Arranging a funeral can feel like a daunting task especially given the emotional stress many people are under when someone dies. We’re here to help you from the moment you need us through every step of the way.
A funeral is the last chance to say goodbye to a loved one and will be a very emotional time; so it is important that the arrangements you have made are precisely carried out. The majority of arrangements are made around what is termed a ‘traditional’ funeral. This is where the funeral procession, normally a hearse which carries the coffin and a limousine which transports the relatives, arrives at the home of the deceased.
The relatives are collected and the procession moves on to a local church for the main part of the funeral service and then on to a cemetery or crematorium for the committal service. After the committal the relatives are returned to the deceased’s home or another local address where refreshments are served to the mourners. Alternatively the whole funeral service can take place in the crematorium chapel or cemetery chapel, if available, followed by the committal at the grave.
Timing
Bear in mind that you can’t finalise the date for the funeral until after the death has been registered. If the death has to be reported to the coroner, the date when the funeral can be held will be affected.
Taking the deceased’s wishes into account
Remember to check the deceased’s will or other written instructions for special wishes about their funeral or what should happen to their body. (However, the executor doesn’t have to follow the instructions about the funeral left in the will).
If there are no clear wishes it’s generally up to the executor/administrator or nearest relative to decide whether the body is to be cremated or buried.
After the Funeral
We are still here to give you any advice, help and support you may need. After the funeral we provide you with an After Care Booklet which will guide you through the grieving process and give you the contact numbers of those organisations who specialise in helping the bereaved.