When a person dies usually family or close friends are required to arrange the funeral, this can be a daunting and difficult task, while also grieving. We have put together this information to help guide you through the process of organising a funeral, and the general information in this guide applies throughout England, however, any services specifically mentioned are local to the Staffordshire area.
Arranging a Funeral
Arranging a funeral can be done with the support of professionals to help guide you through the process, such as a funeral director and a celebrant, or it can be wholly arranged by the family or friends. Below we will outline the role of some key people that are often involved, with links to such services based in the Staffordshire area.
Role of a Funeral Director
Most funerals are arranged using a funeral director. However, you should note that while funeral directors guide you through the process often making it easier and more manageable it is not a legal requirement to use a funeral director if you choose not to. Funeral directors take an active role both with the family of the person who has died and in caring for them.
In Staffordshire there are several funeral directors to choose from. You or the deceased may already have a preferred funeral director, in which case you should contact them directly to begin making funeral arrangements following the death. Alternatively, performing a local, online search for ‘Funeral directors in Staffordshire’, will yield multiple options; or why not consult family or friends for their recommendations.
Steve works alongside many Funeral Directors across Staffordshire and beyond, and below are just six funeral services he works alongside and who he feels, set the bar very high when it comes to standards and service.
- Joseph Edwards & Sons
- Samuel Sigley & Sons Ltd.
- Field Funeral Services
- Joseph Lymer & Son
- T.J. Parry & Family Independent Funeral Directors
- Simpson & Wilde Independent Funeral Directors
Cost of a Funeral
Funerals can be costly, and particularly in the event of a sudden or unexpected death can pose financial difficulties for the family. Many funeral directors, both in Staffordshire and nationwide, offer the option to pre-pay for a funeral and burial/cremation. If you have not had the opportunity to speak to the person who has died about a funeral it would be wise to look for any paperwork and/or through their will in case arrangements have already been made and the funeral paid for in advance.
A well-known corporate funeral business in the UK estimates that the average cost of a funeral in 2019 to be £3,986. However, there are more economical options with some providers offering a basic option starting at just £999, but this would not normally include a ceremony.
There are usually two sets of costs.
Disbursements, which include:
- Crematorium and burial costs
- Doctors’ fees
- Officiant’s fees
- Flowers
- Musicians
- Design and printing of the order of service
- Online streaming or video recording of the service for people unable to attend in person
It is important to stress that these fees are not set by the Funeral director but can be paid by them on your behalf. And then there are:
Funeral Directors Fees, which may include things like:
- Transporting the body of the person who has died
- Washing, dressing, and laying out the body
- Ordering and preparing the chosen coffin
- Providing the hearse to carry the coffin
- Providing the pallbearers to carry the coffin into the funeral service
- Organising the essential paperwork
- Liaising with the person that will be officiating the ceremony
- Additional funeral cars
People on certain benefits may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment to help meet the cost, however, this does not usually cover the full cost particularly where additional services are required. It should also be noted that if you receive income from the estate at a later date, you would be required to pay back the Funeral Expenses Payment that you received.
Role of a Celebrant in Organising a Funeral
Celebrants, such as Steve, can help you plan the content of the funeral service, in addition to delivering the service, at several locations in and around Staffordshire.
Steve would gather information from family and friends of the deceased about their life and significant events, as well as special memories to incorporate these into a fitting tribute to the person that has died. You can find out more about the celebrant services offered by Steve and how he could assist you in arranging the funeral of your loved one here.
When organising a funeral in Staffordshire, there is a lot of helpful information on local authority websites, as well as information provided by funeral directors in the local area. You can also contact Steve, who will be happy to introduce you to some of the funeral directors that he works alongside, to help you arrange the service with minimum stress.