Funeral Arrangements
Losing a loved one is one of life's most devastating experiences. We know and understand your heartache and pain, and will be here to comfort you in your time of need.
When arranging a funeral service, a situation you may not have experiences previously, it can be a daunting time to ensure they receive the final farewell they truly deserve. Our family team are here to support and advise you throughout and will continue to be there whenever needed.
We will guide you through every little detail, advise you of all the options and choices available and work with you to arrange a funeral that is personal to your family and an honorary celebration to your loved one's life.
For some, a simple funeral is all that is required, whilst others prefer a more elaborate service.
The person making the arrangements must have the authority of the family to be able to do so and be able to make decisions and give instructions, as they will be responsible for any decisions made.
We can meet to discuss the arrangements in our family rooms at our branch, your home or a location of your choice, such as a solicitors office or a friends home.
DECISIONS YOU WILL NEED TO CONSIDER ARE:
- Burial, Cremation or Repatriation
- Coffin, casket and urn selection
- Dressing a loved one in own clothes or robe
- Where your loved one should rest prior to the funeral service
- Where the funeral is to be held
- Religious or secular service
- Music and/or hymn choices
- Order of service booklets and/or memory cards
- Who is to conduct and speak at the funeral service
- Whether to have floral tributes or donations to a charity
- Who should be informed of the death
- Newspaper notices
- What costs are appropriate
Arranging a funeral is a unique opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one and our caring and professional team will be available to guide and advise you throughout. Feel free to call s to discuss your thoughts, concerns and wishes.
We will make all arrangements on your behalf with ministers, clergy, cemeteries and crematoria, as well as other third parties as required. Our aim is to support the families we serve during what is already a very difficult time.
We will provide a fully itemised estimate of costs and work with each individual to create a fitting farewell. Our experienced staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We pride ourselves in looking after your loved on with care, dignity and respect at all times.
What to do when a death occurs
When a loved one passes away the first few steps are the hardest for the family. Our experienced team are here 24 hours a day to answer the telephone, whether this is to bring your loved one into our care from where they have passed away or to speak to the funeral director to answer any of your questions regarding the funeral arrangements.
If your loved one has passed away in hospital:
- You can contact our office to inform us that you wish for us to take care of your loved one.
- A Medical Examiner will contact you once all paperwork has been completed.
- You can now contact the relevant registry office via phone or online, to obtain an appointment to register your loved one’s death.
(Please inform us once your appointment has been booked so we can begin to proceed with the service arrangements.)
- We will arrange to bring your loved one into our care as soon as possible.
(Our family form will need to be fully completed by the client before this can be done.)
If your loved one has passed away at home/care/nursing home:
- When you feel ready, please contact their GP to inform them of the death. (If the death occurs out of surgery hours, please contact 111.)
- Your loved one’s death will need to be verified by a Doctor, Nurse or Paramedic before you make contact with us.
- Once the above has been completed, you can then contact us so we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
(We aim to be with you within two hours, please note this may take longer during bank holidays and festive periods.)
- The following working day, please contact your loved one’s GP surgery to ensure they have the correct and relevant information.
They will then pass this on to a Medical Examiner who will contact you once the paperwork has been completed.
- You can now contact the relevant registry office via phone or online, to obtain an appointment to register your loved one’s death.
(Please inform us once your appointment has been booked so we can begin to proceed with the service arrangements.)
If the Coroner is involved:
We will advise you accordingly as each case can vary.