Guides funerals

Planning a funeral

Keeping ashes in the house

Some people find it comforting to keep ashes close by. You might keep them in an urn or box, have them made into jewellery, or bury them along with trees or flowers in the garden.

How does a crematorium work?

Crematoriums are non-religious buildings with a service hall, cremation facilities, and grounds or gardens. Both the funeral service and the cremation itself will happen within the same building.

What happens at a Catholic funeral

A traditional Catholic funeral has a distinct three-part structure to the ceremony, including the vigil, funeral liturgy and the committal. There’s a focus on praying for the person who’s died and supporting their family.

Who has the right to arrange your funeral?

Who has the right to arrange your funeral depends on whether you’ve left a will. In practice, it’s likely to be your closest family members who make the decisions.