Making it Personal
Many bereaved people take great comfort from placing personal items, for example photographs or letters, in the coffin with the deceased. We place no restrictions on what may be placed in a coffin whilst the deceased is in our care. However, there are restrictions placed by crematoria, for example, no metal or glass objects. Where appropriate, we will give advice
Carrying the coffin
We can arrange to supply pall bearers to carry the coffin. Alternatively, bearers may be relatives, friends or colleagues of the person who has died.
Dressing the deceased
It may be your wish that the deceased be dressed in their own clothing and this is normally acceptable. However, in some circumstances, particularly where cremation will take place, we are bound to comply with regulations, which restrict certain materials.
If you are considering providing clothing for the deceased, please seek our advice. We can supply a wide range of dressing or suiting robes, which are acceptable to the relevant authorities.
Visiting the deceased
The decision of whether to visit the deceased is a personal one. We cannot advise you about your preference, but many people take comfort from seeing the deceased at rest. Private remembrance rooms are available at our funeral home or you may wish to have the deceased at your own home. We will be pleased to discuss arrangements with you.
Transport for the day of the funeral
You will need to consider the following:
- Whether you would prefer a motor or horse drawn hearse, an additional hearse may also be required to carry the flowers.
- How many limousines will be needed (most can carry six people).
- Where the cortege will leave from.
- Whether it will take a special route.
- Where you will return to.
- Whether you require wheelchair access.
Music
Many people ask for specific pieces of music to be played during the service. This is an opportunity to add a personal touch. The music chosen can usually be anything from traditional organ music to music of your own choice. Alternatively, you may like to have a musician playing at the service. Depending on the location of the service, there may be certain restrictions. We will be happy to give you advice on this.
Eulogy
A friend or relative may wish to say a few words during the service about the person who has died; this is called a eulogy. You can prepare this yourself, or you may prefer a favourite poem or other reading.
Obituary notices
The obituary notice is an opportunity not only to publicly announce the death and funeral details, but can also be used to pay tribute to the deceased, for example, by including a verse. Additionally, details of where any donations or flowers can be sent may be included.
An obituary notice can normally be placed in a local or national newspaper. Additionally, you may wish to place a notice in an alternative local newspaper if the deceased lived in another town or city at some time.
We will be happy to help you create and arrange the obituary notices.
Flowers
Flowers are a simple and beautiful way to create a personal tribute. We can help you to choose your flowers and give advice on special orders.
Following the funeral you may decide that suitable floral tributes could be used to benefit others, such as a hospital, nursing home or another organisation (subject to them wishing to receive them). We will be happy to arrange this for you.
We may be able to provide you with a list of the people who have sent flowers. The flower tribute cards can also be saved and collected for you, if you would like us to do this.
Donations
Many bereaved families wish to restrict the sending of floral tributes to immediate family members only and request that, as an alternative, donations are made to a charity or other organisation.
Service stationery
Many people choose to have an order of service printed for the funeral. We will be happy to advise on layout and content and have these produced for you.
Download a copy of our Memorial Stationery brochure here.
Your comments are welcome
We aim to provide a service of the highest standards at Revel Funeral Services. If you would like to discuss any aspect of our service, please contact us.
All information we collect from you when arranging a funeral will be treated with the strictest confidence and held and used in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Whilst we appreciate that the first few weeks after the funeral are a particularly difficult time, we are constantly striving to improve our service, if you feel you can, we would appreciate your comments on the service we provided.
