Organising a funeral is a challenging task, but holding it in a Church of England church can provide a comforting and traditional setting that many find meaningful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of organising a funeral in a Church of England church.
Step 1: Initial Arrangements
Contact the Church
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Choose the Church: Decide on the church where you wish to hold the funeral. This might be the deceased’s local parish church or a church with special significance to the family.
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Contact the Vicar: Reach out to the vicar or parish office to discuss your desire to hold a funeral service. They will guide you through the initial steps and provide support. You don’t have to attend church regularly to have a funeral in one – a vicar will take on a funeral for those within their parish.
Notify a Funeral Director
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Select a Funeral Director: Choose a funeral director to help manage the logistics. They will coordinate with the church and assist with all necessary arrangements. You can use our free funeral directory search tool to compare over 6000 funeral directors. You can also contact chosen funeral directors through our site, via our tailored phone call and messaging services. To help you through this difficult time, become a member of The Farewell Guide today.
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Initial Meeting: Arrange a meeting with the funeral director to discuss your needs and preferences, and they will help you with the paperwork and legal requirements.
Step 2: Planning the Service
Meet with the Vicar
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Discuss the Service: Meet with the vicar to plan the order of service. This meeting is essential to ensure that the service reflects the deceased’s wishes and respects the traditions of the Church of England. It will be helpful to have an already outlined plan when you meet with the vicar. Recording your funeral wishes through our site can help to collate a concise plan at this stage in the process.
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Select Readings and Hymns: Choose appropriate Bible readings, hymns, and prayers. The vicar can provide suggestions and guidance.
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Eulogy and Tributes: Decide who will deliver the eulogy and any other tributes. The vicar can offer advice on suitable content and timing. Readings and hymns are a way of personalising a funeral service uniquely to individual families. Typically, a short committal is carried out either before or after a funeral. This normally takes place at a crematorium or cemetery. Intricate details of committals, wakes, or receptions can be discussed at this stage, such as catering.
Choose the Music
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Hymns and Organ Music: Select hymns that were meaningful to the deceased and their family. Discuss options for organ music or other musical contributions with the vicar and organist. If there is a choirmaster or director of music at your chosen church, it may be a good idea to meet with them beforehand, to discuss the music/hymns you would like. It is also advised to ask for the words to the hymns so that those attending the funeral can see them in their order of service booklet.
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Recorded Music: If you wish to include recorded music, check with the church regarding their policies and facilities for playing it. When creating a funeral plan with The Farewell Guide, you can let us know which songs or hymns you would like included in the ceremony, for yourself or a loved one.
Step 3: Logistics and Legalities
Legal Documentation
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Register the Death: Ensure the death is registered with the local registrar. The funeral director can often assist with this process. To store documents of this nature safely and securely, you can upload them to our site, for free.
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Obtain Permits: If necessary, obtain any permits required for burial or cremation.
Arrange for Burial or Cremation
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Burial: If opting for a burial, decide on the burial plot and coordinate with the cemetery. The church may have its own graveyard, or you may need to choose a municipal cemetery. Depending on the church, they may allow the deceased loved one to be brought to the church the day before.
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Cremation: If opting for cremation, arrange the service with the crematorium. The church service can be held before the cremation, with a committal at the crematorium. If you are unsure on deciding between the two, we have support guides to further inform.
Step 4: Day of the Funeral
Arrive Early
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Coordinate with Funeral Director: Arrive at the church early to coordinate with the funeral director, vicar, and any other participants.
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Greet Attendees: Ensure family members are on hand to greet attendees and provide support.
The Service
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Follow the Order of Service: The vicar will lead the service according to the planned order. This typically includes the entrance of the coffin, readings, hymns, eulogies, prayers, and the committal.
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Committal: If the committal is taking place at the church or a nearby cemetery, the vicar will conduct this part of the service.
Organising a funeral in a Church of England church involves careful planning and coordination, but it provides a comforting and traditional way to honour a loved one’s life. By working closely with the vicar and a funeral director, you can ensure that the service reflects your loved one’s wishes and offers solace to family and friends.
Articles that you may find helpful:
Should you choose cremation or burial?
How to Choose a Funeral Director