A funeral service is an important and cherished space to pay respects, say goodbye and bring practical closure to the loss of a loved one.
In today’s culture, there’s a balance to strike between honouring a loved one’s wishes whilst balancing the needs of family with the responsibility for arranging the funeral.
We’re here to guide families through the many options and possibilities so they get something that’s personal, memorable and “just right”.
From a “no-fuss” event to a “send off they’ll remember” – arranging an appropriate service matters. For those that want no service, we can offer direct unattended cremation options.
We’ll share possibilities, provide transparent estimates and organise all the practicalities beforehand, and on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to use a celebrant or someone that isn’t family to lead a service?
There is no rule or requirement when it comes to leading a service. Those who knew the person who’s died often take the officiant role. We can provide celebrant recommendations whether that’s a faith leader, celebrant or humanist. And if none are required, we can assist whoever a family chooses when it comes to preparing tributes and organising a service.
How long does a funeral service last?
Funerals are individual so the timings can be varied. It’s dependent on where the funeral is taking place, the number of people attending and the style of funeral planned. A typical crematoria will offer 20-30 minute slots which we can work around if longer is required. A mass will last a up to an hour and a graveside burial – especially if the weather is cool or wet – may last around 20 minutes or less.
If I want to deliver a eulogy, how long should it be?
Like a funeral, the eulogy is very personal and there is no rule to their timescale. Our recommendation is to prepare a 3-4 minute tribute as there may be other funeral elements to factor in overall: music, readings, digital tributes or other contributions.
Can you help with a later celebration of life after the funeral?
We’re here to assist with any funeral, memorial or celebration of life which can take place at any time as suits you and your loved ones.
How can we track who attends a funeral?
On the day, we can provide attendance cards to mourners to complete which we collate for you after the funeral. This allows them to share a message of condolence which you can reflect on or acknowledge when it is convenient.
What should I wear?
If you’re attending a funeral, read the guidance in an obituary or newspaper notices which may set out recommended dress codes such as a particular colour or branding. In the absence of specific instructions, our recommendation is to dress slightly more formally than you would normally. Black is still considered funeral appropriate but increasingly, darker shades of other colours are just as acceptable. Read our ‘What to wear to a funeral’ guide.
Where should I send flowers?
Some families will provide instructions for flowers in the newspaper notice or an obituary on our website or Facebook page. Funeral directors accept deliveries for funerals, usually up to 24 hours before the date. It’s also possible to take flowers to a funeral directly, but we do recommend checking beforehand to affirm what the family’s preferences are.
Can we bring our dog to a funeral?
It is possible to bring a dog to all our funeral homes and most natural or woodland burial sites. Crematoria and places of worship like all venues will have their individual rules on what animals are allowed on the premises. We’ll explore all possibilities based on the funeral you want.