APPOINTING THE UNDERTAKERS

The deceased may have left details of which undertaker they require to be used.  These details may be found with the deceased’s Will, other papers or someone in their confidence. If their preference is not known then usually one contacts the local undertakers to arrange whatever services are required e.g. church only, church and cremation.

 

Contact with the undertakers can be made by close members of the family, the executors, or someone else that was known to the deceased and who may have been involved with them prior to their death.

 

What the undertaker requires:-

 

1. Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
2. Location of any service or services
3. Whether the deceased is to be buried or cremated

 

If you are applying for a burial then the following information will be required:-

 

1. Green certificate issued by the Registrar
2. What religion (if any)
3. Which cemetery
4. If there is a plot reserved and if so, certificate or number
5. The type of service and who will conduct the service at the graveside
6. Any inscription for the headstone, or if one already exists, additional wording. (If a headstone is removed you will need to allow for a period of time (advised by the undertaker) for reinstatement.

 

If you are applying for a cremation then the following information will be required:-

 

1. The deceased’s christian names and surname
2. Full address including postcode
3. Occupation
4. Age
5. Sex
6. Marital status
7. Are the ashes to be disposed of by the undertaker, buried, scattered or retained? Ashes can usually be collected by either the undertaker or a close family member a day or two after the cremation.

 

The church/cremation or both can usually be arranged by the person who has registered the death.

 

Flowers or donations should be given via the undertakers. Donations can also be left, before or after, the service on a church collection plate.