CARE – COMPASSION – CHOICE
  • 57 High St., Syston, Leicester LE7 1GQ
Funeral Guide

Arranging a Funeral

We understand that making funeral arrangements can be an emotional and daunting task. With this in mind, we aim to provide a sensitive and understanding service to help you as much as possible during this difficult time.

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Personal – Professional – Passionate

When to contact a funeral director

The death of a person must be verified by a medical professional before a funeral director can take care of them.

We don’t require that you have registered the death for us to come; we need to know that it has been verified.

If the person is about to die, you can begin planning their funeral with a funeral director.

Who can make funeral arrangements?

Funeral arrangements are the responsibility of the person who registers the death. This may be a close relative, friend, or next of kin. An executor could also take responsibility if a will was left. Funeral payments are to be made by the person named on the invoice from the funeral director.

When family or friends cannot arrange a funeral, the local council will organise a public health funeral. In most cases, funeral directors will attempt to locate family members to make arrangements for the funeral.

What the funeral director does
The funeral director will assist you with all funeral arrangements.
Among their responsibilities:
  • Until the funeral, look after the deceased person until they are buried
  • Plan the funeral or memorial with you and discuss your ideas
  • Documentation and paperwork support
  • Find the right person to lead the service and arrange for the funeral venue
  • Be transparent and open about funeral costs, so you know how much everything will cost
  • Attend the funeral to ensure that everything goes smoothly
You can find bereavement support charities and services if you need them during and after the funeral arrangements.
What happens at the funeral arrangement appointment
There is usually a two-hour appointment for funeral arrangements. The process can be completed over the phone or at our funeral home. Whenever you need to, you can change the arrangement. We will discuss the following at the arrangement meeting:
  • Will the funeral service be a Burial or Cremation?
  • The Location of the Burial or Cremation
  • Will there be a Church Service?
  • Will any church service be held before or after the Burial or Cremation?
  • Are there any dates and times you have in mind for the funeral service?
  • If a Burial is required, will this be a New Plot or a Re-Open? (If a Re-Open, who is the Deed Holder?)
  • If a Cremation is required, what are your intentions with the Ashes? (e.g. Interment, Scattering or to be collected from Funeral Directors)
  • What type of Coffin do you require? (e.g. Traditional, Wicker, Cardboard etc.)
  • Would you like to View? (Funeral Directors will advise Executor/NOK if possible)
  • Will a limousine be required? (Holds 6 passengers, more than one can be arranged)
  • Where will the cortege be leaving from and returning to?
  • Is an obituary required? (Information to include, all flowers welcome or family flowers only and donations)
  • Are donations to charity required? If so, which charity/charities?
  • Is an Order of Service required? (Photos, how many would you like printing?)
  • Music and/or hymn choices?
  • Are flowers to be ordered through Funeral Directors or direct with florist?
How long can it take to arrange a funeral after someone dies
After someone has died, funerals are usually held within one to two weeks. There are several factors that can impact this, including:
  • Friends and family are available
  • The availability of funeral services, such as crematoriums
  • An investigation by the coroner
Funerals are unique, so there are no set rules for how long they should take to plan. In most cases, you’ll meet with your funeral director once, followed by phone calls.
Burial or cremation

Whether there is a burial plot already available or if one needs to be purchased will depend on the type of burial. Please let us know if you need assistance. Alternatively, if you have an existing headstone that needs to be removed, engraved, and re-fixed, we can help you do that as well.

Cremations require us to know what you plan to do with the ashes. We have a range of ideas and products to help you best remember the person who has passed, whether you choose to keep them, scatter them or bury them.