Arranging A Funeral

Arranging A Funeral

There are few events more overwhelming in life than someone close to you passing away. Harris & Steadman Funeral Directors understand that whilst you are in mourning, it's very likely that you will be having to think about organising a funeral and dealing with a lot of paperwork. It can be a very testing time, which is why we have put together this brief guide to offer you a little help on how to arrange a funeral. Our experienced team will gently guide you through the steps you need to take.

On this page we have outlined some basic information, but just know that if you want help and advice then please just ask us. Losing someone we love is traumatic and regardless of whether their passing is expected, or unexpected, then it is reassuring to know that we care and will support you.

First steps in arranging a funeral

After the initial news of the death of someone you knew and loved, there are some important things that need to be done. Firstly, you will need to register the death of your loved one. The link below will take you to the Government website, but more often than not, you may have already dealt with this part.

The next step then is to organise a Funeral Director. We hope you wish to choose Harris & Steadman as your funeral director.

How long does it take to arrange a funeral

Often it can take around two weeks to organise a funeral, but sometimes it can be arranged sooner. Every situation is different, and in some cases, funeral arrangements might be delayed if a coroner wishes to investigate a sudden or suspicious death. While no two funerals are exactly the same, there are various steps that the family or friends of the deceased are likely to deal with before a funeral can take place.

We will ask you what kind of funeral would you like

We will discuss with you what kind of funeral would you like. One of the questions we will ask you is whether you would like a burial or a cremation. You might wish to discuss this with other family members if you were not sure of the preferences of your loved one who died. We will also ask you where you would like the service held. Some other questions might include:

• Whether the funeral should be civil, humanist or religious.
• Whether there is a particular minister or celebrant you have in mind to take the funeral.
• What sort of coffin you would like.
• How you would like the coffin to be transported to the service.
• Whether you would like flowers.
• Would you like to view your loved one in the Chapel of Rest.