Transport
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Choosing funeral transport is another way to personalise a funeral service.
Whether you prefer a traditional hearse or something more unique, there are many options available to reflect the wishes and personality of the person who has died.
Traditional Hearse
A hearse is the vehicle used to respectfully carry the coffin to the funeral service and place of burial or cremation.
Traditional hearses are usually black, although silver, white and other colours may also be available.
Limousines
Most funeral limousines comfortably seat up to six passengers, although this may vary depending on the vehicle.
Travelling with Children
If children will be travelling in the limousine, families are responsible for providing a suitable child car seat or booster seat where required by law.
Children's Funeral Transport
When arranging a funeral for a baby or child, some funeral directors may offer a hearsette.
A hearsette is a funeral limousine specially adapted to carry a child's coffin. This allows the child's coffin to travel with the immediate family, creating a more personal and intimate journey to the funeral.
Many families find comfort in this arrangement, as it may allow parents or close family members to carry their child's coffin into the chapel or church themselves, should they wish to do so.
Your funeral director will discuss the available options with you and ensure every arrangement is handled with dignity, compassion and care.
Horse-Drawn Funeral Carriages
A horse-drawn carriage provides a traditional, elegant and memorable farewell. Number of Horses.
Depending on the provider and the style of carriage, you may be able to choose:
- Two horses
- Four horses
- Black horses
- White horses
- Grey horses
Plume Colours The horses' plumes can often be personalised in a variety of colours, including:
- Black
- White
- Purple
- Royal Blue
- Light Blue
- Red
- Green
- Pink
- Gold
- Silver
Alternative Funeral Transport.
Depending on availability, other options may include:
- Motorcycle hearse
- Volkswagen Camper Van hearse
- Land Rover or 4x4 hearse
- Vintage or classic hearse
- Tractor and trailer
- Lorry or truck
- Fire engine
- Military vehicle
- Boat or canal boat
- Bicycle hearse
- Electric hearse
If you have a particular vehicle in mind, it's always worth asking.
Many funeral directors work with specialist suppliers and may be able to arrange something unique.
Choosing the Route
Many families don't realise they can often request a particular route for the funeral procession.
Where practical and safe to do so, your funeral director may be able to arrange for the cortege to travel:
- Past the family home
- Past a favourite pub or club
- Past a workplace
- Past a favourite beauty spot
- Through the town or village where the person lived
- Along a route with special family memories
Although requests cannot always be guaranteed due to traffic, roadworks or timing, it's always worth discussing your wishes.
Personalising the Vehicles
Many funeral directors can personalise the hearse or limousines with thoughtful finishing touches.
These may include:
- Coloured ribbons
- Decorative bows
- Floral tributes
- Personalised decorations
- Club, military or service emblems (where appropriate)
These small details can make the funeral feel even more personal and meaningful.
Can We Use Our Own Cars?
Yes. Some families choose to travel in their own vehicles rather than hiring limousines. This can offer greater flexibility and may also reduce the overall cost of the funeral.
Things to Consider
Before choosing funeral transport, think about:
- The wishes of the person who has died.
- How many family members require transport.
- Whether children will be travelling.
- Whether child car seats are needed.
- Whether anyone has mobility needs.
- Whether you would like the procession to follow a particular route.
- Whether you'd like to personalise the vehicles with ribbons or bows.
- Your budget.