Should I choose burial or cremation?
If your loved one has not specified a preference then you need to consider this very carefully.
Take time to discuss what the person who has passed may have wanted with family members and close friends. Think about the person’s interests and passion in life as a way of leading you to your answer.
They may have been passionate about the countryside and the environment, in which case a natural burial may be a consideration. They may have loved a specific spot or landmark that is suitable for their ashes, in which case a cremation may be an option.
If the above doesn’t lead you to any answers, consider how you, the family and close friends of the person may wish to remember them. Visiting a grave may be important, as may scattering ashes at a specific location.
We are here to help you reach a decision and guide you through testing times. We have helped many people choose how they feel is the right option to say goodbye to their loved one.
Payment methods
Payment for a funeral can be made in cash, bank transfer, by cheque or via all major debit or credit cards excluding American Express. If you are interested in pre-paying for a funeral see our information on this in the Planning Ahead section of our website.
The level of deposit required will be communicated to you and the balance is payable within 30 days of receiving your invoice. Typically, we send the invoice approximately one week after the funeral.
Is there financial help available?
In certain circumstances, the next-of-kin can receive help with the cost of the funeral from the Social Fund. Claims must be made within three months of the death.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for assistance. To find out more contact your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau who should be able to help you.
Married people who have not claimed a pension are entitled to a fixed payment which is not means tested.
How long does it take to arrange and complete a funeral?
This can vary for a number of reasons. Some funerals, to comply with particular faiths and beliefs, have to be arranged and completed within 24 hours. In other cases, funerals take longer to happen perhaps because the coroner has to be involved or the proposed venue is not available until a certain date. The timing of the funeral is to suit the family but also needs to take into consideration the necessary paperwork and availability of third parties such as crematoria, cemeteries, minister, churches as well as ourselves.
How best to explain the loss of a loved one to children and should they attend the funeral?
There are a number of excellent charities who can help with all matters to do with bereaved children. See Winston’s Wish and The Child Bereavement Trust for more information. It is important to consider the needs of everyone who is bereaved, including young children.
What should I wear to a funeral?
This is usually determined by the family of the person who has passed. However, if no clear guidance has been given ahead of the funeral, black or dark colours are usually worn.
However, if the family has specified a dress code, then please do respect their wishes.
If you are the family, then deciding what to wear and whether or not to specify a dress code for the occasion is a purely personal matter. You should decide on the basis of what you feel your loved one would have wanted and what makes you feel most comfortable.
How best to support the family and close friends of the person who has passed
There are lots of ways on how best to support a grieving family member or close friends. Many of which have been put forward by bereaved people as things they would have liked to have experienced during their own period of mourning, at the Centre for the Grief Journey. It is important to note that every person manages bereavement differently. As long as you are supportive, friendly and ready to help in any way you can, you will be a huge asset to the family and close friends.