, a memory box can help you keep the memories of your loved one alive and help you to begin to face a future without them.

How to make a memory box

If you decide to make a memory box, your first decision is what the box will be. It can be a physical box, a jar or a drawer. This can be decorated with labels or images.

It can also be a digital space: a folder on iCloud or Google Drive, for instance, or a USB stick.

It can also be a memorial web page . This is a service we offer at Treasured Moments. It's a digital memorial filled with photos, videos and testimonials to commemorate a loved one.

What to include in a memory box

Once you've decided what your memory box will be, you need to choose what to put in it. In some ways, this is the most difficult part.

When a person dies, they often leave behind lots of personal possessions. On top of this, you will probably have many photos, keepsakes and other objects connected to them. How can you choose which ones to put in the memory box?

The most important thing here is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. The memory box is for you – not for anyone else.

You can still include friends or family members in the process. But if it's your memory box, you get to choose what goes in and what stays out.

The contents could reflect the interests of the person who died. It could focus on shared memories – photos, tickets, certificates and so on. Or it could include things that remind you of them.

For many people who make a memory box, choosing which items to include can be part of the grieving process. By looking through and selecting objects, you reflect on the person who died – the memories you shared, the life they lived and the things that mattered to them.

And you don't have to make it all at once. You can put one object in the box, put it down and come back to it later.

The possibilities are endless: photos, ornaments, recipes, scents, tickets, jewellery, cards and mugs are just a few examples.

If you've lost a baby, it can be especially hard to know what to put in the memory box. Some people choose pregnancy scans, a toy or a blanket.

Once you've filled your memory box, you need to decide where to put it.

Where to keep a memory box

Just as there are no right or wrong things to put in a memory box, so there's no right or wrong place to put it.

Many people, however, prefer to put their boxes somewhere safe and accessible. This could be a drawer, cupboard, mantlepiece or loft.

Where you store the box will depend on how often you want to look at it. It will also depend on the space available in your home.

If your memory box is in a USB stick or external hard drive, be sure to put it where you can find it later.

And if your memory box is online, make sure it's secure. Use a trusted online storage provider and give your account a strong password.

What are memory bears?

Memory boxes are just one way to remember a loved one. Another popular choice is a memory bear. This is a bear made from the clothing of a person who died.

A memory bear can bring comfort and keep the memory of a loved one alive. It can be personalised further with a message, initials or other design.

Making a memory box to pass on

So far, we've looked at memory boxes for people who have died. However, you may want to make one for the people you leave behind.

This could include a letter or message to your loved ones. It could feature photos, videos or other objects.

If you make a memory box to pass on, make sure to leave it where it can be found or tell a loved one where you've left it.

What is an online memorial webpage?

More and more people are choosing to remember their loved ones through a digital memorial. This is a memorial page for loved ones that features pictures, videos and testimonials of a person who died.

Here at Treasured Moments, we craft each memorial page by hand. There's no "one-size-fits-all", and we work closely with you to make sure the page is a fitting tribute.

If you'd like to learn more about Treasured Moments, get in touch with our team or see how our online remembrance service works .

What to write for online condolences

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:00:36 GMT

Writing online condolences can be tricky. Explore options for what to write and how to express your sympathy.

How do people express condolences to the loved ones of a person who died? Traditionally, one way would be via a condolence book. This is a physical book where you can write messages of condolence.

Today, however, many people choose online condolences instead. This can take two forms. The first is a digital book of condolences. This is sometimes hosted by the funeral home and sometimes by the loved ones.

The second place where people express condolences online is on social media. This could be on the memorialised account of the person who died or in a specially made group.

These are new ways to express condolences, and many people feel unsure about the etiquette. On top of this, it can often be difficult to know what to say. People worry about saying too much or too little.

Nevertheless, online condolences have many advantages. They give you time to think about your message. They often give you the chance to upload pictures. And they're international, meaning people from all over the world can post a message or comment.

Grief and condolences are personal. There's no right or wrong way to write an online condolence. You may, however, find yourself tongue-tied. We hope this article helps you write an online condolence that feels true to you and to the person who died.

Expressing sympathy

The main purpose of an online condolence is to express sympathy. Before you write your message, however, it can be worth reflecting on your relationship with the person who died.

If you were close, you've probably already given condolences in person or via a personal message. This means you can keep the message short and sweet.

If you weren't so close, bear in mind that your message may be one of many. This means loved ones will have a lot to read at a difficult time. For this reason, it can be best to keep your message on the short side.

Sometimes, you just need a simple sentence. Cliches are there for a reason. Something like "I'm sorry for your loss" makes the point quickly and clearly.

You might, however, want to send a longer message. This could involve showing appreciation for the person who died, mentioning the loved ones, sharing a memory, or some combination of the three.

Showing appreciation

Funerals, condolences and other forms of remembrance often include appreciation for the person who died. This can give comfort to the family by focusing on the positives of the person's life.

If you want to show appreciation for the person who died, you could say how grateful you are to have known them. You could say you were honoured to be their friend, colleague or relative.

You could also highlight something you found impressive about them. Were they a loving parent or a loyal friend? Did they have a passion, talent or hobby?

Adding a detail like this can give comfort to grieving relatives and loved ones. But as with expressing sympathy, it's best to keep messages on the shorter side and focus mostly on the person who died and their family.

Mentioning loved ones

Condolences are there to celebrate a person's life. They're also there to comfort loved ones.

You could do this by acknowledging what a difficult time it must be for them. You could mention people by name or refer to the family as a whole.

You could also acknowledge that words are inadequate to express what they must be going through. Putting the focus on their experience can give comfort and show care.

Sharing a memory

Sometimes, a condolence can include a memory of the person who died. This could be a memory of their personality or something you did together.

There's no recipe for getting it right. However, most people would agree it's best to put the person who died first. Try not to make yourself the centre of the story.

Signing off

If you keep the message short, you probably won't need a sign-off. A longer message, however, could end with something like "With deepest sympathy", "You're in our/my prayers", or "Thinking of you".

On social media

Condolences on social media are different from other online condolences because people can "react" to your message, comment on it and share it. You can do the same to other people's posts.

Reactions and comments can be supportive. As with other online condolences, take care not to say too much. You should also choose your "reaction" carefully. Some people may find a "thumbs up" (��) inappropriate.

Things to keep in mind

One advantage of online condolences is that you can take your time writing them. Read back what you have written. Is it clear? Are there spelling mistakes? Is it too long? Could you express it better?

Another thing to keep in mind is that everyone has their own experience of grief. You should avoid saying that your grief is greater than someone else's (even if it's true!)

Whatever the platform, it's widely accepted that the immediate family should post first.

A condolence is like any other communication – a text, a letter or a phone call. Keep the person you're speaking to in mind. Do they have time for a long message? Will your message give them comfort at a difficult time?

What if I don't want to share a condolence online?

You may not want to share a condolence online. This could be because you don't want your message to be public or you're not comfortable using the internet.

If that's the case, there's no issue. You can send a text, e-card, letter or sympathy card instead. If you don't have the address you need, send your card or letter to the funeral home instead.

Treasured Moments creates bespoke memorial websites that work like beautiful online condolence cards . Why not take five minutes to learn a bit more about what we do ? We're always happy to answer questions, too – just drop us a message when you're ready.

What is a digital legacy?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:28:37 GMT

What happens to your online files and accounts after you die? Find out how a digital legacy can help.

When a person dies, they often leave instructions on what should be done with their property, possessions and money. But more and more people are also creating digital legacies.

A digital legacy leaves instructions for what should be done with a person's online accounts, photos, videos and other online content.

Digital legacies are relatively new. This means many people are unsure how to create them and how to carry them out when a person dies. We hope this article helps you understand the issues involved.

What does a digital legacy include?

A person's will covers everything they own. A digital legacy covers everything they have online.

This includes social media profiles, online conversations, photos, videos, streaming service accounts, websites, blogs, online banking and other accounts.

When you write a digital legacy, you leave instructions on how these accounts should be dealt with. They can be deleted or left up. In some cases, they can be "memorialised" (left online as a way of remembering someone).

Many people have lots of digital assets (online accounts and files). But not many share their wishes on what should happen to them when they die. This can make it difficult for family, friends or loved ones to know what to do.

How do you plan a digital legacy?

The biggest part of a digital legacy is listing your accounts and saying what you want to happen to them. This is something that can be changed as you open or close accounts.

You might want to give a person you trust access to one or more of your devices – a computer, mobile, tablet or other smart device.

You might also want to make sure your photos and videos are backed up in the cloud or on an external hard drive. If you don't, they could be lost. In the case of photos, you can also print copies to make sure they can be accessed after you die.

Is a digital legacy part of a will?

Your will is a legal document. It tells the executor (the person who handles your estate) what should be done with your money, belongings and property when you die.

You can include instructions in your will about your digital assets. Alternatively, you can write a separate document called a "digital will" or "social media will".

This document would include details of all your online accounts and what you want to happen to them.

It would list your usernames and email addresses – but not your passwords. This is because most online platforms don't allow account access to be transferred when someone dies. Instead, they have their own processes for managing or deleting accounts.

As well as making this list, you should appoint a digital executor.

What is a digital executor?

A digital executor is the person you choose to handle your digital legacy. Ideally, it should be someone who knows about tech. It's usually one of the executors of your will.

You may want to tell the person in advance that you've chosen them as your digital executor. This gives you a chance to discuss your digital legacy with them. It also gives them a chance to mentally prepare.

What happens to photos, videos and files after you die?

If you've backed up your photos, videos and files, they can be accessed by your digital executor after your death.

If they're on an external hard drive, your digital executor can access it with your permission. You can also tell them the password if you have one.

If, however, your photos, videos and files are stored in an online cloud, your digital executor will need to contact the cloud provider. They will need to provide proof of death and prove their legal right to access the account.

What can you do with social media accounts?

Facebook and Instagram give you three options. First, you can delete the account. Secondly, you can leave it as it is. Thirdly, you can memorialise it. This turns the account into a public wall where friends and family can share memories.

To memorialise an account, you need to leave instructions in your settings. We've written about this in more detail in our guide to making a memorial Facebook page .

At the time of writing, there's no memorialisation option on X (formerly Twitter). However, the account can be deleted by a digital executor.

What about emails?

Access to email accounts works the same as access to cloud accounts. You need to go through the email provider. Most providers will delete email accounts after a fixed time.

Google lets you plan a digital legacy. You tell Google how long the account should be inactive before it's deleted. You can also give different contacts access to different parts of your Google account.

What about money stored online?

A digital legacy can include instructions about money stored online. This can include online banking, digital gift cards and cryptocurrency.

As with any other account, your digital executor should contact the provider and tell them your wishes.

Is a digital legacy legally binding?

A will, if valid, is a legally binding document. This means its wishes need to be acted on by law. If your will includes instructions about your digital legacy, those instructions are legally binding.

If, however, your digital legacy is stored in a separate document, it's not legally binding.

What are the benefits of a digital legacy?

The main benefit of a digital legacy is that it makes sure your online accounts and files are handled properly after you die.

On top of this, a digital legacy simplifies the task of handling those accounts and files for friends and family members.

Finally, it can make sure that your accounts aren't vulnerable to hackers after you die.

What is an online memorial?

An online memorial is a way of preserving someone's legacy online. It can be a website that includes photos, videos and memories from friends, family and colleagues.

At Treasured Moments, we provide a bespoke online memorial service that does just that. Interested? Take a look at our memorial website examples to see what we can do – or feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. We're always happy to answer questions.

How to make a memorial Facebook page

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:37:39 GMT

When a person dies, their Facebook page can be memorialised or deleted. Learn how to make it happen.

When a person dies, their Facebook page can be turned into a memorial page or deleted. This depends on their wishes and the wishes of loved ones.

A memorial page is a place where friends, coworkers and relatives can post photos, share memories and connect with each other.

But before you turn the page into a memorial, think about what the person who died would have wanted. Would they be happy to be remembered this way? If you're unsure, it might be best to delete the page instead.

If you decide it's the right thing to do, you can create a memorial page by following the steps on the Facebook help page .

What happens when an account is memorialised?

When an account is memorialised, friends and family can share memories, stories and photos on the page. The photos and posts of the person who died remain visible to friends and family.

A memorial Facebook page will have the word "Remembering" at the top next to the person's name. It will no longer show up in ads, birthday reminders or People You May Know suggestions.

No one can log into the account. However, a nominated person called a "legacy contact" can manage the page.

What is a legacy contact?

A legacy contact is someone named by the person who died to memorialise their Facebook page.

The legacy contact can respond to friend requests, add a pinned post, change the profile picture and change the cover photo. These options can be accessed by clicking on the bottom right of the cover photo and selecting "Manage".

A legacy contact can also download a copy of the page's original posts and photos.

They can't log into the account, view private messages or remove posts, photos or friends.

The Facebook page is now a memorial. You can choose a pinned post, profile photo and cover photo that reflect the personality of the person who died.

How do I set up a legacy contact?

If you want your Facebook page to be memorialised after you die, you can set up a legacy contact. To do this, you must be over 18.

First, click the dropdown arrow in the top right corner of the page. Choose "Settings". The second option is "Security". Click this to open the Security Settings page.

Find the "Legacy Contact" option and click "Edit". You then type in the name of a Facebook friend and add them as a legacy contact.

At the moment, you can only add a Facebook friend as a legacy contact.

You can send your legacy contact a message to tell them they've been chosen. If you don't, they won't find out until the page is memorialised.

You can also select to have your account deleted after you die. For this to happen, Facebook will need to be notified that you've died.

How do I delete the Facebook page of someone who has died?

Facebook will automatically memorialise a page when notified of someone's death. If you want the page to be deleted, you can contact Facebook directly.

You'll need to provide paperwork to show you're an immediate family member or executor (the person responsible for managing a person's estate after they die). A list of paperwork you need is on the Facebook website here .

How do I create a Facebook memorial group?

If the person who died asked for their Facebook page to be deleted, you might still want to give them an online memorial. You can do this by setting up a Facebook memorial group.

To do this, click "Create Group" beneath "Groups" on the left-hand sidebar of your own Facebook page. In the popup window, name your group, add members and set privacy settings. Then click "Create".

You can then upload a picture for the group and write a description.

You can also make the group secret. This means that it won't show up in search results. This can be a good idea if you want to protect the privacy of the person who died.

You can now start inviting friends and families to the memorial group.

What can you post on a Facebook memorial page?

The short answer is "anything". A Facebook memorial page is a place to share photos, videos and memories.

Make sure you post on the Facebook page itself. If you post on a link to the page, your comment won't be seen by all the members.

What do other social media sites offer?

You can also make a memorial account on Instagram. Unlike Facebook, you can't name a legacy contact.

When an Instagram page is memorialised, the account is locked. No one can log in. The word "Remembering" will be displayed next to the person's name.

The photos, reels and comments posted by the person who died will stay online. You can't edit or delete them. You also can't remove followers or unfollow any accounts.

You can ask Instagram to remove the account. To do this, fill in a memorialisation request form . You'll need to provide proof that you're a close family member or executor.

About Treasured Moments

Facebook memorial pages and groups can be great places to share memories about the person who died and connect with their friends, coworkers and relatives. But at Treasured Moments, we go one step further.

We're the UK's only memorial site that crafts every memorial web page by hand. We tell their story and capture their legacy in detail.

We don't use templates or rules. Each page is personalised to tell the person's story in the most fitting way possible.

Pages can include a professionally written tribute, photos, quotes, poems, messages from loved ones, music, videos and remembrance films.

If you're interested in finding out more, take a look at one of our sample pages or get in touch . We'd love to answer any questions you might have.

What's the best way to find obituaries online?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:46:29 GMT

Are you looking for an obituary online and don't know where to start? Explore your options in our guide.

If you're looking for an obituary online, it can be hard to know where to start. However, there are several resources you can use to find what you're looking for.

Sometimes, an obituary can be found through a simple online search. At other times, you'll need to use dedicated genealogy (family tree) websites and online newspapers.

We hope this article helps you find the obituary you're looking for.

Search engines

Start with a basic Google search. If the person who died has an unusual name, you might be able to find their obituary with just their name.

If that doesn't yield results, try adding the word "obituary", the place of death, the year of death and the surnames of other family members. The married names of female relatives can be invaluable, as can the first names of family members.

You can also add quotation marks to search terms to narrow down results. If you search for "Pat Garrett" "Duluth", you will only get results that include those terms in full.

You can also remove words from search results by adding the minus sign (-). Let's say you're searching for the obituary of John Carpenter. You might get search results about carpenters as well as Carpenters. To avoid this, you could search for "John Carpenter obituary -woodwork".

Finally, you can use asterisks (*) to replace a letter or group of letters. This can be useful if you don't know how to spell the name of the person who died. You could search for "Dy*" to return all surnames starting with "Dy" or "P*per" to return both Piper and Pyper.

Genealogy websites

Genealogy websites let users find out more about their family history. They include historical records like birth, marriage and death certificates, census data and other documents. Some offer DNA testing.

People often use them to write a family tree. But they can also be used to find a specific obituary.

[IMAGE: a family tree (ideally on a computer screen)]

If you haven't found your obituary through a basic Google search, try a website like FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage or The Genealogist.

Different sites offer different services. But using a combination of these will let you search historical records, death certificates and old newspapers.

Local newspapers

Local newspapers often publish obituaries online. If you know that the person died in Duluth, for instance, you could find the local papers in the area and search their archives. It's worth knowing that some local newspapers ask you to pay for a subscription before you can access their content.

National newspapers also run obituaries, but these tend to be of famous or notable people.

Funeral home and cremation websites

If you can't find a person's obituary, you might be able to find a death notice on a funeral home or cremation website. This could give you information that will help you in your search for the obituary.

Did the person live in different places?

Perhaps the person who died lived in London, Paris and Duluth at different times of their life. If this is the case, you should search the newspapers local to each area.

What if I can't find the obituary online?

If the person died before the internet became widely used, their obituary may not have been digitised (put online). In this case, you will have to look in physical archives.

You could contact the newspaper local to the area where the person died. There may be physical archives you can search.

Obituaries can also be found in public libraries, university archives and genealogical societies.

Do you know the date of death?

If you know the name of the person who died and the exact date of their death, your search is likely to be quick. However, many genealogy sites let you search for obituaries within a time frame.

If you don't know the date of death, don't worry. You should still be able to find the obituary.

How have obituaries changed over time?

Since newspapers were invented, people have used them to notify the community of a person's death.

In the early days of print, obituaries were on the short side. They would be printed under headings like "Died", "Deaths" and "Memorials". They tended to be for rich or famous people. Ordinary people often didn't have obituaries printed at all.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, obituaries became more detailed.

With the advent of the internet came online obituaries. These can be found in online newspapers or on dedicated memorial platforms.

Where does the word "obituary" come from?

The word "obituary" comes from the medieval Latin obituarius . This means "a record of the death of a person".

Obituaries are sometimes informally referred to as "obits".

Who writes obituaries?

Anyone can write an obituary. They are usually written by someone close to the person who died, whether that's a friend, relative or spouse. You can also pay people to write professional obituaries.

National newspapers have their own obituary writers. These obituaries are for people in the public eye.

Are obituaries a legal requirement?

In the UK, there is no legal requirement to publish an obituary when someone dies. However, you are legally required to register their death with the relevant authorities.

Can an obituary be used as a legal document?

An obituary can't be used as a legal document in the UK as it's not considered legally binding. This means it can't be used to settle disagreements about a person's inheritance. In these kinds of situations, a death certificate is the most important legal document.

We hope this article will help you find the obituary you're looking for. If you're looking for a way to memorialise a loved one online, why not explore Treasured Moments ? We create beautiful tribute sites that are tailor-made for your memories. Take a look at our tribute website examples to get an idea of what we do.

Music for a funeral slideshow: 10 beautiful songs and compositions

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:21:22 GMT

Making a slideshow for a funeral and don't know what music to include? Explore 10 popular choices.

Music has always been an important part of funeral services. Today, it can make a funeral slideshow even more powerful, moving and reflective.

There's no right or wrong way to do it. Some people choose a favourite piece of music of the person who died. Others choose a piece of music that matches and enhances the atmosphere of the funeral.

It can, however, be difficult to make a decision. To help you out, we've put together a list of 10 beautiful songs and compositions.

Most of these are instrumental. If you don't find what you're looking for, you could also explore our list of the UK's top 10 most popular funeral songs . These could also be suitable for your slideshow.

So, without further ado, here are 10 songs and compositions. We hope you find something that inspires you.

1. Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings

This piece by American composer Samuel Barber is often played at funerals. It has a yearning, passionate quality that can create a moving effect as part of a funeral slideshow.

It's one of those pieces of classical music that many people know, even if they don't know the name. It was played at Albert Einstein's funeral in 1955 and in a radio broadcast following the funeral of John. F Kennedy in 1963.

2. Johann Pachelbel: Canon in D

Often called "Pachelbel's Canon", this piece placed number two on Co-Op Funeralcare's 2012 list of the most popular music at funerals.

The first few seconds tell you why. This is sombre, majestic music that's both soothing and stirring.

Outside of funerals, it's an extremely influential piece of music. Its chords have been used in dozens of pop songs, from Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry" to Coolio's "C U When U Get There".

3. Ludovico Einaudi: Nuvole Bianche

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer. He writes classical music that incorporates elements of pop, rock, folk and world music. He's also written a lot of music for films.

One of his most famous pieces of music is "Nuvole Bianche". It's a peaceful composition with plenty of space. Its simple beauty makes it ideal for a reflective moment in a funeral slideshow.

4. Bill Evans: Peace Piece

Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer, perhaps most famous for playing on Miles Davis's classic jazz album Kind of Blue .

In 1958, he recorded his instrumental composition "Peace Piece". It's built around just two chords and has a tranquil, flowing quality.

A teenage admirer once told Evans that "Peace Piece" made him feel like "he was standing all alone in New York". It's also well suited to a memorial gathering, creating a sense of calm reflection.

5. Edward Elgar: Nimrod

English composer Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations include a famous Adagio that's often played at funerals and memorial services.

Each year, it's an important part of the National Service of Remembrance in London – and it was performed during the 2022 BBC Proms after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It begins with hushed violins before introducing a gorgeous melody, gradually building to an unforgettable climax.

6. Bob Dylan: Knockin' on Heaven's Door

This famous song was written by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973). It's been widely covered and has become a staple at many memorial services.

Its simple chords, melody and lyrics all make it ideal for a funeral slideshow, especially for lovers of classic rock.

In 2018, Dylan revisited the song as part of his Mondo Scripto series of handwritten lyrics and illustrations.

7. Percy Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry

Percy Grainger was an Australian composer and pianist. One of his most famous pieces is "Irish Tune from County Derry", a setting of a traditional Irish melody. While it includes strings, the piece focuses on wind and brass instruments.

Like "Nimrod", it gradually builds to a climax. This could work as the climax of a slideshow. Alternatively, you could just use the beginning of the piece.

8. Arvo Pärt: Cantus

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt wrote "Cantus" in 1977 in memory of the English composer Benjamin Britten. Since then, it's been played at many memorial services.

The piece is deceptively simple, with strings playing a repeated melody to the accompaniment of a bell. Despite its simplicity, this piece can stir strong feelings.

It's also famous for beginning and ending with "scored silence" – in other words, the musical score asks the musicians to be silent. This contrast between music and silence has been said to reflect the relationship between life and death.

9. Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending

This piece for solo violin and orchestra is often played at funerals. The violin part seems to float above the orchestra like the skylark in the title.

Its peaceful, nostalgic quality makes "The Lark Ascending" a popular choice for funerals and could add a reflective atmosphere to a slideshow.

10. J.S. Bach: Air on a G String

Our final choice is J.S. Bach's gorgeous "Air on a G String". The most famous version was arranged by German violinist August Wilhelmj in 1871.

It has a stately quality that could add a touch of majesty to a funeral slideshow. Alternatively, you could choose Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which took "Air on a G String" as its starting point.

We hope you find the perfect song or composition for your funeral slideshow. If you're looking for ways to honour the memory of someone who has died, why not consider a Treasured Moments tribute site ? It's a digital memorial that captures your most precious memories online – and it's tailor-made for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions or explore our sample pages .

Understanding debt when a person dies

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:04:02 GMT

What happens when a person dies leaving debts unpaid? Find out what you might need to do in our guide.

When a person dies, they leave an estate. An estate is everything they owned: money, property and personal belongings. It also includes any debts that haven't been paid off yet.

If they wrote a will, the executor is responsible for sorting out the debts. This is the person named by the person who died to manage their affairs. If no will has been left, the will passes to an administrator.

If your spouse or relative has just died leaving debts, you may be worried about how they're going to get paid off and where the money will come from.

Thankfully, debt never passes to a surviving spouse or family member. It's paid off with money that the person who died has left.

In some situations, that person hasn't left enough money to pay off all their debts. When this happens, the debts are paid off in order of priority. When the money runs out, the debts are usually written off (removed).

There's only one situation when a surviving relative or family member has to pay off these debts. This is when the debt was shared or "joint". If you shared a mortgage, for example, the debt will pass to you.

In all other instances, the money is paid for from the estate.

I'm the executor and the person who died left debts. What do I have to do?

If you're the executor and the person who died left debts, you have two main tasks. You have to find out what the debts are and make sure they're paid off.

First, you need to go through any financial documents or statements and make of list of all the unpaid debts.

You also need to find out if any of these debts had a guarantor (a person who agrees to pay a debt if the borrower can't). If they did, the guarantor is responsible for paying the debt if it can't be paid out of the estate.

You then need to find out what kinds of debts they are. This is because different kinds of debts have to be dealt with in different ways.

There are many kinds of debts and it would take a whole other article to explain them all.

However, the most important things to know are:

Most debts are paid from the value of the person's estate. This means you, as executor, have to arrange to pay these debts – but you shouldn't have to pay from your own pocket.

There are exceptions to this rule. One of the most common exceptions is shared debt.

How shared debts work

If your partner or other relative has died, it's important to find out whether you shared any of the debts with them. If you took out a loan together, had a joint mortgage or had a joint bank account, any debt will fall to you.

You should ask creditors to take your partner's name off future bills. If you're struggling to pay, see if you can pay in lower amounts over a longer period.

Telling creditors

Creditors are people who are owed money. An executor needs to tell creditors that the person in debt has died.

First, you should try to contact all the lenders. Secondly, you should place a notice on The Gazette website. Finally, you should put a notice in the newspaper local to where the person lived or worked.

These are three ways of telling creditors not to make a claim against the estate.

What if there's insurance?

If the person who died had insurance, it can sometimes be used to pay off debts. However, this depends on the type of insurance and the terms of the policy.

You need to check the terms of the insurance policy before making any assumptions. Some insurance is paid out for illness but not death, for example.

If the insurance policy does cover death, you can contact the company and make a claim. This money can then be used to pay off the debts.

Without insurance, the executor has to pay off the debts from the estate.

Paying off debts in priority order

Sometimes, a person dies and doesn't leave enough money to pay off their debts. In this situation, the debts should be paid off in priority order.

First to be paid off are secured debts such as mortgage repayments. These are debts secured with a possession like a car or piece of valuable jewellery.

Next comes priority debts such as income tax and council tax. Once these are paid, the executor moves on to unsecured debts such as utility bills and credit cards.

If there's enough money in the estate to cover all the debts, you can pay them off in any order.

Sometimes, an asset like a car or a house can be sold to help pay off debts. This is an option you'll have to consider if the estate doesn't cover all the debts that need to be paid off.

I'm struggling to pay joint debts after the death of my partner. What do I do?

If you're struggling to pay joint debts after the death of your partner, you're not alone. Know that many other people have been in your situation and come out the other side.

Unfortunately, we're not in a position to offer financial advice. So, your best bet is to get a debt advisor who will give you financial advice without judgment.

Are families responsible for debt after death?

No. Debt isn't passed on to surviving family members in the UK. Family members and friends are never responsible for paying off the debts of someone who has died unless they shared the debt in the first place.

Do credit card debts die with you?

You might have heard that credit card debts are written off after you die. This is a myth. Like any other debt, they must be paid off out of your estate and only get written off if the estate runs out of money.

We hope this article has helped you understand debt when a person dies. Treasured Moments creates beautiful digital memorials that help make memories brighter. For more help and advice, follow our blog .

Treasured Moments: how our web memorials work

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:33:45 GMT

Treasured Moments creates beautiful web memorials. Learn what makes them different and how it all works.

Do you want to pay tribute to a person who has died?

There are lots of ways to honour a person's life and legacy. You could hold a memorial service or a celebration of life ceremony. You could personalise the funeral or wake with themed decorations. You could scatter their ashes in a special place. Or you could invest in a memorial keepsake, such as a piece of jewellery or an engraved ornament.

What you choose is completely up to you. It all depends on what feels right for your loved one and what you think might help you cope with your grief.

One option that's getting more popular is a web memorial. This is a type of virtual tribute that lets you memorialise a loved one online.

In this guide, we explore web memorials in more detail and show you how our online tribute service works.

What is a web memorial?

A web memorial is any kind of tribute that's published on the internet.

In its simplest form, a web memorial could be a Facebook page that's set up so people can leave condolence messages and share in their grief. Or it could be an Instagram post that expresses condolences to the person's family.

Web memorials aren't limited to text and images, either. For instance, you could film a YouTube video where you say a few words from the heart.

To make these kinds of memorials, you only need an internet connection and a social media account. But there are specialised memorial websites, too. These might be more suitable if you want your tribute to follow a set format.

You'll find lots of these web memorial platforms online. Features vary from one to the next, but generally, they allow you to write a short tribute to the person who has died and share some treasured photographs. They might also allow others to post messages of condolence.

How is Treasured Moments different?

Standard web memorial platforms are fine if you want a simple place where people can visit and pay their respects online.

But they do have a couple of limitations. One of the biggest is customisability: most platforms only offer one layout or a handful of options. If you want to personalise your memorial to reflect your loved one's hobbies or personality, there's not much you can do beyond changing the text or uploading different pictures.

Then there's the issue of actually making the memorial. Most web memorial platforms rely on you to provide the text and make sure everything looks just right.

That's fine if you enjoy this kind of thing. You might even find the process therapeutic. But if you don't have the time or mental energy, it can feel like one more job on a long, long list.

Treasured Moments works differently. When you choose our web memorial service, you get a beautiful tribute website that's hand-crafted for you by experts.

You have control over what's included and how it looks. However, the actual creation process is handled by our UK-based team of web artists, writers and video specialists.

This means you can relax knowing that your web memorial is in good hands. Plus, you can be sure that the finished product will have a professional look and feel that's hard to achieve on your own.

What can my web memorial include?

A Treasured Moments web memorial can feature almost anything you like. Remember: it's your tribute and we're here to make sure it matches your vision to a T.

That includes features you'll find on most make-a-memorial websites, including photo galleries and a space for a written tribute. But the difference with Treasured Moments is that there's no limit on the number of photographs you can showcase – and the written tribute is crafted by a professional writer based on the memories you share.

And that's not all – far from it. You can also add messages of sympathy from family members. You can include favourite poems or meaningful quotes. And you can embed music and videos, such as a YouTube video of your loved one's favourite song.

If you really want to do something special, we can even make a video for you. This will take pride of place within your web memorial and will feature a professional script and narration, plus a slideshow of your most cherished photographs.

And don't forget that you have control over the layout of your web memorial. You're not stuck with one template. You can include as much text and as many images as you like – and we'll craft your tribute from the ground up so it feels as unique as a custom-made memorial keepsake.

Here's a list of some of the things you can include:

Professionally written tribute
Photo gallery
Quotes
Poems
Messages of sympathy from loved ones
Embedded music and videos
Bespoke remembrance film (with Orchid and Lily tributes)
Unique URL and QR code so you can share your web memorial with others

But – again – this is just a guide. If you have something special in mind, just let us know . Our designers will always do their best to make it happen.

How does the process work?

Getting started is simple. All you have to do is get in touch and a member of our team will talk you through the process.

Next, you'll fill in our online submissions form . This is where you can share memories and let us know about the person who has died. We'll use the information you provide when we write and build your web memorial.

But before we get started, we'll give you a call or get in touch by email (your choice). This is to make sure we understand exactly what you want and to request more details if necessary.

And that's it! All you have to do is wait. In just a few weeks, you'll have a beautiful online memorial that you can visit, share and cherish.

We hope it brings you comfort for many years to come.

Are you interested in a Treasured Moments memorial web page ? Why not learn more about how it works or explore our sample pages ? Alternatively, get in touch if you're ready to get started or have any questions. Our friendly UK-based team is always happy to help.

The UK's top 10 most popular funeral songs

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:26:45 GMT

Are you looking for funeral music ideas? Find a fitting tribute with our list of the UK's top 10 funeral songs.

Music plays an important role in many funeral traditions – from the hymns and psalms of Christian funerals to the chanted mantras of Hindu ceremonies.

Nowadays, it's quite common to hear popular music at funerals, too. Often, people choose songs that meant a lot to the person who has died or tunes with a powerfully emotional feel.

Are you organising a funeral and looking for music ideas? We've listed the UK's top 10 most-played funeral songs below, based on 2024 research by SunLife .

These songs are firm funeral favourites, so you might want to start by listening to a few. You'll find a mix of pop songs, opera and Christian hymns. We hope you find one that fits the funeral you're planning.

1. Abide With Me

This 19th-century hymn has taken the top spot in SunLife's chart for at least two years running.

Perhaps that's because its lyrics are so meaningful and relevant. "Abide With Me" was written by a Scottish clergyman called Henry Francis Lyte when he was dying of tuberculosis. The words he wrote send a powerful message about faith and strength in the face of death:

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness

Where is death's sting?

Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me

Many artists have recorded versions of the hymn. Here's a moving rendition by American singer-songwriter Audrey Assad.

2. Frank Sinatra – My Way

Not only is "My Way" the second-most played song at UK funerals, but it's also the song people most often request for their own funerals.

It's easy to hear why. The lyrics speak of a life lived well, even in the face of adversity. For the narrator, regrets and hurdles don't matter because, throughout thick and thin, they followed their own path.

Of course, it's a wonderfully catchy tune, too.

3. Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" is one of the most popular Christian hymns ever written, so it's hardly surprising that it's so high on the list. Many famous artists have tackled it, including Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.

The hymn was composed in 1772 and published in 1779. It's not often that a song remains so powerful – and popular – more than 200 years after it was written.

4. Gerry and the Pacemakers – You'll Never Walk Alone

While this song topped the UK charts on its release in 1963, it's perhaps best known today for its association with Liverpool Football Club. "You'll never walk alone" has become the club's official motto – and the song is sung by fans before the start of every home game.

You don't have to be a Liverpool fan to appreciate it, though. Its gentle, surging arrangement and comforting lyrics are universally affecting.

5. The Lord's My Shepherd

Of all the songs on this list, "The Lord's My Shepherd" is by far the oldest. The hymn was written in 1650. However, it's based on the biblical Psalm 23, which experts believe was composed around 3,000 years ago.

The lyrics tackle similar themes to "Abide With Me": the narrator trusts that God will guide and protect them through life and in death.

Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

Yet I will fear none ill,

For Thou are with me; and thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

6. Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli – Time to Say Goodbye

You've no doubt heard this operatic pop number.

Its original Italian version, performed solo by Andrea Bocelli, was a huge hit across Europe. But when Bocelli teamed up with Sarah Brightman for this English-Italian rerelease, it became even more popular. In fact, it remains Germany's third-best-selling single of all time.

It works well as a funeral song because the lyrics feel relevant and the performance is powerful and moving. Give it a listen and see what you think.

7. Robbie Williams – Angels

This ballad made Robbie Williams a superstar in the UK in 1997. It's still widely played and much-loved today – especially as a funeral song.

It's a bit different to most of the songs on this list. "Angels" has a big 1990s pop sound and the lyrics are full of hope and optimism.

"Through it all, she offers me protection", sings Williams. You could interpret this to mean a guardian angel or as saying a person's love will live on in the hearts of their friends and relatives.

8. Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings

If you're looking for a song that pays tribute to a person who has died, you won't find many more fitting than "Wind Beneath My Wings". "Did you ever know that you're my hero?" asks Midler in this classic ballad. "You're everything I would like to be."

Midler's version was released in 1988 on the soundtrack to the film Beaches , in which she also starred. However, the song had already been a hit for several artists, including R&B star Lou Rawls and Australian singer Colleen Hewett.

9. Jerusalem

This hymn is much-loved in the UK – so much so, in fact, that some have suggested it should replace the national anthem.

The lyrics don't really mention death or grief. But that hardly matters because the melody is so beautiful and the words so inspiringly patriotic. It's the kind of song that could stir emotions in anyone.

English poet William Blake wrote the words in the early 19th century. The famous musical accompaniment followed in 1916.

10. He will call

This beautiful, hope-filled song is often chosen by Jehovah’s Witnesses for funerals, offering comfort with its touching message of resurrection and God's promise to reunite loved ones. "He Will Call" speaks of life’s fleeting nature and reassures listeners that death isn’t the end. The heartfelt lyrics remind us of the resurrection hope found in the Bible, with the chorus declaring: "He will call; The dead will answer. They will live at his command." It's a powerful reminder that, in God’s memory, no one is forgotten.

We hope you find the perfect funeral song to give your loved one a fitting send-off. If you're looking

for ways to honour their memory, why not consider a Treasured Moments tribute site ? It's a digital memorial that captures your most precious memories online – and it's tailor-made for you. Learn more about how they work .

7 inspiring poems for a funeral service or condolence card

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:26:04 GMT

Are you looking for funeral poems that have a hopeful feel? Take a look at 7 of our favourite readings.

Poetry is powerful. With a few choice words, a poet can make us think, reflect and feel all sorts of emotions.

A good poem can also help us process difficult emotions – especially when it comes to grief and bereavement. You'll find lots of poems online that deal with death and dying, often with a sombre or bittersweet note.

But in this guide, we're going to take a different approach. We'll look at seven poems about death that are more inspiring than sad. These pieces acknowledge the pain of bereavement while using it as a foundation on which to learn and grow.

You could read one of these poems at the funeral, write it in a condolence card or simply read it to yourself for comfort.

1. "Alive" by Winifred M. Letts

For most of us, losing a loved one is among the most upsetting and disruptive things we'll ever experience. But often, with time, this emotional jolt can lead to a new appreciation for life and the beauty of the world around us. Perhaps it's because the person's death reminds us that life is fragile and temporary – so we should try to make the most of every moment.

That's the overarching theme in "Alive" by Winifred M. Letts. The poem's narrator has come to accept their loved one's passing and now feels "alert" and ready to "delight [their] soul with many things". By the closing lines, they come to "praise Death" and the memory of their loved one for giving their life new meaning.

Read the full poem

2. "A Song of Living" by Amelia Josephine Burr

Like "Alive", Amelia Josephine Burr's "A Song of Living" is a poem about living life to the fullest. This time, however, the roles are reversed. Instead of a bereaved person reacting to a loved one's passing, it's told from the perspective of a living person reflecting on their own eventual death.

As far as the narrator is concerned, they have nothing to fear about death because their life has been so full and rewarding. This point is emphasised with the repeated refrain, "Because I have loved live, I shall have no sorrow to die".

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.

I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.

My cheeks like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

Read the full poem

3. "Joy in Death" by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She was little appreciated while alive but is now considered one of the finest writers of her day.

Her "Joy in Death" is a Christian poem that strips bereavement back to a basic question. If the person who died is now in Heaven, Dickinson asks, shouldn't we be happy for them?

Here's an extract:

That bells should joyful ring to tell

A soul has gone to heaven,

Would seem to me the proper way

A good news should be given.

Read the full poem

4. "Epitaph" by Merrit Malloy

The message behind "Epitaph" is that people die, but their love will live on so long as their kith and kin are around to share it.

"When I die", the narrator says, "give what's left of me away." They ask their loved ones to focus on the world around them – their friends, their relatives and their community. To give hugs, hold hands, cry for their brothers and find strength in their memory.

Read the full poem

5. "To My Father" by Georgia Harkness

In a world obsessed with youth and beauty, ageing is often presented negatively. Growing old is something to be feared, forgotten or staved off with creams, cures and tinctures.

"To My Father" turns this notion on its head. In this powerful tribute poem, Georgia Harkness compares her father to a huge, old pine tree – strong, graceful and unafraid of life's surprises. For Harkness, to be old is to be wise and to command respect, just like that gentle old tree.

Indeed, when the tree eventually dies, it's remembered by all who pass the spot where it fell.

Read the full poem

6. "Music, When Soft Voices Die (To --)" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

This is a celebrated 19th-century poem composed by the Romantic writer Percy Bysshe Shelley. Like many poems on this list, it explores the idea that love is too powerful to be quenched by death.

For Shelley, love is like music or the scent of flowers. Just as a beautiful song or fragrant odour can linger in the minds of those who experience them, so love can echo in the memories of the bereaved.

This is a very short poem with only two verses, so it would be a good choice for a condolence letter or card.

Music, when soft voices die,

Vibrates in the memory—

Odours, when sweet violets sicken,

Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,

Are heaped for the belovèd's bed;

And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,

Love itself shall slumber on.

7. A funeral reading about the cosmos by Gerald D. Waxman

We're bending the rules a little here. This piece isn't so much a poem as a piece of prose – but with its stirring take on science, space and the nature of existence, it feels just as poetic as any sonnet or sestina.

The quote is too long to print in full. But the gist goes like this: we humans feel an ineffable tug towards the cosmos. We stare at the stars as we gaze into the ocean – as if searching for deeper meaning in its unknowable majesty. For the author, Gerald D. Waxman, this is because something in our DNA recognises that the molecules that make up our bodies were born in those very stars.

"We are star stuff," writes Waxman. "Keep looking up."

Read the piece in full

Treasured Moments is a UK-based team that creates beautiful, bespoke tribute websites. Are you organising a funeral and need advice or inspiration? Explore more funeral planning guides .

5 memorial keepsake ideas to pay tribute to a loved one

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:15:35 GMT

Looking for a unique way to remember a loved one? Discover 5 ideas for cherishable memorial keepsakes.

We all process grief differently. It's a complicated emotion that can churn up all sorts of feelings, from sadness to confusion to anger.

The important thing to remember is that there is no "correct" way to grieve. That's because grief is a bit like a maze – and while friends, relatives and professionals can point us in the right direction, we ultimately have to find our own way through it.

For some, this will mean seeking solace in hobbies or interests. For others, it might involve joining a support group or turning to their social circle for comfort.

Memorial keepsakes can also help. These are items that serve to remind us of a person who has died. Many people find comfort in these keepsakes because they make them feel connected to a loved one after they've gone.

In this guide, we look at why memorial keepsakes work and suggest a few types of keepsakes that might offer comfort in a difficult time.

What is a memorial keepsake?

A memorial keepsake is an item that reminds us of someone who has passed away.

There are many kinds of memorial keepsakes, ranging from personalised ornaments to decorative urns to jewellery. Even something as simple as a lock of hair or a treasured photograph can serve as a memorial keepsake.

What connects all these different items is their purpose. For many people, a keepsake is a way to feel close to a person who has died and allow their memory to live on.

Can memorial keepsakes help with grief?

For some people, yes. It all depends on how you process grief and the kind of support that works for you.

Some might say you only need to look at the popularity of memorial keepsakes for proof. The keepsake industry is thriving – so, by one measure at least, they must be doing some good.

And while there hasn't been much research into keepsakes and their impact on grief, one study has hinted at positive effects.

The research team interviewed family members who received keepsakes from the medical staff who cared for their loved ones. They found that broadly speaking, the keepsakes were "highly valued by family members" and receiving the keepsake was "viewed as a gesture of compassion".

Perhaps the most compelling proof, however, is that we humans have been holding onto keepsakes for years. At least 2,000 years, in fact.

A University of York study suggested that Iron Age people kept everyday items that their loved ones had used. These were typically objects with little monetary value, such as spoons.

This behaviour is not unlike how people today sometimes hold onto worn-out shoes or other pieces of clothing. It seems to show that keepsakes are a very natural – and very human – part of the grieving process.

Memorial keepsake ideas

1. A memory bear

Memory bears are cute, smiley cuddly toys that you can cherish as a keepsake of your loved one.

But there's a big difference between these bears and typical teddies. See, memory bears are made using real clothing items your loved one wore. Often, they can be personalised with stitched messages, too.

Variations include memory cushions and a wide range of alternative animal designs, such as bunnies, dogs and even hedgehogs.

2. A garden ornament

The UK is a nation of gardeners – and many of us use our gardens as places of peace, quiet and reflection.

Perhaps that's why memorial garden ornaments are so popular. They can serve as a gentle and welcome reminder of a loved one's presence when we're already in a reflective mood.

There are myriad types of memorial ornaments on the market. Take a look and you'll find engraved stones, metal plaques, detailed sculptures and much more besides.

3. A piece of memorial jewellery

Memorial jewellery is a broad category that deserves its own article. There's a huge variety of personalised trinkets available, as well as unique handmade items created by master craftspeople.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

A simple metal pendant engraved with a loved one's thumbprint
A locket that folds out to reveal treasured photographs
A transparent resin pendant that contains a lock of hair
Something with personal meaning, such as earrings with a favourite gemstone or themed jewellery that reflects a loved one's hobby

If your loved one was cremated, you can even have their ashes turned into toughened glass crystals. These gems can then be incorporated into a beautiful and unique piece of jewellery.

4. A decorative urn

All urns are keepsakes. It doesn't matter whether they're as simple as a wooden box or as ornamental as a Ming vase.

Still, many people choose decorative or personalised urns because they can make loved ones feel that little bit closer. You'll find all sorts of options online, ranging from urns with photographs to themed urns that reflect hobbies and interests.

5. A remembrance website

Keepsakes don't have to be tangible, real-world objects. Online keepsakes are becoming more and more popular. These include things like digital memory boxes and Facebook memorial pages, where friends can access photos of the person who has died and share memories on their timeline.

Another option is a remembrance website . This is like a personal website for someone who has died. These kinds of sites often include photographs, written tributes and space for people to write their own condolence messages .

Remembrance websites might not work for everyone. Some people prefer having a real object they can hold and feel – and that's fine.

But the advantage of a remembrance website is that you can share your loved one's story with anyone you like. Simply provide a link to the site and friends and relatives can access it whenever they please.

And, of course, so can you. Your remembrance site can become a special place online where you can reflect, take stock and relive some of your most treasured memories.

Are you interested in creating a remembrance website? Treasured Moments crafts beautiful, unique online tributes that help make memories brighter. Learn how it all works – or feel free to get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions. [link to 'For you/how it works' page // link to contact page]

Direct cremation: facts and misconceptions

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:43:01 GMT

As direct cremation becomes more popular, so do the myths surrounding it. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Funerals are forever evolving. While some follow the traditions of their culture or faith, many others are embracing unique and personalised ceremonies that feel more like celebrations of life.

Nowadays, it's not uncommon to see funeral guests wear bright colours. Or for wakes to be decorated to fit themes like football teams or favourite hobbies. Some friends and relatives even choose personalised coffins and hearses for their loved ones.

Attitudes have changed. Modern funerals can be whatever you want them to be. And, increasingly, people are asking, "Do we even need to have a funeral service?"

That's the idea behind direct cremation. It's a type of unattended funeral – or, to put it another way, a funeral without a service. And it's becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

In this guide, we take a closer look at direct cremation and tackle a few misconceptions and misunderstandings that sometimes crop up.

What is direct cremation, exactly?

Traditionally, a cremation funeral includes a funeral service. People can go to the crematorium and pay their respects – and there'll be a ceremony conducted by a celebrant or faith leader.

But with a direct cremation, there is no service. Nobody is allowed to go to the crematorium and no ceremony is held before the person is cremated.

Direct cremations are becoming more popular. According to Sunlife , direct cremation accounted for 20% of UK funerals in 2023. This is a stark increase on 2019 when only three percent of people chose direct cremation.

The popularity of traditional cremation funerals, meanwhile, fell by more than 20% over the same period.

You might have seen adverts on TV for direct cremation. These promise a kind of "no-fuss funeral", where you can skip the bells and whistles and save your family the trouble of organising a send-off.

But these ads don't always tell the full story – and as a result, some misunderstandings have arisen around direct cremations and how they work.

Let's take a look and see if we can make things clearer.

Misconception 1: people choose direct cremations to save money

Direct cremations do tend to be more affordable than traditional funerals.

This makes sense. After all, you're only paying for the cremation and the support of a funeral director. You don't have to pay to hire the venue, arrange transport or source flowers – costs that can quickly ramp up.

The average cost of a direct cremation in 2023 was £1,498. If that sounds expensive, consider this: a traditional cremation typically costs about £3,795. For a burial funeral, meanwhile, you could expect to pay around £5,077 – a whopping 153% more than direct cremation.

And that's before you factor in "extras" like venue hire, transport and flowers.

Funerals are expensive nowadays. And in this landscape, direct cremation is clearly a budget-friendly option.

But most people aren't choosing direct cremation because it's affordable. According to SunLife's research, only 25% of people choose it for financial reasons. Fifty-seven percent, meanwhile, say they opted for direct cremation because it's "simpler" or "quicker" to organise.

Misconception 2: choosing direct cremation means you can't say goodbye

Choosing direct cremation doesn't mean you'll miss the opportunity to say goodbye.

Sure, there's no funeral service. But instead, you could hold a memorial service at another time.

While memorial services are often more informal, they don't have to be. In fact, the only real difference between a funeral ceremony and a memorial service is whether the person's coffin is present. A memorial service happens after the person has been buried or cremated, so there is no coffin.

Another way to pay your respects without a funeral is to create a memorial web page . This is a type of online tribute that can include stories, pictures, quotes and more .

Misconception 3: direct cremation means you can't have a viewing

Some are uncomfortable with the "directness" of direct cremation – and understandably so. In most cases, the person who has died will be collected and cremated without any kind of viewing or service.

This can be especially difficult for people who expect to view the body for cultural or religious reasons. Or, indeed, those who simply feel that spending a few moments with their loved one will help give them a sense of closure.

There is another option, however. You could choose a so-called "attended" direct cremation.

The name is perhaps a little misleading. With an attended direct cremation, there's still no funeral service. However, a few close friends and family members are allowed to go to the crematorium and spend around 10 minutes with their loved one before the cremation.

Attended direct cremations are a fairly new type of service and are not offered by all direct

cremation providers. If you're organising the send-off, it's worth checking with a few providers to see if it's possible in your area.

Are you looking for a lasting tribute?

As we've seen, choosing direct cremation doesn't mean doing without. You can still say goodbye to your loved one in your own way and in your own time.

You could hold a memorial service or celebration of life. You could buy a special urn or scatter the ashes in a favourite spot. Or you could create a digital memorial that lets people pay their respects online .

That's how we can help. At Treasured Moments, we craft beautiful, tailored memorial websites. We let you capture your most treasured memories online and make them sparkle with photographs, music, quotes and a professionally written tribute.

Once the page is ready to go, you'll get a unique URL and QR code that you can share with friends and relatives. This means they can celebrate your loved one's life with you – even if they can't make it to a memorial service.

Our friendly team are always ready to answer questions and talk you through how it works. To get started, simply drop us a message online .

How to register a death in the UK

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:31:45 GMT

When a person dies, you must register the death at the local register office. Find out more in our guide.

When a person dies, it's the responsibility of their family to register the death with the local council. This is a legal requirement and it must be done before you have the funeral.

It's natural to have other things on your mind when you're dealing with the death of a loved one. But registering a death is fairly quick and straightforward if you know what's involved.

In this guide, we show you how to register a death and answer some common questions about the process.

How do I register a death?

To register a death, you must make an appointment with the local register office to visit them in person. You should find contact details and the office address on the local council website.

When you contact the register office, they'll talk you through the process and let you know what they need from you.

The GOV.UK website also has a step-by-step tool that guides you through registering a death based on your answers to several questions.

When should I register the death?

By law, you must register a death within a certain amount of time. This period varies depending on where you're registering the death.

If the death occurred in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you must register the death within five days. In Scotland, the time limit is eight days. This applies even on weekends and bank holidays and even if the register office is closed.

(Note: in England and Wales, the law around death registration has recently changed . Now, when a person dies, their cause of death must be signed off by a medical practitioner. What this means for you is that the five-day time limit starts from when you receive notification of the cause of death – not when the person dies.)

There are only two circumstances where the time limit can be extended. First, when a register office agrees to an extension. And second, when a death has been reported to a coroner.

Deaths are reported to a coroner when the person's passing is unexplained or unexpected. If this happens, the coroner will need time to investigate the cause of death. This means the death can't be registered until the coroner gives permission.

Where do I register the death?

It's best to register the death at the register office closest to where the person died. Depending on where the death happened, this might not be their usual council's register office.

Technically, you can register the death at any register office. However, this can mean waiting longer to get the paperwork you need for the funeral. If you use the local office, they can give you the necessary documents on the day you visit.

Who can register the death?

In most circumstances, a relative of the person who has died should register the death.

If the person had no relatives – or if relatives are unable to do it – then certain other people are allowed to register the death. These are:

Someone who was there when the person died
The person who's in charge of organising the funeral
A hospital administrator (if the person died in hospital)

What documents do I need to register the death?

You might need to provide documents when you visit the register office. These can include:

The person's birth certificate
Their driving licence
Their marriage or civil partnership certificate
Their passport
A council tax bill
A proof of address, such as a utility bill

Don't worry about finding all these documents ahead of time. The register office will tell you what to bring when you call to make the appointment.

You should also be able to register the death, even if you can't find all the documents. Again, the register office can advise on the best course of action.

One document you'll always need is a medical certificate of cause of death. However, you shouldn't need to provide this yourself. The medical examiner who attends to the person who has died will send this directly to the register office on your behalf.

What information do I need to provide?

As well as providing the requested documents, you'll need to tell the registrar a few personal details about the person who has died. These include:

The person's full name (at the time they died)
Other names they might have used (such as a maiden name)
Their most recent address
Their date of birth
The place they were born
Their job (or their previous job if they were retired)
Whether they received benefits, such as a state pension

If the person was married or in a civil partnership, you must also give their details. This applies whether the spouse or partner is alive or dead.

What happens when I register the death?

The person's death will be officially recorded in formal government records.

You'll also receive a document called a "Certificate for Burial or Cremation" (or "GR021" in Northern Ireland). This is commonly known as the "green form". It gives permission for the funeral to take place. You should pass this document to your funeral director.

If the person received a state pension or other benefits, you may also receive a form to pass on to the Department of Work and Pensions. This lets the department know about the death and instructs it to wrap up any pension or benefit arrangements.

Contrary to popular belief, you won't automatically receive a death certificate. These have to be paid for. At the time of writing, the costs are:

In England and Wales, £12.50 for each copy
In Scotland, £15 for the first copy and £10 for each additional copy
In Northern Ireland, £15 for the first copy and £8 for each additional copy

A death certificate acts as formal notice that a death has been registered. You'll need to send a copy to the person's bank or building society, as well as any insurance or private pension providers.

Can I register the death online?

No. Depending on the council you're registering with, you might be able to make an appointment with the register office online. However, all deaths must be registered in person.

Treasured Moments creates beautiful, bespoke online memorial websites . For more help and advice, follow our blog .

The future of funerals in the UK

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:22:31 GMT

Funerals are changing fast. Learn how – and why – in our 5-minute guide to funeral trends in the UK.

Ask people in the UK what they think funerals are like and you'll soon detect some recurring themes. Funerals are sombre. Guests wear dark, smart clothing. There might be hymns, prayers or other religious rites.

Of course, this only paints part of the picture. The UK is a diverse place – home to people of many cultures and faiths. These people follow an equally diverse range of funeral traditions – some of which bear little resemblance to the dark-suited, austere ceremonies many of us are used to.

Still, the prevailing perception of funerals is that they're sad, serious and quietly respectful. And there's nothing wrong with that.

But in recent years, attitudes have started to change. While the prevailing image of the traditional UK funeral remains fixed in our minds, it seems we have different ideas for our own send-offs.

So, what's changed – and what might the future of funerals look like here in the UK?

More people are choosing not to have a funeral

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in 2020, it was a time of great crisis for Britain and the world. But some of us bore the brunt of the impact more than others – not least our nation's mourners.

For much of the pandemic, there were strict limits on funerals in the UK. Funeral guests, for instance, were advised to wear face masks and avoid singing songs or hymns.

But the tightest restriction of all was on attendance. In England, during the height of lockdown, only 30 people were allowed to go to funeral ceremonies.

Consequently, many of us missed our chance to say goodbye in person. Instead, mourners were forced to watch the funeral at home via an online livestream – or, if that option wasn't available, forgo the funeral altogether.

This was a tragedy on top of a tragedy. Yet, it appears to have sparked a sea change in the way we think about goodbyes. More and more people, it seems, are questioning whether a funeral service is even necessary.

According to a SunLife study , the popularity of direct cremation – a type of unattended funeral without a service – skyrocketed in 2020. In the previous year, direct cremation accounted for just three percent of UK funerals – but by 2020, 14% of people were choosing the funeral-free option.

Its popularity hasn't waned in the post-pandemic years. In fact, direct cremation is now more popular than ever, accounting for 20% of funerals in 2023.

Could funeral-free funerals become the norm in future? Judging by the data, it certainly looks possible.

Funerals are becoming more expensive

When SunLife asked people what they wanted for their send-off, 30% said they wanted "a standard/typical funeral". This means it continues to be the single most popular type of funeral in the UK.

But it wasn't the most popular option . The majority, 37%, reported that they wanted their family "to spend as little money as possible".

This is understandable. SunLife's study was conducted in 2023 when average UK funeral costs hit £4,141. This represents a 126% increase on 2004's average.

And if SunLife's projections are anything to go by, prices won't go down anytime soon. The insurance firm predicts that average funeral costs will reach £5,126 by 2028.

People are exploring different types of funerals

Direct cremation isn't the only non-traditional funeral option to find favour in recent years. SunLife's survey participants reported a broad range of wishes, including Humanist funerals (at nine percent), direct burials (seven percent) and even burial at sea (two percent).

And it's not just the type of funeral that's changing – the tone is too. In 2023, 50% of people who organised a funeral said it felt like a "celebration of life". These types of celebrations often involve colourful clothing, upbeat music and lighthearted speeches – quite unlike the sombre funerals we're used to.

The trend is borne out by funeral directors, 77% of whom say they've seen an increase in the number of celebration-of-life funerals.

Attitudes, it seems, have been shifting for some time. Back in 2019, Co-op conducted a survey of its UK funeral directors and unearthed a wealth of unique requests from mourners. These included a funeral at a McDonald's Drive-Thru and a hearse themed around the iconic Only Fools and Horses car.

Climate change is changing how we think about death

Cremation and burial are by far the most common ways of putting a person to rest. But they're not the most environmentally friendly by a long shot.

With traditional burials, toxic chemicals can leach into the earth, impacting soil health and polluting groundwater. And cremation is an energy-hungry process that releases noxious gases like carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

Environmental awareness is at an all-time high, so it's no surprise that we're looking for ways to

limit our carbon footprint when we die. As market research firm Ipsos concluded in 2019, "those who live consciously want to express those same values in death – and new innovations […] are emerging to meet this need".

One of the most popular of these innovations is green burial, where people are buried in meadows or woodland using eco-friendly coffins. In SunLife's poll, nine percent of people expressed a preference for this option.

More novel methods are emerging, too, including water cremation and terramation (also known as "human composting"). Water cremation was first offered in the UK in 2023 – and terramation, while currently illegal, may soon follow suit if campaigners get their way.

We're more aware of our digital legacies

It's natural to think about the impact we'll leave on the world around us. But until recently, we only had to worry about real-world concerns: our friends, our families, our wealth and our work.

But this is the digital age – and many of us live rich lives online, as well as in Sydney, Slough or Stirling. When we die, our social media profiles will leave a digital trail anyone can follow.

Social media companies have led the charge on digital legacies. Facebook, for instance, allows you to memorialise a person's account. This lets family and friends share memories on the person's Facebook page while preventing anybody from logging in.

That "logging in" part is key. Our digital legacies don't only include embarrassing photos and questionable comments. They also include reams of identifying data which, if compromised, can cause financial, emotional and legal upsets for those we leave behind.

Undoubtedly, we're more aware of our digital legacies than we were, say, 10 years ago. But we still have a long way to go. Research conducted in 2023 by St James's Place found that seven out of 10 Brits failed to mention their digital legacies in their will.

Clearly, this is a conversation more of us need to be having.

Are you looking for a way to memorialise a loved one online? Treasured Moments creates beautiful tribute sites that are tailor-made for your memories. Why not take a look at some of our tribute website examples ?

Who pays for the funeral? [UK guide]

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:16:12 GMT

When a person dies, who is responsible for funeral costs? Get all the answers in our 5-minute guide.

It's normal to have lots of questions when a person dies. Losing a loved one means having to deal with concerns around funeral arrangements, paperwork and finances, on top of the pain and grief we feel.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "Who pays for the funeral?" Is it down to the person who has died? Or their family members? And what happens if there's no money left or the person who died had no relatives?

In this guide, we look at who pays for the funeral in several situations. We also answer a few common questions about funeral costs.

Please note that this guide focuses on the laws and conventions for funerals in England and Wales. Rules may vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so be sure to check before following any advice.

Who has to pay funeral costs, generally speaking?

This is a complicated question. The answer depends on several factors, including the financial situation of the person who has died.

But generally speaking, the person who has died will be expected to pay for their own funeral. The costs are covered by the person's estate: the sum of their money and possessions when they pass away.

The problem here is that estates usually take a while to "wrap up". Until that happens and it's clear who should inherit what, the estate is frozen. This means no money or assets can be withdrawn.

So, what usually happens is that the person's family pays for the funeral and then recovers the cost from the person's estate when the money is released.

Who actually pays the bill?

While a family group might club together to pay immediate funeral costs, the person who arranges the funeral is responsible for paying the bill.

This means they have a personal contract with the funeral director and will ultimately have the final say when it comes to funeral arrangements.

What if the person who died has debts?

If a person owes money when they die, the debts will be recovered from their estate – provided there's enough money to cover the liabilities.

However, funeral costs take priority over almost all debts and will be recovered first.

The exception is secured debts. These are debts where property is put up as collateral against a loan. A mortgage, for instance, is a secured debt because the home can be seized if the debt isn't paid.

Here's what needs to be paid from a person's estate, in order:

Secured debts
"Reasonable" funeral costs, including probate and solicitor fees
Preferential debts, including wages for employees
Unsecured debts
Interest on unsecured loans
Deferred debts (low-priority liabilities such as informal loans from relatives)

What if there's not enough money left in the estate?

In most cases, family members will pay the bill if the estate can't cover it. However, they're under no legal obligation to do so.

What if the person who died had no family?

If a person dies without an estate and with no obvious family connections, the local council will try to track down surviving relatives. These relatives, if found, may decide to pay for the funeral.

If no relatives are found or nobody is willing to pay, the council will organise a funeral for the person who has died. This type of ceremony is called a "public health funeral".

Traditionally, public health funerals were known as "pauper's funerals". However, this name has fallen out of favour. While basic, public health funerals are still dignified. In many cases, council employees attend the service to pay their respects.

What if the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan?

It's quite common for people, especially older people, to pay into a funeral plan before they die. These are typically paid in instalments over several months or years.

If the funeral plan was paid in full, everything's covered and you shouldn't have to worry about funeral costs. The only caveat is that you'll have to use the funeral directors that provided the plan.

If the plan was partly paid off, one of two things can happen depending on how much was paid. The provider will either deliver the funeral anyway or you'll receive a refund of what was paid before the person died.

What if the person who died had life insurance?

Life insurance providers pay out a lump sum when a policyholder dies. This money can be used to pay for funeral costs.

One benefit of life insurance over funeral plans is that you can choose any funeral director you like – you're not tied to the one that provided the funeral plan. On the flip side, however, it means you'll have to put more work into organising the funeral.

You can also use the money from life insurance to help pay off debts such as a mortgage.

It's worth checking what kind of policy your loved one had, though. There are many kinds of life insurance and each has different conditions. Joint life insurance, for instance, only pays out when both partners in a marriage or civil partnership pass away.

What if I want to pay for the funeral but I can't afford it?

Funeral costs are very nearly at an all-time high. According to SunLife research , the average cost for a funeral in 2023 was £4,141. Only once has it been higher: in 2020, the average was £4,184.

Unfortunately, this means some families find themselves in a position where they can't afford to pay for the funeral.

However, help is available in the form of the funeral expenses payment . This is provided by the government and is available to family members who receive certain benefits.

If you're eligible for the funeral expenses payment, you'll receive up to £1,000 to cover expenses such as flowers, a coffin and funeral director fees. On top of this, the payment covers:

Burial or cremation fees

Travel costs to help you arrange and attend the funeral

The cost of moving the person's body (if it needs to move more than 50 miles)

Death certificates and other documents

Several charities can help with funeral costs, too. Many are linked to specific jobs, including the Care Workers' Charity , which can provide funeral grants for those who worked in the care profession.

If no other option is available, the council will pay to hold a basic (but respectful) public health funeral.

Treasured Moments creates beautiful digital memorials that help make memories brighter. For more help and advice, follow our blog .

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