A funeral service is most often most comforting and meaningful when conducted by a trained professional. They will help structure the service, ensure it includes all the elements you wish, and offer guidance on any additional details that might be appropriate.
In most cases, the person leading the service will meet with you in the days before the funeral to discuss the deceased's life, achievements, and family. They will also assist in selecting hymns or music that suits your preferences.
As Funeral Directors, we handle the arrangements and will reach out to the most suitable minister for the service. However, the final choice of religious or non-religious officiant remains with you, and if you're dissatisfied with any aspect, please inform us as soon as possible.
For individuals with a specific religion or those who regularly attend a particular church, we will first contact the minister or priest serving the parish where the deceased lived. Some families, especially those with strong church ties, may have already contacted the minister before reaching out to us, either to inform them of the death or to request last rites or private prayers.
If the family isn't sure who their local clergy is, we can arrange a meeting with a minister ahead of time, allowing for a discussion of funeral arrangements. Many priests or ministers are happy to meet with parishioners in advance to help plan.
For families opting for a non-religious service, such as a Humanist ceremony, we can connect you with experienced celebrants. These services are more flexible and can include personal music, poetry, readings, and tributes from family and friends. Due to their open format, these services can be tailored more specifically to the wishes of the deceased or their family.
