Choosing The Coffin, Flowers And Personal Touches

When choosing a coffin, you may wish to consider its style, material, finish, suitability for burial or cremation and cost. Some families prefer a familiar wooden design, while others choose a natural woven coffin, a cardboard option or something more contemporary. At N E Downing, we offer traditional wooden coffins and caskets alongside wicker, colourful, personalised and cardboard designs.

We will guide you through the available choices without pressure. The most expensive coffin is not necessarily the most meaningful; the right choice is one that feels fitting for the person being remembered and comfortable for your family.

A coffin can be personalised through its colour, lining or decorative design. Some options can feature photographs, flowers, landscapes, hobbies, a favourite football team or another theme connected with the person’s life. Our personalised designs can be created around interests, treasured places and meaningful imagery.

Smaller details can be equally significant. A floral spray, photograph, flag or another appropriate item may be placed on the coffin during the service. We can help ensure each idea is presented respectfully and suits the chosen venue.

Families may choose a favourite outfit, nightwear, religious clothing or something else that feels appropriate for the person who has died. At N E Downing, we will discuss your wishes sensitively and advise whether any materials or accessories need to be changed, particularly when a cremation is planned.

Letters, photographs and other small personal items may sometimes be placed in the coffin. Speak to us before providing anything, as some items may not be suitable for cremation and the requirements can vary between venues.

Funeral flowers can express love and remembrance when words feel difficult. You might choose the person’s favourite flower or colour, a variety connected with a special memory, or an arrangement that complements the style of the funeral.

Traditional arrangements include coffin sprays, wreaths, posies, crosses and floral lettering. More personal designs can represent an animal, hobby or meaningful object. Through our funeral flower arrangements, we can help families choose a tribute and arrange for it to be prepared by a trusted florist, delivered to the funeral home and placed on the hearse.

Some families request family flowers only and invite mourners to make a charitable donation in the person’s memory. Others welcome flowers, donations or both. There is no correct choice; it may depend on the person’s wishes, whether a particular charity mattered to them and what feels most comforting to the family.

Donation details can be included in the funeral notice or order of service. We can help communicate your wishes clearly and sensitively.

Keepsakes can offer a lasting and personal connection after the funeral. Options may include miniature urns, memorial jewellery and crafted pieces containing a small amount of ashes. At N E Downing, we offer a selection of funeral keepsakes, including Ashes into Glass memorial jewellery.

A meaningful tribute does not need to be elaborate. Favourite flowers, carefully chosen clothing, a handwritten note or a design reflecting a lifelong interest can make the farewell feel personal. At N E Downing, we will listen to your ideas and help bring them together with dignity, compassion and care.