WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY
Some of these decisions will have been planned for in your pre-paid funeral plan. Some will be outside of this scope. Check your plan details for information.
Transport
The hearse and the cars following it are called the Cortege. There are
some things you may wish to consider when making arrangements for
transport for the day;
- Will it be a standard, motorbike or horse-drawn hearse?
- How many cars will be needed?
- Where will you return to afterwards?
- Will it take a special route?
- Where will the cortege leave from?
- Will you require wheelchairs for elderly or disabled mourners?
Bearing the coffin
Some families decide that they would like to bear the coffin themselves at the ceremony, instead of the funeral directors staff. Bearers may be friends, family members or colleagues of the person who has died.
Music
Many people now ask for specific pieces of music to be played at the service. Your Funeral Director will be able to advise you on this and make the appropriate arrangements for you.
Eulogies
A eulogy is when someone pays tribute to a person's life by saying a few words that will help remember that person at the service. You can prepare a speech yourself for this, or you may prefer to read a favourite poem or passage.
Catering
You may wish to offer guests refreshments after the funeral. You will need to decide who will provide the catering and where it will be provided. You may prefer to offer refreshments at your home or at a location close to where the service has been held.