Funeral question

Savvy_Sue

Sorry for your loss.

As Dad was a churchgoer, it is also worth talking to the local vicar / minister at an early stage, as they may be able to comment on the local FD options, and they may also be able to help with arranging lifts to the church service / wake for his friends - or assure you that they'll take care of it.

When Dad died, Mum knew who she wanted to use (I don't know why she picked them) but they were absolutely marvellous, and I had no hesitation going back to them when Mum died. In both cases, their church minister told me there would be no charge for use of the church, organist or their professional services, and suggested I should check the bill in case that was forgotten. I'm pleased to say it wasn't.

The FD organised printing of the order of service for us - we could have done it ourselves, but thought we'd get a better finish from a 'proper' printer, and that mattered as Dad had been in the trade. We sorted flowers ourselves rather than through the FD, and there was no problem with that. We didn't have a car all day, BUT the charge was reduced when we changed things around and didn't need the hearse to come back to the church for Mum.

I think now that if the time comes when I have to arrange a local funeral, I'll have a feel from the first contact with a FD whether or not I want to use them. I just hope they're as good as the ones I've used already!

Savvy_Sue

kitty08 wrote: »

Thank you, everyone, for your helpful posts. I hope I haven't offended anyone by mentioning "coffin shopping" online.

I am not sure which board it is on, but there is definitely a thread out there somewhere about online coffins, and some very nice designs too! DH has his eye on one which can be used, in life, as a bookcase ...

MrsTinks

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I am not sure which board it is on, but there is definitely a thread out there somewhere about online coffins, and some very nice designs too! DH has his eye on one which can be used, in life, as a bookcase ...

Love it!!! :rotfl:

Kitty this is a money saving forum - getting the best priced item that you need and want... I think we can agree you need the coffin, why shouldn't you order it online so long as you check the reviews for the site etc

I recently had occasion to deal with a FD when a friends husband passed. Whilst she wanted it all for the kids, they were super good and supportive with everything. It was a magnificent send off for many reasons, but I also know they would have been fine with "budget" options. They are a business. Their trade is mainly in compassion, word soon gets round if they aren't professional so they should treat you no different than anyone else

Not sure if I personally would buy a coffin on line, but if you have found one you like then why not??

TheBanker

If this isn't too late, see if there is a local funeral directors which is family owned. The first funeral I had to help arrange was my uncles, and we used the FD in his village. They were excellent, there was no hard sell at all and when they realised money was tight they actually suggested ways of reducing the cost. The fact we had a very basic funeral (no family cars, arranged our own flowers, arranged our own reception at a pub where my sister worked) was not a problem and we still received a very respectful service.

We have since used him for all family funerals, and always receive care whether we want a basic, or less basic arrangement.

My dad was a bit like your father in law - although money was not an issue he had previously said he did not like extravagant funerals and he would rather have a basic funeral and put the money towards more useful things. The FD had no problem with this, and was more than happy to put together a "budget" funeral. The only extravagance then was use of his car, but that was because I didn't feel I would be up to driving to and from the service, and I did not want to rely on dad's neighbour to take us in their car (although they did offer).

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I am not sure which board it is on, but there is definitely a thread out there somewhere about online coffins, and some very nice designs too! DH has his eye on one which can be used, in life, as a bookcase ...

was this the thread?

Savvy_Sue

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,



was this the thread?

That's the one!