A Different Way to Say Goodbye
Celebration of Life & Alternative Funerals
Who says a funeral has to take place in a chapel, with everyone sitting quietly in rows?
At Memories Funeral Service, we believe funerals should reflect the people they're for. And sometimes, that means doing things a little differently.
We've arranged funerals in pubs, gardens and other venues, where families have come together in relaxed, informal settings to share stories, listen to music, remember someone and celebrate their life.
There's no set formula. We'll listen to your ideas and help create something that feels right for you.
It doesn't have to be traditional. It doesn't have to feel formal. It just needs to reflect the person you're remembering.
More Than a Traditional Service
A Funeral That Feels Like Them
For some people, the idea of a conventional funeral just wouldn't suit them. Perhaps they were always the life and soul of the party, loved being surrounded by friends, or simply wouldn't have wanted everyone sitting in silence.
A celebration of life offers the freedom to remember them in a different way. It can be emotional, funny, lively, reflective or a mixture of everything. There's still space for sadness, but also for the things that made their life worth celebrating.
The Choice Is Yours
It Doesn't Have to Be in a Church or Crematorium
We've arranged funerals in all sorts of settings beyond traditional funeral venues. Sometimes it's somewhere the person loved. Other times it's simply a space where the family can feel comfortable being themselves.
Pubs & Restaurants
A familiar pub, favourite restaurant or somewhere everyone can gather around tables, share memories, enjoy food and conversation.
Golf Clubs & Social Clubs
A clubhouse or social venue can provide a relaxed space with room for family, friends, music and personal tributes.
Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
We've arranged funerals in gardens, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere in a place that feels familiar.
Community Venues
Village halls, community centres and other local venues can offer a flexible space for the gathering you want.
Somewhere Meaningful
Perhaps there's a place associated with their hobbies, friendships or happiest memories. We can explore the possibilities.
Somewhere Unexpected
Have an idea that doesn't fit the usual mould? Tell us about it. We're happy to investigate what's possible.
How It Works
The Committal and the Celebration
A celebration of life can be arranged in several different ways. We'll help organise the cremation or burial alongside the celebration, making sure the practical arrangements are taken care of.
A Private Committal and a Larger Celebration
Many families choose a short, private committal at the crematorium or cemetery, attended by close family.
The larger celebration then takes place separately, either before or afterwards, at a pub, golf club, garden or another venue.
This gives everyone the opportunity to gather, share memories and celebrate a life without the structure of a conventional chapel service.
A Funeral Service at Your Chosen Venue
Alternatively, the main funeral ceremony can take place at a venue of your choosing, where suitable arrangements can be made.
The coffin can be present if the venue and arrangements permit, allowing everyone to come together before the cremation or burial.
We can still arrange a committal at the crematorium or cemetery, with the wider gathering or more privately.
There isn't a compulsory order for everything. We'll discuss the arrangements that make sense for your family, taking account of legal requirements, venue permissions, transport and crematorium or cemetery arrangements.
Make It Personal
Less Formality. More Personality.
A celebration of life doesn't have to be laid out like a theatre, with everyone seated in rows facing the front.
You might prefer people gathered around tables, chatting, listening to music and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Photograph tables are a lovely way of making the occasion personal. They give people the chance to stop, remember moments they shared and talk about the person at the centre of it all.
Music, flowers, favourite possessions, food and little details can all help the gathering feel like them.
Live Music
A singer, band, pianist, musician or favourite recordings can create the atmosphere you want.
Photograph Tables
Display favourite photographs, albums, keepsakes and objects that tell the story of their life.
Stories & Memories
Friends and family can share stories, read something, tell a joke or contribute in their own way.
Relaxed Seating
Informal seating and smaller groups can make the occasion feel welcoming rather than ceremonial.
Personal Touches
Favourite flowers, meaningful decorations, hobby displays, a particular dress code or something that reflects them.
Food & Drinks
A favourite meal, buffet, afternoon tea or simply somewhere everyone can enjoy refreshments together.
Our Experience
We've Seen Just How Special These Funerals Can Be
At Memories, celebrations of life aren't just something we talk about. We've arranged funerals in pubs, gardens and other non-traditional locations.
We've seen how a relaxed setting can encourage people to share stories, laugh, remember and spend time together without feeling they need to follow a particular format.
The Feedback Has Been Exceptional
Families who have chosen this style of funeral have given us wonderful feedback about their experience.
There is something special about bringing people together in a place where they feel at ease, free to talk about the person they've lost in their own way.
We know this approach isn't right for everyone. But for some families, it feels exactly right.
Think Differently
The Funeral Doesn't Have to Follow the Usual Rules
Sometimes it's not about having a completely different ceremony. It might be about incorporating somewhere special into the funeral journey.
A favourite football ground, a meaningful location, an unusual form of transport or a particular piece of music can make an enormous difference.
At Memories, we're open to all sorts of arrangements. Rather than saying no simply because something is different, we'll explore whether it can be done.
The important thing is that the arrangements are lawful, safe and practically achievable, with any permissions in place.
Arranging a Celebration of Life
We'll Help Bring Your Ideas Together
You don't need to have the whole thing planned before you call. Sometimes the best celebrations start with a simple conversation about the person who has died.
Tell Us About Them
What did they love? What were they like? What sort of gathering would feel right for them?
We'll Explore the Options
We'll look at suitable venues, cremation or burial arrangements, transport, timings and any personal touches you'd like.
We'll Help Make It Happen
We'll coordinate the funeral arrangements and work with the venue and everyone involved so the occasion comes together as planned.
A Few Common Questions
Thinking About Something Different?
Can a funeral really take place in a pub?
Yes. We've arranged funerals in pubs before. It depends on the venue, the arrangements you want and any necessary permissions, but it can be a lovely way to remember someone in a familiar setting.
Does the coffin have to be present?
No. Some families choose to have the coffin present at their chosen venue, while others hold a separate committal and have the celebration without the coffin. We'll explain what's practical and suitable for the venue.
Can we have a private cremation or burial beforehand?
Yes. A short committal attended by close family can take place separately from the larger celebration. We'll discuss how to coordinate the timings and arrangements.
Does there have to be a celebrant or formal service?
Not necessarily. Some families want someone to lead the occasion, while others prefer an informal gathering with music, photographs and stories. We'll talk through the options with you.
Can we have live music and food?
Yes, provided the venue can accommodate it. Live musicians, singers, food, drinks and other elements can all form part of a celebration of life.
Is this more expensive than a traditional funeral?
Not necessarily. The cost depends on the arrangements, chosen venue, transport, catering, music and other services involved. We'll provide a clear estimate so you can make choices that suit your budget.
What if our idea is really unusual?
Please tell us about it. We're happy to consider different approaches. If it's legal, safe and practical, we'll explore what can be done.
Let's Talk About Your Ideas
It Doesn't Have to Be an Ordinary Funeral
If you're thinking about a celebration of life or have an idea for a funeral that's a little different, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.
Whether it's a pub, garden, golf club or somewhere completely unexpected, we'll help you explore the possibilities.