Telling people
Writing a funeral notice
Once the funeral details have been arranged, it is usual to notify friends and family of the arrangements, including date, time and location of the funeral, preferences for flowers and privacy. This is traditionally done with a newspaper notice but we also offer you a place on our website to publish an online obituary and funeral details for mourners. People are also given space to leave messages of condolence for you online.
Using social media
Increasingly, families are also using social media as this has become an effective way of reaching close contacts and wider circle of friends. The popularity of social media tagging is also growing, and we can link to Facebook accounts providing details of funerals as well as capturing feedback from mourners. Find out more in our Digital End of Life Guide about using social media in this way.
Newspaper notices
Once the funeral has been arranged, it is common to place a notice in the local paper to let friends and family know of the funeral arrangements. The information within the notice can be as simple or detailed as you want it to be. All of the local newspapers use similar formats for their notices.
Your funeral director is there to help you write exactly the notice you want to place.
Normally a notice for the {Newspaper 1} or {Newspaper 2} would be of the following structure. Notices for other local and national papers may differ slightly, but will usually be of the same basic format.
Smith
John
(Edinburgh)
Peacefully on the 28th February 2018 at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, John, beloved husband of Jean, much loved father of Jim and Jen, and loving uncle to all the family.
Service at Mortonhall Crematorium Pentland Chapel on the March 7 at 11.30 am to which all friends are invited. Family flowers only please, but donations may be sent to Cancer Research UK.
Please note: This notice is fictional and does not in any way represent a person who has died.
Other information may be added to the funeral notice, and there is no need to include all the above information. The Funeral Director who arranges the funeral will be able to assist in the writing of the notice.
Whatever you choose, your funeral director is there to help you write exactly the notice you want to place.
Arrange a Funeral FAQs
Is there a cost difference between a burial and cremation?
The costs depend on where you plan to be buried or cremated as fees vary dramatically throughout the UK.
I'd like to have a private funeral but a big party - can you help?
We can assist with event planning for all elements of your funeral from the simple send-off to an extravagant celebration.
Are we limited to the number of cars?
You can have as many cars as you like, and if this is not enough, we can explore coaches or other options.
I am worried about thanking everyone who attends...
We can help. On the day we can provide attendance cards for mourners to sign or leave a message of condolence. We will collate them and bring them to you after the funeral so you can focus on saying goodbye. There's also our website where people can leave online tributes.
How long should we keep the ashes?
There's no right or wrong answer. Retaining ashes is a very personal thing. Some people want to scatter them at a later date, others can't bear to part with them. We can help by providing practical storage advice and guiding you to make the decision that is most fitting for you and your family.
Can we take the flowers home after the funeral?
You can keep or leave, all or part, of any tribute just as you please. Often a memento is taken by family members or sometimes sprays can be donated to a church, hospice or nursing home. There is no "rule".
