Trying to plan the funeral of a loved one while coping with the grief of their loss can be incredibly challenging. It is the worst of times and close relatives and friends have to try to come to terms with the death of someone they love while being asked to resolve a plethora of official matters, as well as organising the funeral.
But a funeral director is there to provide vital support and guidance to the bereaved in their time of need.
Funeral directors have the experience and expertise to give practical advice to ensure the funeral is carried out in line with the family’s wishes. More than that, they have the compassion and sensitivity to provide support which is so dearly needed in this time of distress.
For some grieving relatives, it may be the first time they have had to organise a funeral. But a funeral director will be able to help them every step of the way.
Prior to the funeral, the director can help to arrange if your loved one remains at, or is taken, home or is taken to a mortuary or chapel of rest.
A funeral director will guide the family on how to plan the funeral, ensuring wherever possible that their wishes are carried out. This can include everything from the choice of coffin to the time, date and location of the funeral and whether the deceased should be buried or cremated.
They can also help to organise other aspects of the funeral, such as the order of service, music, flowers, transport and death notices as well as special personal requests. They will also have a thorough understanding of the law surrounding funerals and, if needed, can help families to fill in forms.
On the day of the funeral, the funeral director may lead the procession, walking in front of the hearse for part of the route. They will also be responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly from overseeing transport for the family to supervising the burial or cremation. In essence, they are on hand to support the bereaved in any way needed.
Funeral directors can also offer advice on wakes and memorial services and their duty of care will often continue after the funeral including organising the delivery of ashes to the family if relevant.
Advice can also be offered on arranging headstones, memorials and other ways of remembering your loved ones, for example, they can also arrange for floral tributes to be forwarded to family members or donations to be sent on to charities.
In essence, a funeral director will be there to help carry the load, to use their professional knowledge to support, advise and help those grieving through what may be one of the worst times of their lives. Above all, everything will be carried out with sensitivity and compassion, patience and understanding.
Our team are here for you whenever you need us; give our 24-hour helpline a call on 01206 760049 or visit our Contact page to find your local Hunnaball branch.
