Douch Family Funeral Directors has reported a sharp increase in families choosing its ceremony rooms over traditional crematorium chapels.

The Dorset business has accordingly invested heavily in modern ceremony rooms at its branches in Ferndown, Parkstone, Blandford and Corfe Mullen.

These rooms provide families with an affordable alternative to expensive crematorium services, allowing them to host personalised funerals and wakes in the same venue.

They’re designed to offer a cost-effective yet dignified way to say goodbye to loved ones.

Two of the branches also offer live streaming for those unable to attend.

Nick Douch, managing director, said: “Our seven branches are very much connected to a past that goes back more than a century – but as a family business we’ve always looked forward.

“The nature of funerals has changed and increasing numbers of people are opting for less traditional arrangements.

“Direct cremations have become popular, but many families find them too impersonal.

“With this trend in mind we invested heavily in our own ceremony rooms creating a middle ground that balances affordability with dignity.

“Demand has been higher than we anticipated, as families appreciate the flexibility, comfort and cost savings our ceremony rooms provide.

“Families really do value the service and for some without these options there would be no service.

“The rooms are also community assets, and we host bereavement groups and other meetings.

“Additionally, we’ve partnered with venues such as Kingston Country Courtyard in the Isle of Purbeck and the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, expanding the possibilities for families to honour their loved ones.

“At one time, services were held either in a church or crematorium, but now there are many options available.

“We’ve diversified to reflect that – particularly with our ceremony rooms.”

• funeraldirector.co.uk