On The Day Of The Funeral
Our below guide will help people understand what happens and what to expect when an attended funeral is arranged.
Prior to the day
You will have received a call the day before the funeral from the funeral director and conductor who are looking after you. They will introduce themselves and be able to answer any questions you may have. On the morning of the funeral we will ensure your loved one has been prepared in accordance with your wishes, before transferring them in their coffin into one of our hearses. If you have floral tributes or a framed photo of your loved one for the funeral, these will be placed inside the hearse.
The Funeral Director will check the route to ensure you arrive at the service on time and accommodate any particular route the family may have chosen to take.
The funeral cortege traditionally begins at the home of the person who has passed away, although you may choose a difference location if you wish or choose to meet us at the service venue. You will need to ensure that family and friends who are travelling in the limousines or following the cortege arrive at the starting location on time to ensure everyone is ready to leave for the funeral service on time. The funeral director will arrive with plenty time for you to be able to view any floral tributes before leaving. If you have not met the funeral director prior to the day, please make yourself aware to him; he will be the one wearing a top hat. Any flowers which have been delivered to the home address should be laid outside, ready for the funeral team to place in the hearse.
Arriving at the service
When we arrive at the service the Funeral Director will make sure all details have been taken care of: the music, the order of service sheets and donation box if required. They will liaise with the minister or celebrant and the chapel attendant ensuring all arrangements are in place. They will then lead you into the funeral service venue or crematorium, respectfully walking behind the coffin before it is placed upon the catafalque, with the family all following.
We will provide bearers who will carefully and respectfully carry your loved one's coffin into the church or crematorium with dignity just before the start of the service. Or, if family or friends wish to bear the coffin, our team will be on hand to guide you through the process to ensure it runs smoothly.
The service
The service may include music, poems, prayers or readings from family members and friends. This decision is up to you and you will have the opportunity for a meeting with the officiant to discuss these wishes prior to the day. Please note there is usually a time limit at the service and you will be guided on this.
During the service, the Funeral Director will keep an eye on the service either from the rear or from the waiting room. Once the service has finished, they will show you out of the service and to where floral tributes have been laid. Here you will get time to see the flowers and speak with attendees before you are returned home or to a venue of your choosing for refreshments at the wake.
Following the service
Our caring and experienced funeral arrangers will call you the day after your loved one's service to ensure everything went smoothly for you. We understand the days following the service can be difficult, which is why we are proud to be partners with SAIF Care who can offer you professional bereavement support if you need it. Please speak with our arrangers for more information or you can call SAIF Care on 0800 917 7224.
