Losing someone close to you can be overwhelming, and arranging a funeral can feel like a lot to manage. We’re here to guide you through each step, answer your questions and make the arrangements as simple as possible.
Below are answers to some of the questions families most commonly ask us.
The first steps depend on where the person has died.
If the death is expected and occurs in the community i.e. at home or in a care home you will need to contact the district or hospice nurses or your GP. They need to visit to confirm that the person has died. Then you can call the funeral director to take your loved one into their care.
If the death is expected and occurs in hospital you will be supported by the Bereavement Team there. They will ask which funeral director you want to instruct and the funeral director will request the release paperwork for that person from the Bereavement Team.
If the death is unexpected you will need to call 999 and request police and ambulance. The police may refer to the Coroner, there may be additional procedures before funeral arrangements can be finalised. We will explain what is happening and support you throughout the process.
Your loved one will be kept in our refrigerated mortuary at our branch in Heathfield. All facilities are available on site and meet high health & safety standards . We will wash, dress and prepare them ready for you to visit them, if you wish, in our chapel of rest here.
You can contact us as soon as you feel ready. There is no need to have all the arrangements decided before speaking with us.
The cost of a funeral depends on the type of funeral you choose and the services required.
All of our costs are clearly shown on our website. We will provide a clear, itemised estimate before you make any decisions, including our professional fees and relevant third-party costs. We can also discuss simpler options if you are working within a particular budget.
Please visit our Prices page for full details.
Absolutely. Every person is unique, and a funeral can reflect their life, personality, beliefs and wishes.
You may wish to choose particular music, readings, flowers, photographs, transport or personal items. Family members and friends can also take part by delivering a tribute, reading, carrying the coffin or helping in other ways.
If the person who died had a faith, then the service can take place in their local parish church or a church they regularly attended. The minister can take the service at a crematorium too. A relative or friend could take the service if they feel able to do so. We work with several local celebrants and are happy to recommend the person we feel would best represent your loved one and be right for your family. Excluding humanist celebrants, a celebrant is able to add religious content to the service if you wish – whether that is a reading, a prayer or a hymn.
Yes. Where circumstances allow, we can arrange or time for family members to spend with their loved one in our chapel of rest at our Heathfield branch. You can choose to see them or sit with them with a closed lid, whatever is right for you. You can take a cup of tea or coffee in and play them their favourite music whilst you visit.
No. Embalming is not automatically required.
Whether embalming is appropriate depends on individual circumstances and your wishes. We will explain the options available and answer any questions you may have.
Yes, in most circumstances. We can discuss clothing, jewellery and other personal items you would like to place in their coffin with you when making the arrangements.
Following a cremation, the ashes can usually be collected by the funeral director or the family, depending on the circumstances.
You may choose to keep the ashes, scatter them somewhere meaningful, place them in a cemetery or memorial garden, or make another arrangement that is important to you.
Yes. Pre-planning a funeral allows you to record your wishes in advance and can make things easier for your family in the future.
We can discuss your preferences, including the type of funeral, burial or cremation, music, transport and other personal details. You can either purchase a pre-paid funeral plan or complete a funeral wishes form.
This is very common. You don’t have to have all the answers.
We can help you consider what might have been important to your loved one, while taking into account your family’s wishes, religious or cultural traditions and practical circumstances. Click here for Inspiration
Yes we can provide an unattended cremation. In most cases we can provide it for less than you would pay a nationwide on-line company, care for your loved one locally and offer many personalisation options that you cannot have with on-line providers. Please see our Direct cremation page for more details.
Yes. We can guide you through the funeral-related paperwork and explain which organisations need to be contacted.
There are also legal requirements following a death, and we will explain what you need to do and what we can assist with.
Please tell us. We understand that funeral costs can be a concern, and there are different ways to arrange a meaningful funeral. If the person arranging the funeral is in receipt of benefits, then they may be entitled to a Social Fund Payment from the Department of Work & Pensions.
We can discuss the services you consider most important and provide an itemised estimate so that you can make informed decisions.
Our support does not necessarily end when the funeral is over.
We can advise you about ashes, memorials and other practical matters, and answer any questions you may have following the funeral. If you feel like you might benefit from bereavement support, White Feather will pay for your first session with a local bereavement counsellor recommended by us.
You do not have to navigate everything alone. If you are unsure about what happens next, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Every funeral is different, and you may have questions that aren’t answered here.
Please contact us for a confidential conversation. We will listen to your wishes, explain your options and help you make arrangements at your own pace.
We’re here when you need us.
The Barn, Station Approach, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8LG.