07773 555 893
Traditional Burial in Swansea -
A traditional way to say goodbye
A traditional burial is one of the oldest and most familiar ways of saying goodbye to someone who has passed. It gives family and friends the opportunity to come together for a funeral service before the person is laid to rest in a cemetery, churchyard or other suitable burial ground.
For many families, a burial provides a sense of permanence. Having a specific place to visit, remember and reflect can be an important part of grieving and remembering someone.
A traditional burial can be religious or non-religious, formal or simple, depending entirely on the wishes of the person who has died and their family.
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At BJR Funerals, we understand that every person and every family is different. Our role is to guide you through the arrangements, explain your options clearly and make sure the funeral reflects the person you are saying goodbye to.
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How much does a burial cost? Check out our prices page for more information or contact for more tailored, personal quotes.
There are several stages involved in arranging a burial, but BJR Funerals will guide you through each one.
The exact arrangements will depend on the wishes of the person who has died, the cemetery or churchyard being used, and whether the funeral is religious or non-religious. We are able to assist with the reopening of existing graves for family burials also.
A step by step of the process is included on this webpage below.
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What is a Traditional Burial?
A traditional burial involves placing a person's body into a grave following a funeral service.
The service will usually take place at a church, place of worship, cemetery chapel, crematorium chapel or another suitable location before the coffin is taken to the graveside.
Family and friends may then accompany the coffin to the grave, where the committal takes place.
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For some families, this final part of the funeral can be particularly meaningful. Being present at the graveside allows loved ones to say a final goodbye and provides a clear moment when the person is laid to rest.
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The grave can then become a permanent place of remembrance.
Depending on the location and cemetery rules, families may later choose to have a memorial stone, headstone or other approved memorial placed at the grave.
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The word "traditional" can sometimes make people think that a burial has to follow a strict format. It does not. A burial can be deeply personal.
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You might choose a traditional church funeral with hymns and prayers, or you might prefer a simple service centred around stories, photographs and favourite music.
You can choose who speaks, what music is played, which readings are used and how the person's life is remembered.
The graveside committal can also be personal.
A family member may wish to say a few words, place flowers on the coffin or simply stand quietly with the rest of the family.
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We will help you create a funeral that reflects the person rather than simply following a checklist.
Choosing the Burial place
These can include:
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A local cemetery
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A churchyard
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A private burial ground
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A natural or woodland burial ground, where appropriate
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An existing family grave, subject to availability and permission
Not every burial ground has the same rules.
There may be restrictions regarding coffins, grave depth, memorials, flowers, planting and other forms of remembrance.
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BJR Funerals can help you understand the options available and liaise with the relevant cemetery or burial ground.
Family Graves
A family grave is a grave that is intended to be used by members of the same family.
Some families already have an existing grave where other relatives have been buried.
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If your family has an existing grave, we can help establish whether there is space available and whether the necessary permissions are in place for another burial.
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This can be particularly meaningful for families who want loved ones to remain together.
What happens during a Traditional Burial
Step 1
Contact BJR Funerals
The first step is simply to contact us.
Whether the death has just occurred or you are making arrangements in advance, we can talk you through the options available.
You do not need to know exactly what you want before speaking to us.
We can explain the different types of funeral service, burial locations, coffins, transportation and other arrangements so that you can make an informed decision.
At BJR Funerals, we understand that arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming. We will take things one step at a time.
Step 2
Your loved one is brought into our care
Once arrangements have been made, your loved one will be brought into the care of BJR Funerals.
They will be looked after respectfully and kept in appropriate facilities until the funeral takes place.
We understand how important it is to families that their loved one is treated with dignity throughout this time.
If you have particular wishes regarding your loved one's care, clothing or preparation, please speak to us about them.
Step 3
The necessary paperwork is completed
There are legal requirements that must be completed before a burial can take place.
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BJR Funerals will guide you through the necessary documentation and explain anything that requires your attention.
We will deal with as much of the administration as possible on your behalf, allowing you and your family to concentrate on saying goodbye.
Step 4
Choosing the funeral service
One of the most personal parts of arranging a traditional burial is deciding what kind of funeral service you would like.
The service can be religious, non-religious or somewhere in between.
It may include:
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Hymns
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Favourite songs
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Readings
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Poems
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Prayers
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Eulogies
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Personal memories
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Photographs
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Moments of silence
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Religious traditions
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Tributes from family and friends
There is no requirement for a funeral to follow one particular format.
Some families prefer a traditional church service, while others want something much more personal and informal.
BJR Funerals can help you arrange a service that reflects the personality, beliefs and wishes of the person who has died.
Step 5
The funeral procession
On the day of the funeral, the coffin will usually be transported to the location of the service in a hearse.
Family and friends may travel behind the hearse in funeral cars or make their own way to the service.
The procession itself can be an important part of a traditional funeral, providing a formal journey from one stage of the funeral to the next.
If your family has particular wishes regarding the route or arrangements, please discuss them with us.
Step 6
The funeral service
The funeral service provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together and remember the person who has died.
Depending on your wishes, the service may take place in a church, chapel, cemetery chapel or another appropriate venue.
A religious funeral may include prayers, hymns, scripture readings and other elements of the person's faith.
A non-religious funeral can instead focus on the person's life, relationships, personality, achievements and memories.
The service can be as formal or informal as you feel is appropriate.
At BJR Funerals, we believe that the funeral should be about the person who has died, rather than simply following a standard template.
Step 7
The committal and graveside service
Following the funeral service, the coffin is taken to the grave.
Family and friends may walk behind the hearse or travel to the burial ground separately.
At the graveside, the committal takes place.
This is the final part of the funeral and is often a particularly emotional moment for families.
The officiant, minister or celebrant may say a final farewell, prayer or reading before the coffin is lowered into the grave.
Depending on the family's wishes and the cemetery's arrangements, family members may sometimes take part in the committal.
This can provide a very personal final goodbye.
Step 8
After the burial
Once the committal has taken place, the grave will normally be closed in accordance with the arrangements of the cemetery or burial ground.
Families can then decide how they would like to remember their loved one in the years that follow.
A grave provides a permanent place where family and friends can return.
You may wish to visit on birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or other significant dates, or simply whenever you feel the need to be close to them.
Some families find this physical place of remembrance very comforting.
Get in Touch for Compassionate Support
Please reach out to us for compassionate and professional support. We are here for you during this difficult time.
476 Middle Road, Gendros,
Swansea, SA5 8EQ
07773 555 893