Arranging a funeral can be one of the most difficult things to experience. It comes at a time when emotions are high, and you may have never had to arrange one before, making it even harder.
Going to a local funeral director can help ease the burden. Their knowledge, expertise and advice can save you from a lot of stress. And with a lot of funeral services to offer, funeral directors are there to help in any way that they can.
Your loved one may already have a funeral plan, which you can use to sort out the arrangements. They may have also left certain wishes for their funeral, and although this is helpful, you might still be unsure about where to start.
If you feel like you need help with funeral arrangements, make use of funeral services. This article will run through what you can expect from these services, what they mean and how they will help you.
Funeral Packages
Before you die, you can arrange a pre-paid funeral plan or package. This means you can pay towards your funeral to ease the burden for your loved ones when the time comes. You can set these up through your local funeral director or other companies.
If your loved one has a package, you can get in touch with the provider once they have died to start the arrangements. However, not everyone will have a pre-paid funeral package, but it’s worth checking before you start to plan the funeral.
Transport
Funeral directors can help arrange transport for your loved ones and the coffin if necessary. You may decide to arrange transport yourself, but if you need help, speak to your funeral director.
Choose from a traditional hearse or there are other options including horse-drawn carriage and more personal vehicles such as camper vans.
Order of Service
If you would like a say in the order of service leaflets, some funeral providers will be able to design a bespoke sheet for you. Here you can add personal images, quotes and other additions.
This is a lovely way to remember your loved one, as guests will be able to take these home as a memorial.
Tributes
There are many personalized ways to pay tribute to your loved ones at their funeral, and the funeral director will be able to offer a range of solutions. Firstly, the order of service which was mentioned above.
Another way is through a slideshow of photos where your favourite pictures are showcased during the funeral on a projector.
Other options can include setting doves free, video memories and a book of condolence. If you have other ideas, don’t hesitate to speak to your funeral director directly to see what they can do.
Coffins
If your loved one is being buried, funeral directors can help you with picking a coffin or casket. From wooden coffins to natural coffins, you can choose one to suit the deceased’s personality. They may have already chosen a coffin they would like, so make sure to check beforehand.
Chapel of Rest
The chapel of rest is a quiet space for loved ones to say their final goodbyes. You can spend the time there how you wish, and you don’t have to visit if you don’t want to. Many people find it helpful to get closure.
The funeral directors will prepare the body and can make certain requests such as adding photographs or flowers with the body.
Containers or Jewellery for Ashes
Some funeral providers will be able to provide ash containers or even memorial jewelry for those who get cremated. You can choose from a wide selection, picking the one that your loved one would like the most.
Payment Help
Without a pre-paid funeral plan, funerals can become expensive. Depending on the services you would like, or you can afford, it can be a difficult thing to pay for, especially if a death is unexpected.
If you find yourself struggling to pay for a funeral, the Department of Work and Pensions can provide help depending on your income. However, you can speak to your funeral director first to ask any questions you may have. They can offer advice about what help you could be eligible for and the best route to take.