Arranging a funeral

We have prepared this guide to help you through this difficult time.

To help us arrange a funeral that meets your needs you will need to let us know your requirements in the following areas

• Who will be the applicant? Normally the next of kin or close relative.
• Is the deceased to be buried or cremated?
• If buried, is there an existing grave or is a new grave required?
• If cremated, which crematorium do you want to use (Howe Bridge, Overdale or other) and what is to be done with the ashes?
• Do you want a religious or non-religious funeral service?
• If religious, do you want a service in church or just at the crematorium?
• Do you want an obituary notice in the paper?

When we have answers to the above we can make initial enquiries on your behalf and advise you how long it will be before the funeral can take place.

A meeting with the funeral director is required to finalise the arrangements and sign the necessary forms. At this meeting we can help you to decide what you want with regard to the following

• The details of the funeral service
• Hymns
• Music
• Funeral cars
• Floral tributes
• The wording of newspaper notices (obituary and acknowledgement)
• Donations
• Catering

We will also help you to select the right coffin and can give advice on memorials.

When everything has been finalised and a date for the funeral fixed we will provide a written confirmation of the arrangements and an estimate for the cost of the funeral. Payment of the account is the responsibility of the applicant. However, the applicant can ask for the account to be sent to a solicitor for payment from the deceased's estate.

If an application is to be made to the Social Fund for assistance with payment, please let us know when arranging the funeral and we can give specific advice on this.