Making funeral arrangements can be an overwhelming task when emotions are already running high.
It’s easy to let things get on top of you when grieving the loss of a loved one, but that’s where Brunel Funeral Directors can help.
Read on to find out what you need to think about when planning a funeral – ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day and your dear departed gets the best possible send-off.
10 things to consider when planning a funeral
1. Type of funeral
Before you make a start on organising the funeral, it’s worth checking if your late relative or close friend had taken out a funeral plan or left instructions in their will.
If not you, they may have mentioned to someone else what type of service they would like – be it a religious or non-religious ceremony, a burial, cremation, or direct cremation.
2. Location
Once you’ve decided what sort of funeral your loved one would have wanted, the next step is to pick a venue.
Cremations are often held at South Bristol Crematorium on Bridgewater Road, which is just a short distance from our funeral directors in Westbury on Trym. This has a capacity for 100 mourners and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Brunel Funerals can also help bereaved families to book a cremation at Canford Crematorium if you prefer. Also offering enough space for up to 100 attendees, the cemetery grounds on Canford Lane are closely located at less than a 5-minute drive from our funeral home.
Taking slightly longer to reach from Westbury on Trym, Westerleigh Crematorium is another viable option to have your beloved friend or family member laid to rest in the South Gloucestershire countryside.
3. Facilities
When choosing where the funeral will be held, you must also consider what facilities are on offer at the crematorium and how accessible they are.
For example, if anybody wishing to attend the service is deaf or hard of hearing, it’s worth finding a venue that has a decent sound system installed. An induction loop can also be beneficial for mourners who use hearing aids.
Those with visual impairments are accommodated at Canford and South Bristol Crematorium, with large print hymn books available and the option to request documents in Braille. Guide dogs are also welcome, and a bowl of fresh water can be provided on the day of the service.
4. Time and date
The team at Brunel can help you decide when to hold the service, depending on the venue’s availability and what best suits you and your family.
Generally, the Brunel Cremation can be held at either Canford, South Bristol, or Westerleigh Crematorium at 9.00, 9.30, or 10.00am and will last approximately 20 minutes. Though the service is only short, we can assure you that it will be carried out with dignity and professionalism from start to finish.
5. Type of coffin
As part of our all-inclusive Brunel Cremation service, a simple coffin is included in the price. However, we offer a wide range of other coffins.
These include traditional coffins that are made of wood and include metal handles for bearers to hold, as well as eco coffins that are made from banana leaf, willow, seagrass, or water hyacinth.
Our eco coffins come in a range of shapes and sizes – including round, half-round, and oval – and are becoming an increasingly popular option for eco-friendly funerals and cremations.
If you’d like to personalise a loved one’s funeral, be sure to check out the different types of coffins available and get in touch to discuss your requirements with our funeral directors.
6. Funeral costs
When planning a funeral, it’s helpful to determine your budget and discuss the associated costs with our funeral directors.
A burial is usually the most expensive option while direct cremations remain to be the most affordable.
Often, flowers, specialist transport, a bespoke coffin, and a memorial headstone are not included in the price – meaning you’ll need to factor these into your budget when making the funeral arrangements.
If money is tight, there are lots of things you can do to minimise costs, like choosing a simple coffin and asking friends and family to carry the coffin instead of paying for pallbearers.
7. Music and reading choices
Did your loved one enjoy listening to rock, pop, or country music?
If they were religious, they might have liked a particular hymn or biblical passage.
Picking the music and readings is a brilliant way to make the funeral more personal.
Once you and your family have made your minds up, let us know and we’ll notify the celebrant of your choices – giving you one less thing to worry about.
8. Flowers
Flowers are a lovely tribute to the deceased and help to brighten up such a sombre occasion.
Whether you’d like to adorn the coffin with colourful sprays, hand-tied bouquets, specially shaped tributes, letters spelling out their name, or a simple posy, let us know your budget, colour, and flower preferences and we’ll take care of the floral arrangements for you.
Friends and family may wish to send flowers on the day of the service to pay their respects, too. These can be sent directly to you or our funeral home on the edge of Westbury on Trym, where we’ll care for them up until the service.
As an alternative to flowers, you could ask mourners to donate to a charitable cause that meant a lot to your loved one instead, for example, a local cats and dogs home.
9. Funeral transport
How will everyone get to the funeral?
Traditionally, the coffin is taken to the crematorium in a hearse, while friends and family follow in limousines.
Lots of people these days are choosing themed vehicles that celebrate the individuality of the deceased.
However, if you’re looking to minimise funeral costs, consider asking everyone to make their own way to the service. Just make sure they have the right time and address for the venue.
10. Wake
Though not compulsory, you may decide to organise a reception following the funeral. This will give friends and family a chance to gather and reflect on the life of your loved one – sharing fond memories and raising a glass to them.
Wakes are often held in a variety of locations, including those that may have been special to the deceased, such as at local pubs, social clubs, village halls, restaurants, hotels, or somebody’s home.
When making the arrangements for the reception, check if catering is included. If not, you can hire professional catering staff or make the food yourself.
Contact Brunel Funerals today
Whether you’d like our funeral directors to organise every aspect of the funeral, or you simply need us to assist with a few minor details, we’re always on hand to help bereaved families in our local community.
Our caring and compassionate team will listen carefully to your requests and create a memorable celebration for you and your loved ones.
To discuss your requirements with our funeral directors, give us a call on 0117 374 2002 today.