We understand how hard it is to lose a loved one.
When someone close to you has died, planning a funeral can be a stressful process at a time when you’re also dealing with bereavement and working through a lot of important documents.
Whether you’re organising a funeral or a memorial service, we are here to support and advise you during this sensitive period.
Did your loved one leave any requests for their funeral?
We find quite often that people have left specific requests for their funeral. When planning a funeral first check the will of your loved one to ascertain if there are any special requests for the funeral service. The person who died may have arranged for a pre-paid funeral plan prior to their passing as their way to try and help their family and friends during this difficult time.
What type of funeral is required?
It’s good to understand what type of funeral is required. This can range from the type of religion to whether you’re to arrange a cremation or a burial.
Points to Consider
Below are a few points you may wish to consider before meeting the Funeral Arranger or Director. We are here to guide and advise you on all aspects of the funeral arrangements and the points below are purely for reference.
- Will the funeral be burial or cremation?
- Would a religious or non-religious service be most appropriate?
- Will the service be private (for close family and friends only) or will the invitation be extended?
- Will you require any transportation, such as limousines?
- Would you like people to be able to visit your loved one in one of our chapels of rest?
Other Points of Discussion
At Charles Stephens your Funeral Arranger or Director will discuss different types of services which you may like to include. This will include the following considerations:
> Style of coffin
> Flower arrangements
> Service sheets / order of service
> Donations
> Keepsakes
> Cremated remains options
> Monumental masonry
> Return venue for a wake or refreshments
> Music options
> Pall bearers
Useful Information
Matters to Consider
Below are a few points you may wish to discuss or consider with your family and friends before meeting the Funeral Director. We are here to guide and advise you on all aspects of the funeral and the points below are purely for reference.
The Service
- What type of funeral service is required? A religious service to be carried out by a local parish vicar or priest, or a civil or humanist (non-religious) ceremony which is officiated by a civil celebrant or a Humanist.
- What music would you like to be played at the funeral? Consider music choices such as favourite hymns or songs for during the service and music for entering and leaving the funeral service.
- Are service sheets (order of service) required? If so, consider what quantity you will need. An order of service can be beautifully personalised with photographs.
- Would any family members wish to bear the coffin into chapel? Our staff will be there to guide and reassure.
Chapels of Rest
- Would you like family and friends to be able to visit your loved one at one of our Chapels of Rest? If so, which chapel would you prefer? We have Chapels of Rest at our Bromborough, Heswall, West Kirby, Mellock Lane and Rock Ferry premises.
Flowers & Donations
- Would you like us to order flowers on your behalf, or do you have a florist of your own you would prefer to use?
- Consider whether to leave funeral flowers at the crematorium or cemetery after the service or whether to take them home.
- Would you like donations to be collected after the service? If so, to which charity?
Newspaper Notice
- Is a newspaper notice required? If so, which paper would you like the notice to appear in? The deadline to place a notice in the Wirral Globe is Monday at midday in order for the notice to appear in that week’s edition. We deal with many other newspapers including The Chester Chronicle and The Daily Telegraph.
