It’s understandable that at a difficult time like the death of a loved one, you may have a lot of questions, worries or concerns regarding the funeral. In this article we will look through some common questions people ask about funerals in the hopes to alleviate some of your worries.
How Do I Find a Good Funeral Director?
It’s more hassle free than ever to find what you’re looking for, just go online and depending on where you live, type something like funeral directors Basildon to find a director local to you.
From there you can browse each local director’s website to see if they’re right for you and have the services you want. You can also arrange to speak to them over the phone or in person to see if they’re a good fit. Remember, a good funeral director should be empathetic and able to give helpful advice.
Can I Put Anything in the Coffin?
Yes, although there are some limitations for a cremation. Due to the cremation procedure, items like metal objects, glass (including glasses) or alcohol are not permitted to be put into the coffin. For a burial, there are less restrictions. Items that people commonly place inside coffins include blankets, teddy bears, clothing, cards, letters and any other small items and memorabilia.
Are Coffins Ever Re-Used?
Although in more recent years efforts have been made to make funerals environmentally friendly with biodegradable coffins, urns and green funerals – coffins are never reused. Even during a cremation, the coffin is burned along with the deceased’s remains. There is no way to reuse a coffin after cremation or burial and it would not be done anyway, as a mark of respect for the deceased and their family.
Do You Get All the Ashes Back After a Cremation?
Every crematorium has very careful procedures to make sure that all of the ashes are fully collected and handed back to the family. These crematoria also maintain strict practices so that no ashes are ever close too, mixed or contaminated with the ashes of someone else.
Do Family and Friends have to Carry the Coffin at a Funeral?
No, this is not a requirement, although you can arrange this if you want to. Some funeral directors provide every funeral with a full team of pallbearers, even if not required, in case the family decide they cannot bear the coffin at the last minute. No funeral director will ask any family or friends to act as bearers. Bearing is done on a voluntary basis.
What is Direct Cremation?
A direct cremation is a cremation with no service and no mourners attending. It’s a less expensive option, leaving you to organise celebrating the life of your loved one in your own way. Similarly, you can also choose to have an unattended funeral.
How do I get Service Sheets Made?
Many funeral directors have a selection of different designs on their website for you to pick from, alternatively you can search for an independent company that will print your own design for you.
What is the Average Time for Arranging a Service?
2 weeks is usually advised, it gives you a good amount of time for all details to be sorted. It also gives time for people to arrange to attend, book time off work, travel, childcare, etc. If family members are coming from a long way and need more time, the funeral can be delayed longer. The average is between 2 and 4 weeks. The funeral home may charge for long term care of the deceased if the delay is over a certain period, longer than 3 months for example.
Is Embalming Necessary?
No, embalming is usually not necessary. Only in certain circumstances will a funeral home advise that embalming is necessary for viewing. Otherwise the choice is completely yours. The funeral home will keep the deceased’s body well preserved even without embalming.
What is a Doctor’s Fee?
Before a cremation, the deceased’s doctor must view the deceased and confirm the cause of death was not suspicious. This is not required for a burial, as an investigation can be performed at a later date. The fee costs around £82 but is not required if a post-mortem has already taken place.
Know What to Expect
Hopefully this guide has answered some of your questions, but if in doubt, you can always talk directly with a funeral home for advice.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.