Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances. But the coronavirus pandemic is undoubtedly adding to the stress and sadness.

With the current government guidelines changing the way funerals work – with strict limits on attendance – it makes it harder to bid farewell. However, Brunel Funeral Directors remain open and, our caring team, will continue assisting bereaved families during these uncertain times.

Here we take a closer look at the restrictions and how to make the funeral arrangements, with a little help from our funeral directors.

1. Funeral services and limitations

Whilst funerals are still allowed to go ahead, there are several changes to be mindful of to ensure the safety of you, your family, other mourners and our staff. For example, ceremonies are to be held at COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces (unless in exceptional circumstances).

The funeral service can only be attended by a maximum of 30 people and social distancing must be maintained between people who are not from the same household or support bubble.

Though this might mean that you cannot give your loved one the send-off they would have wanted, we can still help you to arrange a dignified and personal service, so you can celebrate their life at a later date – when we can all be together again.

3. How to Organise a Funeral

Guidance on what to do when someone you love dies can be found on our dedicated first steps page but, there’s no denying that, arranging a funeral can be stressful (to say the least). You have to think about the attendees, venue and type of service, not to mention the flower arrangements, coffin, music, readings and transport.

If you’re not sure where to start when organising a funeral, don’t panic. Brunel Funeral Directors is here to support you every step of the way.

We offer a variety of funeral services – including traditional burials and cremations that allow you to create a truly bespoke service, as well as direct cremations. Though a fuss-free option, with no formal service, no mourners and no minister, these have become increasingly popular since the coronavirus outbreak last March. And it’s clear to see why.

At the present moment, attendance is restricted to immediate family members – i.e. spouse/partner, parents/carers, siblings, children (and partners) – to maintain social distancing. Although most places of worship remain open for funeral services, and can usually accommodate 30 mourners, the maximum number of attendees may be less in some venues after taking social distancing into account. Therefore, it’s worth considering close family friends or those who are high-risk, shielding or self-isolating. Is there any way you could live-stream or record the service so they can watch or listen at another time?

If anyone is unable to travel, or you’d much prefer to organise a memorial service when normality has resumed, a direct cremation can be the perfect alternative to a traditional ceremony. A simple 30-minute funeral service will be held at Canford Crematorium, South Bristol Crematorium or Westerleigh Crematorium, at either 9.00, 9.30 or 10.00am.

What’s more, we provide a range of other services, such as coffins, scatter tubes and caskets, jewellery, memorabilia and masonry. On top of this, we offer floral tributes – including everything from single flowers to large bespoke arrangements.

4. Let Us Help

Grief affects everyone differently and for different lengths of time. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but, if you are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, please know that you are not on your own. We are on hand to offer bereavement support for as long as you need, and will never rush you when organising the funeral.

To ensure social distancing, we can discuss the arrangements via telephone or email. Or, if you prefer, we will be happy to jump on a video call and talk you through the options this way. Alternatively, if you and your household are fit and well, and the death was unrelated to COVID-19, then you are more than welcome to visit us at our funeral home in Westbury on Trym. Of course, we will need to keep a safe 2m apart and we ask that you sanitise your hands on entry and wear a face covering.