Pre-arrangements

The funeral is our final opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one, an occasion for family and friends to come together to support one another and an important element of the grieving process. The funeral is also important as a reflection of the person who has died, and it may be important that the funeral is meaningful to them. Bereavement Services is aware that this can only be achieved through the completion of a pre-need funeral arrangement document describing the funeral arrangements you will require.

Funeral wishes, whether in a Will or as described below, are not legally binding after death. It is, therefore, sensible to identify who will give instructions for your funeral, so you feel confident that your wishes will be followed. It is also helpful, and often therapeutic, if your family and friends can follow your wishes after death.

Download Pre-Arrangement Form (Word version) - You can amend the form however you wish and pages can be added should you need to do so. Please delete the sections that do not apply. This form can be photocopied.

This document will enable you to price the various options, to see what costs may arise. The costs will arise in two areas. The first is "disbursements"- the sums you will pay to doctors (for cremation), the cemetery or crematorium and the minister. The second is for the "funeral" arrangements by the funeral director. These include the cost of collecting and handling of the body, the coffin, hearse and cars, and all arrangements. If you are using a funeral director, obtain some quotes as soon as you have decided what you require. In general, the more you use the funeral director the more expensive it will become.

Keep the completed document with your Will or somewhere that is known to the person arranging your funeral. This point is important! We have already experienced an incorrect burial, which arose because the Will, that contained funeral directions, was not read until after the funeral. As the family owned a number of graves, they realised that they had chosen the wrong one.