Let us inspire you
There are now so many unique and special ways to celebrate the life of a loved one. If you haven’t yet decided what sort of service you would like, take a look at these ideas and speak to us at Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors to talk them through, or anything else you might want to discuss, and we’ll see if we can make it happen for you. Let us support, guide and inspire you to create a funeral you never thought was possible.
Alternative and unusual venues
Funerals should always be a celebration of life so consider holding a celebratory event at a hotel or farmyard barn, woodland retreat, a football stadium, club, on a boat, race track, even in the pub. There are now many uplifting venues available for celebratory services, we’d be delighted to talk through all the options with you and help find a suitable venue.
Twilight services
A personalised picture coffin
Truly reflect the character of the person whose funeral you’re arranging with a personalised picture coffin. You can choose your own photos or we can help you find something – anything from sports and hobbies to particular flowers or animals.
A Pathway Coffin which is a natural wood, biodegradable coffin allows for a truly unique, collaborative send-off where a number of people can design their own section, or each panel marking a different part of the life lost. You can then choose a frame colour and have the panels printed in spectacular printed padded fabric giving your coffin a comforting tactile finish. You can even choose lid options – blackboard for chalk inscriptions, whiteboard for permanent marker inscriptions or a lid covered in a full picture.
A different time and atmosphere
Funeral memorial services don’t just have to take place in ‘office hours’ or on the same day as a cremation or burial. If it suits you and your guests better, or will allow you access to certain venues which may be occupied during the day, have you thought about early evenings, nighttime ‘twilight’ and weekend memorial services?
An evening memorial service can be as informal or formal as you wish, by using candles and fairy lights you can create a soft warm ambience at your chosen venue and you could also enjoy outdoor spaces in the summer months with fireworks, outside lighting, fire burners and lanterns.
Twilight servicesA unique way to scatter ashes
Along with a selection of caskets and decorative urns specifically designed for keeping at home, we have pieces especially for the garden along with urns made from environmentally friendly materials including paper, sand and salt for water burials. You can also now incorporate your loved one’s ashes into a whole array of wonderful events and items. These include fireworks, launching into near-space, jewellery, diamond rings and cuddlestones as part of our keepsake options. These come in a variety of styles and designs and each can hold a small amount of your loved one’s ashes and are ideal for sharing and displaying.
Hearse alternatives
Think about the type of vehicle that you would like to accompany or to take your loved one on their final journey through your home town, to the service or committal, you can have something in addition or instead of a traditional hearse. We can help organise alternative vehicles including things like a tractor, camper van, motorcycle hearse, canal boat, vintage lorry and horse-drawn hearse amongst others. So if would like a beautiful horse-drawn hearse, a Harley or something a bit different which reflects a passion, a hobby or something about the life of your loved one then do let us know and we will do our best to find a suitable vehicle.
Dove or Balloon Releases
A beautiful way to say goodbye and symbolise the freeing of the spirit of their loved one, ascending to the heavens is through the release of doves, bio-degradable balloons or a firework display.
Everyone can get involved with this lovely demonstration of your final farewells.
For those who can’t be there
Absent friends and family can now watch the service live on the internet via live streaming. This means that those who aren’t able to attend in person can still pay their respects. There are many crematoriums that offer this service. The service could be videoed to be kept and shared as a recording or you could show a video of scrolling stories along with photos, music or record messages, from a projector. We can help find providers for these types of services.
Informal Funerals
You might feel that a less traditional religious or non-religious service would better reflect your loved one’s wishes. Rather than limousines for a cortege or family transportation we could hire an SUV, people carrier, a coach or minibus and rather than the formal top hats and tails, the Funeral Director and pall bearers could wear a more casual attire such as blue herringbone suits, a different colour tie or a type of suit or costume that may fit your theme or guests style. You might also like to encourage guests to wear bright colours or a particular theme to make the whole occasion feel less formal and more celebratory. We can discuss any thoughts you may have and help create a unique funeral for your loved one.
Informal Funerals
Themed Funerals
Why not pick a theme for your funeral that best reflects your loved one. Themes include football, superheros, the army, fairy tales, motorcycles, country, golf, the circus etc with all elements being personalised. The Funeral Director and bearers can even dress up to be a part of the theme for you.
Themed Funerals
Personal Coffin Sprays
Flower arrangements for the coffin can take various forms to reflect the personality of your loved one. If you would like something in the shape of a football, a club logo, a name or made from fruit, vegetables, silk or dry arrangements let us know and we can help arrange this for you.
Floral Tributes
Flowers can add a bright and warm touch and reflect the love felt by those attending.
Our pricing
Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.
Planning ahead?
It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.
Need advice?
Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.
Choose a prepaid funeral plan
Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.
Learn moreFuneral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service
View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory
View funeral notices