Ways to personalise funeral vehicles
Funeral processions, known as the cortege, are an important part of any funeral service. It’s a way of encouraging the wider community to pause, reflect and respect the life of the person who has died. Like many other aspects of a funeral, the vehicle you choose can be a special way to celebrate your loved one’s personality, passions and interests.
What is a funeral procession?
‘A typical funeral procession is a hearse carrying the coffin, followed by any limousines or private family cars,’ explains Finlay Macpherson, a funeral director and embalmer for Co-op Funeralcare in Grangemouth, Scotland. ‘The cortege normally travels from the funeral home or family home to the place of service, such as a church or crematorium.’
What is a typical funeral procession like?
A hearse will typically lead the procession, followed by chauffeur-driven limousines.
'Although the etiquette tends to be a hearse and following limousines, Co-op Funeralcare gives you the freedom to break free from tradition and customise your cortege as you wish’, says Lucy Grenfell, Co-op Funeral Arranger in Blackpool.
Who is in the funeral procession?
The funeral procession will carry immediate family and close friends. Other guests attending the funeral may also travel in cars behind. .
What are some unique hearse ideas?
Choosing a unique hearse can be an imaginative way to personalise your loved one’s funeral. ‘One of the more unusual requests was a narrowboat,’ says Paul Evans, Co-op funeral arranger from Stone. ‘The deceased was a boater, living and working on boats for most of his life. For the funeral, they also had floral tributes in the shape of a pint of Guinness and played traditional boat-related songs.’
Any vehicle can be used on the cortege, as long as it adheres to legislation. Bicycles, milk floats, horse-drawn carriages, motorcycles, lorries and even London buses have all been used. We even offer an Only Fools and Horses themed hearse.
How can I personalise a hearse?
Using graphics, photographs or written messages can be a meaningful way to make a visual tribute to your loved one.
You can choose from one of Co-op’s already personalised hearses, such as the Butterfly Rainbow hearse, decorated with butterflies in all the colours of the rainbow, or the Poppy hearse, a popular choice for those with a military connection.
‘The trend I’ve noticed is that of different coloured vehicles, instead of the usual black,’ says Lucy. ‘Clients tend to favour brighter colours to celebrate their loved one’s life.’
Like any part of a funeral, the vehicles you choose for the procession are a chance to reflect your loved one’s personality. Whether you opt for a traditional black hearse or something totally unique, it’s a chance to show who they were as a person. Discover all the different types of hearses we offer and read our guide on planning and attending a funeral for more helpful information.
