Frequently Asked Questions

It is best to allow between 7 to 10 days, however in particular circumstances the funeral can take place within 24 hours of the death. We will, of course, ensure that the date of the funeral is convenient for the family.

There are several factors that determine the funeral cost, e.g. style of funeral, choice of coffin, number of limousines required, etc.

We will provide you with an itemised estimate of funeral costs once we understand your wishes for the service. 

After the removal from the place of death the deceased is cared for at our premises prior to being placed in the chosen coffin for viewing in readiness for the funeral.

The deceased may be dressed in a gown provided by us or clothing provided by the family (please note that some crematoria have restrictions about personal clothing).

We recommend the provision of hygienic treatment for the deceased where families are planning to visit the Chapel of Rest or where there may be a lengthy period between the death and the funeral. Hygienic treatment is carried out by qualified staff and enhances the presentation and preservation of the deceased. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have on this procedure.

It is important that instructions left by the deceased with regard to personal effects (i.e. wedding rings) are observed. The family may also have specific wishes in this respect. If such items are to be removed your Funeral Director should be instructed by the executors and arrangements made for their collection BEFORE the funeral.

It is an invasive preservation technique that involves introducing a chemical preservative through the vascular system. We only suggest this option when a body is to be kept for some time, exported by air or the coffin is to be opened during a church service.

If you propose to use a new plot in a Cemetery or Churchyard we will advise you of the options available. For a burial in an existing grave in a public cemetery the Deeds of the grave may be important. The Deeds may be with the deceased's personal papers. There will be no Deed if the grave is in a Churchyard. Usually there will be a funeral service in a church/chapel or at the graveside.

The internment can be a very emotional experience and you may wish this part to be for close family only or you may welcome the support from friends. During the brief words of committal the coffin is gently lowered into the grave - your Funeral Director may scatter a little earth or petals. You may also wish to scatter a little earth on the coffin yourself, or to place a flower in the grave.

Afterwards the floral tributes will be displayed nearby for everyone to see. We can arrange for a temporary marker to be placed on the grave whilst the necessary time elapses before a permanent memorial can be erected.

These days the personal choice of appropriate music can be very important. We will be able to advise you on the various options available and also help with any additional equipment required.

Local Crematoria have different facilities for playing pre-recorded music from your own collection or their extensive collection. Please discuss this with your Funeral Director who will be aware of local arrangements.

It is essential that any recorded music is discussed and agreed at least 48 hours in advance of a funeral. This will ensure that there is plenty of time for delivery, downloading, or rehearsal and may avoid disappointment if something is handed to the Funeral Director at the last minute. If the service is in church we may need to obtain permission from the incumbent before certain music can be played.

There are various options regarding the final resting place for the ashes of the deceased. These include

• The crematorium garden of remembrance, which can include an entry in the Book of Remembrance or other memorialisation.
• Burial in a churchyard or cemetery, either locally or nationally, in a new grave or existing family plot. 
• A private scattering if there is a special place that is appropriate. Other options include a woodland burial or burial at sea. 

Whatever your final decision you will be given time to consider all the options. You may wish us to hold the ashes until you have decided.

Nowadays more and more families choose to have donations to a charity instead of, or in addition to, flowers. It may be that the deceased has indicated a particular charity to benefit, or that the family need to consider an appropriate one.

The details of the donations are often published in the newspaper announcement and are usually sent care of the Funeral Director. Each donation will be acknowledged by us (where an address has been supplied) including the opportunity to Gift Aid.

After approximately six weeks a list will be compiled for the family showing the total collected. The cheques will be sent to the nominated charity (or charities) requesting an acknowledgement be sent to the family.

We can provide pre-printed attendance cards (often known as pew cards) for members of the congregation to complete. They also give the opportunity to inform you of their connection to the deceased. We can also provide a Book of Remembrance for the congregation to complete.

The support and advice of your Funeral Director will not necessarily end with the funeral. Should you feel the need for any additional help please do not hesitate to contact us. It may be that you (or one of your family or a child) requires some support and could be helped through this difficult time by a trained and skilled counsellor who will be able to 'lend an ear'. We will be able to put you in contact with counsellors who work closely with us.