Gone are the days when all funerals had to look the same, with black being the overriding colour both for the hearse and the mourners. Some people still prefer a traditional service, but one of the biggest changes the funeral industry has experienced in recent years is the demand for a personalised send-off.

Uttoxeter Co-operative Funeral Service offers a huge range of features to create an individual funeral that captures the character and life of the person being celebrated. A horse-drawn hearse, for example, is ideal for someone who loved horses. Horses also add a certain dignity and grace to the proceedings.

We can also provide motorcycle hearses for two-wheel enthusiasts. One man asked for a Triumph Thunderbird to take him on his final journey and we granted him his wish. The fleet also includes a Harley Davidson and a Suzuki.

Whatever your wish, our funeral staff will try to make it come true. Another customer wanted a VW camper van as a hearse – and our funeral group provided it. Another family asked us for a pink hearse because their relative loved the colour pink. We scoured the country until we found the only one in existence.

We have even produced a coffin in the shape of a skip for a scrapyard owner who was buried with a few bits of scrap metal, according to his last wish. A firefighter was taken on his last journey in a fire engine.

Other people’s ashes have been spectacularly dispersed in fireworks. The release of white doves is a beautiful sight and can poignantly symbolise your loved one being at peace. We can also organise a lone piper to play at the service.

These are just some examples of the unusual requests we have been able to put into action.

Themed funerals can add colour and bring comfort

As long as it is legal, we will do our best to help you lay your loved one to rest in a meaningful way. In fact, we encourage people to add personal touches to the service. It is these gestures which bring comfort to the bereaved and aid them in coming to terms with their loss.

See our floral tributes section to see how funeral flowers can be individually designed too.

We also have a large choice of coffins which can be decorated with pictures, along with high quality, hand carved headstones in various colours and shapes to meet individual requirements.