The funeral

The funeral service

The funeral service is a way of saying goodbye to someone who has passed away. They can be formal or relaxed depending upon your wishes.  Factors to consider are, the wishes of the deceased and next of kin, family traditions, religious or non-religious beliefs, choice of life celebrant or vicar/priest, the numbers likely to attend and suitable timescales.

For religious services, you can have a service at a local church or your place of worship. Non-religious and religious services may also take place at a crematorium or cemetery chapel, at a graveside or any other suitable location. Please ask and we can help choose suitable locations. If the funeral service is to be held in church or at another venue, it can be followed by a short committal service at the crematorium or at the graveside.

We will listen carefully to your requirements, help set the day and time of the service, liaising with churches, crematorium, burial grounds, ministers, life celebrants, etc. We will also help you make other important and difficult decisions, handle the details and related forms, liaise with third parties and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day.

A few of the things we can help with:

Music & Hymns

We are able to give advice on all aspects of music for the funeral service.

During their life many people say that they have a song that they want played at their funeral and the choice of music played at a funeral can add a personal touch to the service. Whether its traditional hymns and organ music, a piper or brass band or even a recording of a favourite song, we can advise on what’s possible at the venue and make the necessary arrangements.

Poems, Readings & Eulogies

You may like a friend, relative or minister/life-celebrant to say a few words during a service about the person who has passed away. This is called a eulogy. Writing and giving a eulogy is a way of personalising the service, celebrating the life of and saying farewell to a loved one. In addition to a eulogy, you can also include a favourite poem or other readings.

Coffin Bearers

We will provide a team of bearers who will carry the coffin at the service.

Friends or relatives of the deceased can also carry if you would like them to. We will give advice and direction on what to do when performing this important job and will always be there to help if needed.

Order of Service Sheets

You may wish to produce a booklet detailing the order of service. The order of service sheets can also include a few words about the deceased together with a photograph of them or an image of something significant to them.

We can assist you with this. We can print personalised orders of service on your behalf and can advise on the content, layout and design.

Many people also like to keep the service sheets after the funeral service as a keepsake or send them to those who were not able to attend.