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| Priscilla Etienne Funeography© |
As the title says Remember You will die. An absolute certainty so why not have what you want, why not have Funeography?
Attitudes to death are changing, although change needs to come so much more and so much sooner in Britain. When funeral directors began to establish themselves in the 1800's they were responsible for putting fear into death. In time we have seen a private club emerge. That's exactly what it feels like, a private club. There's nothing wrong with providing the excellent service that so many funeral directors provide but why can't they do that and still move with the times and allow the public to have as much choice as possible. Even with a percentage incentive offered they still tend to dig their heels; stating that people don't really want change. I would go as far as to say that people don't and can't always have that expensive coffin or those two extra cars that's suggested but funeral directors tend to talk people round. In reality we all know our budgets, we also know the people we are burying. Yet we continue to allow funeral directors to make their suggestions and talk us out of things we really want and into things we don't need.
I can see the reason for this, the grieving process is really tough and we would just like to be left alone to come to terms with what has happened. It's still seems slightly frustrating to me that this pattern continues.
We all know that flowers are an important part of a funeral, and in our grief we manage to order flowers as one of the first things we do. I want the public to realise the value of Funeography. It is just as important as ordering flowers and thinking about food and drinks for people. I often say what is the point of the beautiful horses and the colourful coffins and the gospel choirs if there is no record of it. It is a lot of money to spend with no recorded memory. We are living in really difficult financial times and there are many deaths that we are not prepared for. The money we spend on funerals is substantial and the cost can be brought down if funeral directors were to give as many choices and information to the public as is possible. Without the general public there would be no funeral directors. They rely on our money to keep them wealthy, well fed and allow them to have three holidays a year.
This is the reason why we work independently from funeral directors. There are one or two who approach us and are happy to inform the public of us, but that is just not enough.
Grieving families are not property to be bought. They are families who are facing one of the most difficult events in their lives. They deserve to be given choices and information and it is unfair to keep useful and important information from them. This needs to stop. The bereavement industry is large and I know that if funeral directors are unwilling to open their minds and establishments they will lose. They need to wake up and accept that change has come and if they don't embrace it... They will be left behind.
Don't be afraid, take control of your loved ones send of. Hire us and and do something valuable and look into all of your choices. THINK OF US, SOON AFTER YOU THINK OF FLOWERS.
I dedicate this blog to a man who was absolutely fearless, right to the end. Charlie Stone.
