Has a loved one recently passed away?

Organising a funeral when emotions are running high can be difficult at the best of times.

However, if you’re making arrangements for a dear friend or family member during the colder months, there are even more considerations to make.

In this blog, our caring and compassionate team at Brunel Funeral Directors have put together some tips on dealing with winter funerals, ensuring everything goes according to plan.

Choose a daytime service

Once you’ve decided on a venue to hold your loved one’s funeral, the next step is to pick a timeslot.

Though there will still be a slight nip in the air at midday, opting for a late morning or afternoon funeral service is likely to be milder and, therefore, more comfortable for mourners in attendance.

Another thing worth bearing in mind is that, if it’s a burial service, the ground might have had a chance to thaw a little from any overnight frost, making it easier for the hole to be dug, ready for the coffin.

Holding the service during the day will also enable anyone who wants to pay their respects to attend – taking the time off work and not getting stuck in rush hour traffic.

Wrap up warm

Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that’s respectful. However, when attending winter funerals, keeping warm will play a huge part in your outfit choice.

Layers such as jumpers and cardigans tend to be best as they will keep you toasty warm when outside. They can be removed to accommodate warmer indoor temperatures after the funeral.

A thick coat will keep the chill out when you’re standing outside. Hats, scarves and gloves are also advised if you particularly feel the cold but should be removed when you enter the crematorium or church as a mark of respect.

Think about the funeral flowers

At Brunel Funerals, we can provide posies, bouquets, sprays, special shaped tributes and letters as per your request.

There are plenty of winter flowers available for such floral arrangements – ranging from pansies and snowdrops to honeysuckle and jasmine – all of which will last longer in harsher temperatures.

For a seasonal twist, you could include pine cones and eucalyptus, as well as holly and ivy. Or if you’re planning a December funeral, maybe you could go for a red and white theme.

Consider travel and transport

Winter weather can wreak havoc on travel plans.

For example, snow and ice can lead to road closures and the cancellation of buses and trains – making it difficult for mourners to reach the cemetery or memorial site.

If people are travelling far and wide to attend your loved one’s funeral, it’s worth having a backup plan in case they don’t make it on time, like live streaming the service. Or, better still, encourage them to stay over somewhere nearby the night before – be it a hotel or with family or friends.

Provide hot food and drink at the wake

When attending a funeral in the wintertime, there’s nothing quite like a hot mug of tea or coffee to warm your ice-numbed hands whilst sharing fond memories of your loved one.

A cold buffet is often the simplest way to cater for mourners after a funeral, offering a variety of sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche and crisps. But when the weather turns wintry, you may want to offer a hot option like soup, stew or hotpot.

Be sure to include a selection of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks and accommodate for special dietary requirements (i.e. vegans, vegetarians and allergens).

Want to know more?

Brunel Funerals is one of Bristol’s leading independent funeral directors, always on hand to offer guidance and support whenever you need it.

Our funeral directors can remove the burden of organising a winter funeral, helping you give your departed friend or relative the best possible send-off.

Feel free to talk to the team or send us an email at admin@brunelfd.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you with more information soon.