The day of the funeral

This day can be difficult and you will find the assistance of our Funeral Director a great support. You may rely upon them to ensure a smooth and dignified funeral.

There is no set procedure for a funeral but, traditionally, the funeral procession (cortege) starts at the house of the person who has died, with the hearse and cars then travelling to the venue where the service will take place.

If you so wish, the hearse can leave from our Funeral Home and meet with the mourners direct at the venue where the service will take place.

Usually the coffin will be carried on the shoulders of four or six people, known as ‘pallbearers’. In some circumstances, we sometimes use a ‘Chapel Bier’, which is a small wheeled vehicle.

If any family members or friends wish to participate in carrying the coffin, please let us know in advance and we will be fully prepared to assist.

Burial
Following the Funeral Service, held at the Cemetery Chapel or elsewhere, the coffin is normally placed back into the hearse and taken to the graveside. The family and friends accompany the Officiant, who gives a brief Service of Committal immediately after the coffin is lowered. The Officiant and pall bearers then leave the family to say their ‘goodbyes’ before the grave is completed and floral tributes arranged by the groundsmen.

Cremation
In a crematorium, the coffin is normally placed at the front of the Chapel on a special raised platform, called a ‘Catafalque’. Towards the end of the service, a final piece of music may be played and, often, the curtains will close. This can be upsetting and, if you prefer the coffin to remain on view until all the mourners have left the Chapel, please inform us and we will arrange this.