With the current restrictions in place families and friends are finding it even harder to say goodbye to their loved ones. Crematoriums and grave side services are now limited to a minimum number of mourners. But with the use of modern technology, families and friends can now be involved in the service from the comfort of their own homes no matter where in the world they are.

Using platforms such as Skype, Zoom, Facebook and YouTube, Funeral directors are able to stream services live direct to families. Most crematoriums have the ability to do this using the in-house media system, but streaming isn't as easy for those families wanting to give their loved one a graveside service.

Funeral directors across the UK have seen a high rise in requests for this service. Some directors had never thought of offering this service to their families before these restrictions, but many have agreed that it will be a regular add-on service once this pandemic is over.

Before this pandemic started, I would have said that streaming or filming a service can be a useful tool to help families remember a certain aspect of the service, that at the time they may not have fully taken in fully due to emotions running high.

Watching a recording of a service at an anniversary can also be helpful to families wanting to remember their loved ones. But now with these restrictions in place streaming and recording a service is a fantastic way to make everyone feel included.

When these restrictions where put in to place many families where upset with the fact that only a certain number would be able to say their goodbyes.

However, due to these additional services being available families are now feeling more included. Many ministers and celebrants are changing the way they lead the service to incorporate those that are not in attendance. Family and friends are able to take part in all aspects of the service wherever

Streaming a Grave-Side Service

Streaming grave side services isn't as easy as streaming in a Crematorium. Gravesides do not have the safety net of power sockets, strong Wi-Fi or even a dedicated media system designed to stream.

Streaming a Crematorium Service

Many crematoriums are now offering a streaming and filming system free of charge to all services within their chapels. Crematoriums that use a built-in media system are also able to offer a 28 day on demand service where family and friends are able to watch the service back at a time which is more convenient to them.

The disadvantage of using the built-in system is that it is operated on a timed basis and via a fixed camera. This doesn't allow for family and friends to see outside the chapel as people arrive or even as the hearse pulls up. With Funeral Directors outsourcing these services it does give the viewers a better experience and full 360-degree view of what is going on.

Streaming and Recording services isn't a new thing to keep families and friends involved during these restrictions. These services have been around before this pandemic started.

Providing these services to families ensure that those family members and friends that live abroad or those that are unwell are still able to be involved. Long gone are the times where family would travel back from wherever they are living to come to the service. Families often find it difficult to travel for a 20 minutes service.

Funeral directors and families that outsource the services to a separate company have a wide range of additional services they can take up. Dedicated companies are able to provide the personal touch to every service they attend rather than a system taking control.

Outside companies are able to theme the start and finish titles to the individual service to give it a unique experience to those watching the service back.

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