Howarth Funeral Service
01924 376590
Frequently asked questions about funerals
One of the most frequently asked questions is 'What is the order of a religious funeral service?'
Most Ministers of Religion choose their own form of service but below is a brief outline of a typical funeral service.
✤ The Gathering
✤ The coffin may be received at the door by the minister.
✤ Sentences of Scripture may be used.
✤ The minister welcomes the people and introduces the service.
✤ A tribute or tributes may be made.
✤ Prayers may be said
✤ The Collect may be said here or in the Prayers.
✤ Readings and Sermon
✤ One or more readings from the Bible is used.
✤ Psalms or hymns may follow the readings.
✤ A sermon is preached.
✤ Prayer
✤ The prayers usually follow this sequence:
✤ Thanksgiving for the life of the departed
✤ Prayer for those who mourn
✤ Prayers of Penitence may be use
✤ Prayer for readiness to live in the light of eternity
✤ Commendation and Farewell
✤ The deceased is commended to God with authorised words.
✤ The Committal
✤ The body is committed to its resting place with authorised words.
✤ The Dismissal
✤ The service may end with a blessing.
In our opinion there is no such thing as a standard funeral. Each and every funeral is personal to the family concerned. It is up to that family to pay their last respects and say their last farewells in the manner that is most suitable for them.
The following information is here to help answer those questions that we are most often asked regarding the funeral and the services associated with it :-
(Q). What are Doctors Forms?
(A). When a cremation is required two doctors must, in normal circumstances, certify as to the cause of death. The FIRST doctor must be the doctor who attended the deceased during his/hers last illness. The duty of the SECOND doctor is essentially one of confirmation. This doctor must not be related to the first doctor either through family or practice or have been involved in the care of the deceased. For this service, each doctor makes a separate charge, which we, the Funeral Directors usually pay on behalf of the deceased's family.
(Q). Can I examine any forms or documents relating to the funeral?
(A). Yes, Under new laws which came into force January 2009 you have the right to examine any forms for cremation, including any Doctors forms.
(Q). How Do We Know What To Do At The Funeral?
(A). On the day of the funeral we are there to help and guide you, your family and friends. If you are unsure about anything please tell us.
(Q). Can The Family Carry The Coffin?
(A). Yes, although we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible to explain the process and ensure that it is safe to do so.
(Q). Can we have a Hymn sheet or Order of Service sheet printed for the Funeral Service?
(A). Yes, we will print any stationary, to an upper limit, free of charge.
(Q). Can We Visit The Deceased And Pay Our Last Respects?
(A). Yes, our Funeral Homes are open and available to you at anytime. If you wish to visit our private chapels, please ring and let us know when you would like to come. We will be pleased to arrange for a member of staff to meet you.
(Q). Can We Have The Deceased Brought Home?
(A). Yes, we can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service or on the morning of the service, so the deceased can leave from home.
(Q). Can We Choose What Music Is Played At The Crematorium?
(A). Yes, If you have a special request or would like a particular piece of music playing either as you walk into or out of the Crematorium Chapel, please let us know as soon as possible. We have a comprehensive choice of music and will normally arrange to provide the piece that you want.
(Q). Does The Coffin Move After The Funeral Service At The Crematorium?
(A). No. After the service has ended, the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have left the Crematorium Chapel.
At some Crematoria there are curtains that close around the coffin, but this is only done at the request of the relatives.
(Q). Are The Handles On The Coffin Removed Before The Cremation Takes Place?
(A). No. There are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation without the permission of the Home Office.
(Q). Is Each Cremation Carried Out Individually?
(A). Yes. The identity on the coffin name plate is checked by the Crematorium Attendant before it is placed in the Cremation Chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are codes of practice that are followed.
(Q). Do I Get The Cremated Remains Back That Belong To Me?
(A). Yes. Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being prepared, prior to being placed in an urn. This urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are.
(Q). What Can I Do With The Cremated Remains?
1. You can arrange to strew them in the Gardens attached to the Crematorium.
2. You may wish to purchase a grave or a special plot in the memorial gardens of your local Cemetery or Church. This allows you to have a memorial stone.
3. You may keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.
4. You may scatter them in a special place.
5. The remains may be buried in or strewn on an existing family grave.
If you would like to discuss any of the above alternatives, please contact us and we will be pleased to help you.
(Q). How Will I Know Who Attended The Funeral?
(A). A list of mourners who attended the funeral can be made, and written in a memorial book.
(Q). What About Catering After The Funeral?
(A). If you require catering after the funeral you can make your own arrangements or contact us to make a booking at a hotel or restaurant of your choice. Alternatively we can provide catering and staff at your home.
(Q). Can you arrange for a notice to be put in the newspaper?
(A). We will arrange any newspaper notices on your behalf
(Q). When is the Funeral Account Payable?
(A). The Funeral Account is sent to the person responsible for the arrangements or the solicitor, when necessary, about a week after the funeral.
(Q). How Soon After A Burial Can I Put A Headstone On The Grave?
(A). The grave usually takes between three and six months before the ground is firm enough to place the weight of a headstone. If the grave is 'bricked' inside, then it does not take as long.
Flowers - Our florist will be pleased to carry out any special requests that you may have.
Flowers may be ordered directly through us or online through our floral tributes browser.
Pre-Payment Funerals – We offer Golden Charter Pre paid Funeral Plans. We are always available to offer impartial advice or any other assistance that you may require
Most Ministers of Religion choose their own form of service but below is a brief outline of a typical funeral service.
✤ The Gathering
✤ The coffin may be received at the door by the minister.
✤ Sentences of Scripture may be used.
✤ The minister welcomes the people and introduces the service.
✤ A tribute or tributes may be made.
✤ Prayers may be said
✤ The Collect may be said here or in the Prayers.
✤ Readings and Sermon
✤ One or more readings from the Bible is used.
✤ Psalms or hymns may follow the readings.
✤ A sermon is preached.
✤ Prayer
✤ The prayers usually follow this sequence:
✤ Thanksgiving for the life of the departed
✤ Prayer for those who mourn
✤ Prayers of Penitence may be use
✤ Prayer for readiness to live in the light of eternity
✤ Commendation and Farewell
✤ The deceased is commended to God with authorised words.
✤ The Committal
✤ The body is committed to its resting place with authorised words.
✤ The Dismissal
✤ The service may end with a blessing.
In our opinion there is no such thing as a standard funeral. Each and every funeral is personal to the family concerned. It is up to that family to pay their last respects and say their last farewells in the manner that is most suitable for them.
The following information is here to help answer those questions that we are most often asked regarding the funeral and the services associated with it :-
(Q). What are Doctors Forms?
(A). When a cremation is required two doctors must, in normal circumstances, certify as to the cause of death. The FIRST doctor must be the doctor who attended the deceased during his/hers last illness. The duty of the SECOND doctor is essentially one of confirmation. This doctor must not be related to the first doctor either through family or practice or have been involved in the care of the deceased. For this service, each doctor makes a separate charge, which we, the Funeral Directors usually pay on behalf of the deceased's family.
(Q). Can I examine any forms or documents relating to the funeral?
(A). Yes, Under new laws which came into force January 2009 you have the right to examine any forms for cremation, including any Doctors forms.
(Q). How Do We Know What To Do At The Funeral?
(A). On the day of the funeral we are there to help and guide you, your family and friends. If you are unsure about anything please tell us.
(Q). Can The Family Carry The Coffin?
(A). Yes, although we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible to explain the process and ensure that it is safe to do so.
(Q). Can we have a Hymn sheet or Order of Service sheet printed for the Funeral Service?
(A). Yes, we will print any stationary, to an upper limit, free of charge.
(Q). Can We Visit The Deceased And Pay Our Last Respects?
(A). Yes, our Funeral Homes are open and available to you at anytime. If you wish to visit our private chapels, please ring and let us know when you would like to come. We will be pleased to arrange for a member of staff to meet you.
(Q). Can We Have The Deceased Brought Home?
(A). Yes, we can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service or on the morning of the service, so the deceased can leave from home.
(Q). Can We Choose What Music Is Played At The Crematorium?
(A). Yes, If you have a special request or would like a particular piece of music playing either as you walk into or out of the Crematorium Chapel, please let us know as soon as possible. We have a comprehensive choice of music and will normally arrange to provide the piece that you want.
(Q). Does The Coffin Move After The Funeral Service At The Crematorium?
(A). No. After the service has ended, the coffin does not move until all relatives and friends have left the Crematorium Chapel.
At some Crematoria there are curtains that close around the coffin, but this is only done at the request of the relatives.
(Q). Are The Handles On The Coffin Removed Before The Cremation Takes Place?
(A). No. There are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation without the permission of the Home Office.
(Q). Is Each Cremation Carried Out Individually?
(A). Yes. The identity on the coffin name plate is checked by the Crematorium Attendant before it is placed in the Cremation Chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are codes of practice that are followed.
(Q). Do I Get The Cremated Remains Back That Belong To Me?
(A). Yes. Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being prepared, prior to being placed in an urn. This urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are.
(Q). What Can I Do With The Cremated Remains?
1. You can arrange to strew them in the Gardens attached to the Crematorium.
2. You may wish to purchase a grave or a special plot in the memorial gardens of your local Cemetery or Church. This allows you to have a memorial stone.
3. You may keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.
4. You may scatter them in a special place.
5. The remains may be buried in or strewn on an existing family grave.
If you would like to discuss any of the above alternatives, please contact us and we will be pleased to help you.
(Q). How Will I Know Who Attended The Funeral?
(A). A list of mourners who attended the funeral can be made, and written in a memorial book.
(Q). What About Catering After The Funeral?
(A). If you require catering after the funeral you can make your own arrangements or contact us to make a booking at a hotel or restaurant of your choice. Alternatively we can provide catering and staff at your home.
(Q). Can you arrange for a notice to be put in the newspaper?
(A). We will arrange any newspaper notices on your behalf
(Q). When is the Funeral Account Payable?
(A). The Funeral Account is sent to the person responsible for the arrangements or the solicitor, when necessary, about a week after the funeral.
(Q). How Soon After A Burial Can I Put A Headstone On The Grave?
(A). The grave usually takes between three and six months before the ground is firm enough to place the weight of a headstone. If the grave is 'bricked' inside, then it does not take as long.
Flowers - Our florist will be pleased to carry out any special requests that you may have.
Flowers may be ordered directly through us or online through our floral tributes browser.
Pre-Payment Funerals – We offer Golden Charter Pre paid Funeral Plans. We are always available to offer impartial advice or any other assistance that you may require