There are many ways you can make the day a unique tribute to a unique person, and your funeral director is there to guide and advise you. This is a brief guide on what to expect on the day of the funeral.

Transport

The hearse and the cars following it are called the Cortege. There are some things you may wish to consider when making arrangements for transport for the day;

Will it be a standard, motorbike or horse-drawn hearse? How many cars will be needed? Where will you return to afterwards?	Will it take a special route? Where will the cortege leave from? Will you require wheelchairs for elderly or disabled mourners?

Bearing the coffin

Some families decide that they would like to bear the coffin themselves at the ceremony, instead of the funeral directors staff. Bearers may be friends, family members or colleagues of the person who has died.

Music

Many people now ask for specific pieces of music to be played at the service. Your Funeral Director will be able to advise you on this and make the appropriate arrangements for you.

Eulogies

A eulogy is when someone pays tribute to a person's life by saying a few words that will help remember that person at the service. You can prepare a speech yourself for this, or you may prefer to read a favourite poem or passage. For some further guidance on writing a eulogy, view our guide in Writing a Tribute.

Catering

You may wish to offer guests refreshments after the funeral. You will need to decide who will provide the catering and where it will be provided. Your local Co-operative Funeralcare Funeral Director can help make these arrangements for you, alternatively you can make these arrangements yourself. You may prefer to offer refreshments at your home or at a location close to where the service has been held.