Arranging a funeral faq
What does a funeral director do?
A funeral director is a professional who assists families and loved ones following a death. They organise and coordinate all aspects of the funeral, from transporting the deceased to planning the ceremony, managing legal paperwork, liaising with cemeteries or crematoria, and providing emotional support throughout the process.
How soon after a death should I contact a funeral director?
You should contact a funeral director as soon as possible after a death occurs, especially if the person has died at home or in a non-hospital setting. The funeral director will guide you through the immediate next steps, including arranging for the transfer of your loved one into their care.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
In most regions, you are not legally required to use a funeral director, but many families find their expertise and guidance invaluable during a difficult time. Funeral directors can handle paperwork, logistics, and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
What are the main types of funeral services?
There are several types of funeral services, including:
- Traditional burial services
- Cremation services
- Green or eco-friendly burials
- Direct cremations (without a service)
- Memorial services held separately from the burial or cremation
Can I personalise the funeral service?
Absolutely. Funeral directors work with families to create a service that reflects the life and personality of the deceased. You can choose music, readings, floral arrangements, and other personalised touches to honour your loved one’s memory.
What happens if a death occurs outside normal business hours?
Most funeral directors offer a 24-hour service and can be contacted at any time, day or night. They will arrange for the timely transfer of the deceased and begin necessary preparations, ensuring families receive support no matter when the death occurs.
How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of a funeral varies depending on the type of service, location, and specific choices made (such as coffin type, flowers, transportation, etc.). Funeral directors provide detailed price lists and can help you understand all the costs involved so you can make an informed decision.
According to SunLife Insurance, the average cost of a funeral in the United Kingdom is £4,056 as of 2023. This figure includes essential elements such as the cremation or burial fee, professional services, and other necessary expenses, but does not account for optional items like flowers, catering, or memorials, which can significantly increase the overall cost.
Are there payment plans or assistance for funeral costs?
Many funeral directors offer payment plans to help families manage the cost. In some cases, government assistance or grants may be available. Your funeral director can advise you on what support may be accessible in your area. Funeral Safe (Hyperlink) allows you to pay the funeral you would like and you are able to this off monthly with no early settlement fee.
What is included in a funeral director’s fee?
Typically, the funeral director’s fee covers professional services such as making arrangements, handling documentation, coordinating with third parties (clergy, celebrants, cemeteries, etc.), and conducting the funeral. Additional costs, like cemetery/crematorium fees or catering, may be itemised separately.
What paperwork is needed when someone dies?
You’ll need a medical certificate of cause of death, which is usually provided by a doctor. The next of Kin, family member or Executor can then register the death with the local authorities and obtain copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need for legal and financial matters.
Can a funeral director help with legal documents?
Yes. Funeral directors are experienced in managing the required legal paperwork and can guide you through the registration of the death, obtaining certificates, and, if necessary, liaising with solicitors or government offices.
Can children attend funerals?
Children are welcome at funerals, and many families find it helps them understand and process grief. We are able to offer guidance about involving children in the ceremony in an age-appropriate way.
Can I see my loved one before the funeral?
Yes, We have three chapels of rest at our funeral home for viewing or visitation, allowing family and friends a private moment with their loved one prior to the funeral service. The funeral director will explain how and when these visits can be arranged.
Is embalming required?
Embalming is not always required, but it may be necessary for viewing purposes, if there is a long period of time before the funeral, or if the body will be transported over long distances. Your funeral director can discuss your wishes and advise on the best options for your situation.
What should my loved one wear for the funeral?
Families usually provide clothing that is meaningful or appropriate for the deceased. If no preference is expressed, the funeral home can provide suitable garments. The choice is entirely personal and should reflect your loved one’s personality, beliefs, or wishes. For cremation there are restrictions on certain man-made materials.
What is the difference between burial and cremation?
Burial involves placing the body in a coffin, which is then interred in the ground or placed in a mausoleum. Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes, which can be kept, scattered, or interred according to the family’s wishes.
Can I still have a funeral service with cremation?
Certainly. Many families hold a traditional funeral service before the cremation, or choose a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. Funeral directors can help plan a service that fits your wishes.
What can I do with the ashes after cremation?
Options include keeping the ashes in an urn, scattering them in a meaningful location (as permitted by local laws), interring them in a cemetery, or creating keepsakes such as jewellery. Discuss your ideas with the funeral director to ensure all arrangements are carried out respectfully and legally.
Can religious or cultural traditions be accommodated?
Funeral directors are experienced in working with a wide range of religious and cultural practices. Be sure to discuss any special traditions or requests during the planning process, so they can ensure your wishes are honoured.
Can I pre-arrange or pre-pay for a funeral?
Yes, many people choose to pre-arrange and even pre-pay for their own funeral, easing the burden on their families and ensuring their wishes are met. We can guide you through the options available and help you put a plan in place. Pre-paid funeral plans are available but must comply with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations. We also offer Funeral Instruction forms you can leave with your family and/or solicitor without any pre-payment.
What support is available for families after the funeral?
Head & Wheble offer bereavement support through various channels or can refer you to counselling and support groups. We understand that grief does not end with the funeral and are there to help you through the difficult days that follow.
Can the funeral director help with memorials or headstones?
Yes, we have our own in-house memorial masons to assist you in choosing and ordering a memorial, headstone, or plaque, and will liaise with cemeteries on your behalf. We would also be able to take care of any existing headstone’s required to be removed for a second burial/interment.
Is it possible to have a green or eco-friendly funeral?
Yes. Eco-friendly options such as biodegradable coffins, woodland burials, and natural memorials are increasingly available. Discuss your preferences with our funeral director, who can outline the environmentally sustainable choices in our area.
What happens if a loved one dies abroad?
Head & Wheble provide assistance with repatriation, ensuring your loved one is returned home. This process can be complex, but our funeral directors are experienced in handling the necessary arrangements and paperwork.
Headstones & memorials FAQ
How Long does it take to order a headstone?
We have a small selection of popular memorials in stock that can be erected within 8 weeks from the point of order. However most of headstone’s are bespoke made to order and can take 3-4 months from point of order to completing.
Why do I need to pay a Cemetery/Churchyard Fee
The Burial Authority or Churchyard enforces regulations to maintain the burial ground and ensure its safety. These rules include overseeing the types of headstones allowed in the area. Monumental Masons assist by submitting application forms for headstone designs to obtain permits for placing memorials.
What is the payment process?
To confirm the order, we require a 50% deposit. The final cost will be confirmed prior to completion and our invoice is sent to you for settlement once the headstone has been fixed and you are happy.
Can I add additional inscriptions or features to an existing headstone?
Yes, it is possible to add further inscriptions or features to an existing headstone, such as names, dates, verses, or emblems/motifs. The process involves submitting an additional application for approval, as any alterations must comply with the regulations of the cemetery or churchyard. Once permission is granted, we can proceed to remove the headstone back to our works department to carry out the works aiming to match the original style and finish for a unified appearance where possible.
What happens to my family headstone when it is removed for a second interment/burial?
The headstone is safely stored at our workshop until additional works have been completed, and the headstone is re-fixed.
What should I do if the memorial is damaged or needs repair?
When visiting the cemetery next, photograph the headstone so you have an up to date copy for your files. Contact your local stonemason to engage their services and request a quote. Supply them with the necessary details including a photograph, this will be helpful for the stonemason visiting the burial ground to locate the headstone to carry out a full report on the work required.
Is it possible to pre-arrange a memorial in advance?
We can discuss with you everything you need to know to make an informed decision regarding memorialisation when planning ahead. We can confirm the design, inscription and material. Just bear in mind most materials we use for headstone’s are quarried from earth’s natural resources and may not be available in the future.
Are there specific regulations for headstones in my cemetery or churchyard?
Yes, there are differing specific regulations for Cemeteries and Churchyards. See our page Burial Ground Regulations for more information.
How do I submit an application for approval of a headstone design?
As part of our service, we will guide you through the application process and submit the relevant document to the authorities once the headstone design, material and inscription has been confirmed. The registered grave owner or confirmed next of kin will need to sign the application form.
Are there restrictions on the size or style of headstones?
There are parameters set by each burial ground with a maximum width, depth and height we must adhere to. The type of grave will also determine the regulation size.
Can I include images, photographs, or personal designs on the memorial?
Certainly, there are several options available for incorporating images or motifs, which will be reviewed in detail during your initial headstone consultation.
How do I maintain or clean a headstone?
The finish and material of the headstone will determine the correct method and/or solution to use. We have put together a guide to give you pointers and help with cleaning your family grave.
Can I visit the cemetery to select the location for the headstone?
If you have not already purchased the exclusive right of burial for a grave or have a family plot allocated. Prior to the funeral taking place, you can choose the grave you would like based on availability within the burial ground. Some burial grounds will allow you to pre- purchase the grave in advance and your options will be made available to you by the burial authority. It is best to contact them direct to book an appointment to choose a grave.
How do I choose the inscription for the memorial?
Choosing an inscription is a deeply personal decision, reflecting the individuality of the person being commemorated. Our aim is to support you through this process, offering guidance and suggestions to help you find the words that best honour the deceased. Typically, several drafts are created to explore different options and ensure the final inscription truly captures the sentiment you wish to convey.
woodland burial faq
What is the average cost of a woodland burial?
The cost of a woodland burial varies based on location, facilities provided by the burial ground, and the options selected. While typically comparable to traditional burials, woodland burials are not necessarily cost-effective. We can guide you through the costings for this. It can be advisable by the funeral director to visit the woodland burial ground to choose the specific grave you would like.
Are various coffin options available?
Yes, we offer a selection of coffin options, including biodegradable materials such as willow, cardboard, or sustainably sourced wood, consistent with the natural principles of woodland burials.
May I select the species of tree planted after the burial?
Woodland burial sites allow families to choose the type of tree planted in memory of their loved one following the burial. Some examples of tree species are: Silver Birch, Oak, Maple, Copper Beach.
Is it possible to hold the funeral service at the woodland burial ground?
Funeral services can generally be conducted at the graveside. Several Woodland Burial Grounds offer ceremony halls to accommodate services, providing flexibility for individual needs.
Is woodland burial suitable for my requirements?
Woodland burial is an environmentally conscious choice for those who prefer a natural setting for their final resting place. It may be particularly appropriate for individuals seeking a less formal, nature-focused ceremony. If uncertain, you are encouraged to consult funeral directors or visit woodland burial grounds to determine compatibility with your wishes.
Is embalming permitted prior to a woodland burial?
Embalming policies vary by burial ground, though it is commonly not permitted due to the use of chemicals that conflict with the ethos of natural burials. Confirmation can be sought from the woodland burial ground by the funeral director.
Can I view my loved one before a woodland burial?
Viewing your loved one prior to burial is welcome. Many funeral homes, including ours, provide chapels of rest where families may spend time with their loved ones before the service or interment.
Are Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available for woodland burials?
Advance planning and payment for woodland burial funerals are available.
We recommend pre-purchasing a grave directly through the woodland burial ground when feasible.
How does a woodland burial differ from a traditional burial?
Woodland burials frequently do not include church services, churchyards, or cemeteries with headstones or gravestones. They involve alternative coffin options, a contemporary approach to funerals, and are designed to minimise environmental impact.
May I provide clothing for the deceased?
Yes, clothing for the deceased may be provided and we can dress your loved one in their own clothes. We also have different burial gowns we can dress them in as an alternative option.
bequeathal FAQ
Does donation change my care?
No, your care continues as usual; donation is minimally disruptive.
Can my family still visit me if I donate?
Yes, the eye will be fully reconstructed so that families can spend time with their loved one.
Does my religion prohibit donation?
No major religion forbids organ or tissue donation after death. If uncertain, you may wish to consult a local religious leader. Ultimately, donation is a personal choice.
Are there any charges for donation?
No, the service is free of charge and does not result in any costs for the donor or their family.
Will my funeral be delayed if I donate?
In most cases, the funeral timetable is unaffected as donation occurs within 24 hours of death. Should a rapid funeral be required, NHSBT will work closely with the family to meet their wishes. If donation would delay the funeral and the family prefers not to wait, NHSBT will respect this choice.
Where can I find more information about donation?
Further details are available on the NHS Blood and Transplant website: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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