The Fabulous Funeral Parlour

Having watched it all, I agree with sandpiperessex that the business does have a part to play, as more and more people want bespoke funerals.
On a purely personal note, I would hate my loved one’s funeral to be conducted by someone who looked like that lady, no matter how kind she is. The lips and nails were bad enough, but I just felt so many tattoos are inappropriate for that kind of job.
Okay, it may be shallow of me, but it’s how I feel.

Honestly my daughter couldn't have been further from the botox and bling. They honestly cater for everyone. On the day of the funeral itself, they were just as professional as any other funeral services I have witnessed in the past.

We had a normal black hearse and limos. They guided my daughter's partner, brother, Dad and friends in carrying the casket into the chapel perfectly.

Could not have asked for more.

I watched this last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My first response when Hayley was seen was what most people had: definitely not for me and I do habitually find such appearances ridiculous.
The business shown however has a part to play in today's society. Just look at all the people who love their bling, botox, surgery and any way to look younger and embellish themselves, it is perfect for them.
The staff were extremely professional and helpful at this awful time and had enormous empathy with their clientele. I ended up being completely won over by the end of the programme.

petra

Chocolatenoodle8

I watched the whole programme. The positives for me were how much Hayley cares for the deceased and her team. I loved the favourite phrases mementoes

Totally agree. So far we are the only 2 members who dont judge a book by its cover. Shame on you who do.
If I were to have a funeral I know that she would dearly care for my body.

I know someone who was a funeral director and she said that funerals were all different, according to the deceased's or family's wishes and reflected their personalities, which I think, is exactly as it should be.

Kloppqueen
Thank you for your insight and courage in posting about this.

I am sorry for your loss and hope your granddaughter will be all right, with your love and care.
💐

My condolences to you, *Kloppqueen. I was very touched by your comments, although I didn’t see the programme. My mother's funeral was directed by the Co-op, led by a very professional young woman who was most kind and respectful on the day. Later, I discovered that this same young woman had laid out my mother which Mum would have loved. The young woman told me how it was a struggle for her to gain recognition in a male dominated occupation. She had done well to actually be allowed to be in charge of funerals, a role for which she was eminently suited.

Kloppqueen

Just to add, the thought that my daughter spent around 3 weeks with Hayley and her team and was cared for in the way she was gives me so much comfort,

Thank you sooooo much for your kind words.
What a shame it is that people can be so mean spirited and not see past a face that doesn’t suit their blinkered way of seeing the true person.
It’s their loss.
Thank you again ❤️

Well I loved it . I loved Hayley and her kindness and love for those in her care . How thoughtful to knock on the doors of their private rooms . To put on their perfume and lipstick . The love in the parlour made me weep . The aftercare for the families . What a super kind lady .

I’ve just watched it and had mixed feelings about it. The lips did put me off a bit. Why do people think they look attractive?
But they were giving people a very personal service and the funerals they wanted.
I think it’s good to have options.

Condolences Kloppqueen. It must have a comfort knowing your daughter was being well cared for especially if she would have loved it being ladies (regardless of lips etc)💐

Here in Germany, in the state where I live, our ashes may be strewn in a relative's garden, provided the garden is their own property. We have not yet drawn up a funeral plan, but our daughter has agreed on the ashes in the garden bit. For all I care, sorry if some are offended by this, my body could be tossed on the compost heap or in the weekly rubbish removal.

Heartfelt sympathies to you Koppqueen nobody wants to bury their children we only hope its always the other way round. Its heartning they gave some comfort and took the stress away from you at this awful time. I suppose each to their own and some folk are very traditional and thats just the way they are I don't think any spiteful intentions are meant. You found their method suited you and gave a warmness and level of respect required to deal with this stressful situation. Sincere condolences to you.

Sending you Kloppqueen.

I watched it and didn't like her lips, do many seem to be like this now though. I must admit I think I would talk to the deceased people too.

Just to add, the thought that my daughter spent around 3 weeks with Hayley and her team and was cared for in the way she was gives me so much comfort,

sunfield91

I was sad to see some of the criticism of this program, no this type of funeral is not for everyone, I didn’t see anyone who didn’t seem sincere from the funeral directors to the grieving families and I thought the families were very brave agreeing to do this documentary
The saying “ walk a mile in their shoes” is apt

Well I did walk in their shoes, so to speak and I can assure you, and everyone here, that Hayley and her team are sincere and so caring. So thank you for your kind words.

Oh and my daughter was completely different from the lady from the hospice. She was a teacher and a Senco. Stop judging.

My daughter died very recently from a very rare cancer and her funeral was just a couple of weeks ago. Her funeral was conducted by this very funeral parlour.

Well I can tell you they were fabulous, caring, and I couldn't have asked for any more from them. Hayley is just wonderful. The way she looked after my 6 year old granddaughter was priceless. In fact the whole team.

My daughter was treated with such care and respect.

They were not expensive either for those jumping to conclusions.

My daughter's fiancé chose them because the parlour was run by two women and he knew my daughter would just love that.

Some of the comments here are so hurtful. In fact they have made me cry because they are just so wrong.

I was sad to see some of the criticism of this program, no this type of funeral is not for everyone, I didn’t see anyone who didn’t seem sincere from the funeral directors to the grieving families and I thought the families were very brave agreeing to do this documentary
The saying “ walk a mile in their shoes” is apt

They certainly won’t be organising my funeral.
Tacky isn’t the word.

I’ve already decided that I want direct cremation and have informed my family.

You can then be sure of no tacky funerals and no huge expense.

It was very tacky but this suited some like the woman in the hospice

I didn’t think the woman with the lips was very professional to be honest and if I was to walk in and see her sitting there I think I’d walk back out again

But if someone wants something “different” I suppose they are the ones to go to - but not my cup of tea

As I do not live in the UK or watch much television, I cannot judge the programme mentioned. However, I think it is a very good thing that there now are different options regarding funerals, and that many people these days decide what they want and make sure that their relatives and a firm of undertakers know what they want.

It seems obvious to me, that there cannot just be one way of arranging funerals, as we are all different, as are those who will be left to mourn us.

As it is a personal and an emotional issue, it is perhaps well to remember the proverb that says "one man's meat is another man's poison."

I enjoyed it overall thought the care given in the Parlour was warm and friendly. The lady talking to the cadavers did a great job. She showed that she cared deeply that the deceased were being looked after right to the end. The lips is just a fashion thing now you have to look past a person’s appearance and judge them by their actions. A fabulous programme: enlightening.

I watched the whole thing and thought it was a really well done programme. Yes, a bit OTT for my taste in funerals, but as a culture we are hopelessly ‘death denying’ - this was a step towards addressing that and moving towards more death literacy and openness around end of life. Some lovely touches of humour although Hayley’s care for the dying, the dead and the families (as well as her openness about her own continuing grief over her Mum’s death) seemed authentic and heartfelt. Well done Channel 4!

I