Guides funerals

Attending a funeral

How to be a pallbearer

A pallbearer is someone who escorts the coffin at a funeral and (if there is one) at a burial, too. They’ll either carry the coffin, move it along on a wheeled trolley called a bier, or walk with it as other people move it.

What happens at a cremation?

Cremation has been a funeral option in the UK for over 150 years, but it still remains a mystery to many people. Here, we look at exactly what happens at a cremation so you and your family know what to expect.

Things to consider when planning your funeral wishes as an LGBTQIA+ person

Some LGBTQIA+ people will have particular wishes for what happens when they die. It’s important to make sure you communicate these to the right people, and that the right people can make decisions on your behalf.

What happens at a Jewish funeral?

Jewish people hold funerals very shortly after a person has died - often within 24 hours.

What is a chapel of rest?

Chapels of rest are places for visiting the body of someone who’s died before the public funeral. You’ll find them in funeral homes and crematoriums.

What happens at a Hindu funeral?

Hindus believe the soul is reborn after a person dies. They believe cremation helps to release the soul.

Can you legally stop someone coming to a funeral?

Generally, funerals are public events and there isn’t a way to legally ban someone. But as the organiser, you do have the right to ask a difficult relative not to come.

How to write a sympathy card

A sympathy card is a special card, usually for the family, friends or loved ones of the person who’s died. It tends to include a short message of support.

What to wear to a funeral

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about what to wear to a funeral: from traditional ceremonies to more modern celebration of life events. It includes advice on what to do if you’re unable to meet the dress code.

What happens at a Muslim funeral?

Muslim funerals are large community events. It’s common for every member of the mosque to attend, even if they did not know the person who died.

What happens at a Buddhist funeral?

Buddhist monks often lead Buddhist funerals. They take place at a Buddhist temple or the family’s home.

What happens at a Mormon funeral?

Followers of Mormonism believe that they’ll see their loved ones again in the afterlife. So although Mormon funerals tend to be serious, there’s an undertone of hope and celebration.

A guide to British funeral etiquette

Funeral etiquette means things like what to wear, whether to send flowers and where to sit. Every funeral is different depending on the family’s wishes, but generally the more traditional it is, the more specific the etiquette.

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