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Frequently Asked Questions

 

This page features a number of frequently asked questions, that may assist you when planning or arranging a funeral.

Can I choose the music/readings?

How much are the church fees?

Should I bring my children

Is it better to be buried or cremated?

What about a headstone to mark the grave?

If you have any queries that you wish to discuss further, please contact your parish priest or the minister officiating at the service.

 

Can I choose the music/readings?

It's best to discuss any particular requests with the minister who will be taking the service.

How much are the church fees?

Church fees form a relatively small part of the total cost of a funeral. They vary depending on where the service is held and what kind of burial follows. The maximum service and burial fee is around £200 (2007 figures) and the largest fee for a grave marker in a churchyard is around £150 (2007 figures).

Other costs, such as fees for the organist, are set locally - the minister will be able to tell you what these are.

Should I bring my children?

These days many children attend funeral services. It is just as important for them to say goodbye as it is for adults. It is a good idea to prepare them well for what will happen and what the atmosphere may be like.

Is it better to be buried and cremated?

The Church respects both burial of a body and burial of ashes after cremation. People have different reasons in making this choice. Sometimes the deceased had a clear preference. For some people environmental factors or availability and space considerations make a difference.

What about a headstone to mark the grave?

Churchyards, cemeteries and crematoria all have rules about how people mark graves. If you are planning a memorial gravestone or marker, ask the undertaker about what is suitable in that place. For churchyard burials, the parish priest will be able to let you know the rules.