Things to consider when arranging a funeral.

Now that you have selected our company to look after the funeral arrangements of your loved one you can be assured they are in good care. We have qualified funeral directors and embalmers at all of our offices who are on hand 24/7 to assist you.

When making the arrangements you can either attend one of our offices or we can come to your home address. It will be useful to think about the following:

1. Funds to pay for the funeral.
Has the deceased left sufficient funds, an insurance policy or a pre-paid funeral plan?
If not, do you have sufficient funds? Could you qualify for DWP assistance?

2. Religious Service or a Service without religion
This is an individual matter of choice for those who may have religious beliefs and those who do not. We are able to contact service officiants to conduct either religious or non-religious funerals.

3. Burial or Cremation
This may be determined by the deceased’s wish, religion, family tradition or cost.

Burial

• Choice of local authority cemetery, churchyard (though very limited) or
  Woodland burial sites.
• Is there an existing family grave with space to use?
• How many people will the grave be ultimately for?
• What type of memorial will you require? Headstone only or headstone and kerbs.

Cremation

A service may be held in a Church first or the entire service can be held at the Crematorium.

After the cremation what would you like to happen to the cremated remains? There are many available options, please ask for details.

4. Timing
Where possible we will offer you a choice of day and timing, this will be influenced by completion dates of all essential paperwork and 3rd party availability.

5. Transport
Where you all wish to meet and return to. We normally have to provide a vehicle to transport the deceased. What transport if any is required for the mourners. We have a modern fleet but can provide a horse drawn hearse or themed transportation.

6. Service Content
Having decided on a religious or non-religious service, what about the content?
The service officiant will usually want to visit you to get detailed information on the life of the deceased in order to personalise the service. Also consider:

• Would a family member or friend like to speak at the service?
• Music – Would you like to sing traditional hymns? Would you like some of the deceased’s favourite music played?
• Would you like live music? We can get Pipers, Singers, Jazz Bands e.t.c.
• Would you like an Order of Service printing?
• Do you want a list of mourners attending the service preparing?

7. Flowers or donations
Will you be accepting flowers or would you prefer charitable donations?
We can order your flowers and/or collect and distribute charitable donations.

8. Newspaper notices

9. Type of coffin
We have a selection of tradition coffins suitable for either burial or cremation.
We can also provide modern alternatives such as:

• Wicker baskets or bamboo coffins
• Cardboard coffin
• Themed picture coffins

10. After the funeral
We are able to provide caterers to attend your home or we have a list of venues for you to consider within the locality.

11. Memorials