Poppy's
blog

We believe it’s time for a more open conversation about death, dying and funerals.

In this blog, we give practical advice and ideas to help you if you are arranging a funeral or experiencing bereavement; answer your frequently asked questions/FAQs; and share stories, interviews and opinions.

Our email newsletter delivers the best from the blog to your inbox every month. Sign up for news and updates from Poppy's by email here.

Ideas & Guidance

Did you know that you’re completely free to choose whichever crematorium you like? While some people believe that you need to use your local crematorium, the choice is really up to you. Here’s our guide on what to consider and some tips on how to begin your search.

Ideas & Guidance

Would you like to be buried in a coffin the shape of an aeroplane, or maybe one inspired by the Rolling Stones? There are so many different ways to help personalise a coffin, from amazing sculptural builds to gorgeous (and occasionally playful) images. We’ve put together a collection of incredible coffins to help fire up your imagination.

Ideas & Guidance

As part one of our series tackling the issue of funeral poverty, we’re looking at public health funerals, which used to be known as pauper’s funerals. A public health funeral is simply a funeral that’s arranged and paid for by a local authority or council. Applying for a public health funeral can be a challenge, so we’ve spoken to Quaker Social Action’s Down to Earth, a charity that supports people struggling with funeral costs.

Ideas & Guidance

It can feel challenging to talk to children about death, so we’ve put together a selection of helpful books. Some of the authors use storytelling to share their message, and others focus on straightforward practical advice. While these books take different approaches, they’re all poignant, thoughtful and sometimes even funny.

Ideas & Guidance

Have you ever considered choosing a natural burial ground? Natural burial grounds gently return people to the earth without using embalming or non-biodegradable coffins. They’re usually found in green spaces like forests, meadows or parkland. Natural burial grounds can be absolutely stunning and are a brilliant choice if you’re planning an environmentally-friendly funeral. There are so many wonderful options to choose from, but here are some of our favourites.

Ideas & Guidance

Women have played a hugely important role in the history of how we care for people who are dead or dying. It’s time to celebrate their work, from the pioneers of the hospice movement to the doctors and inventors changing how we think about death and dying today.