Arranging a Funeral

Funeral Homes
On entering our funeral homes we want the first impression to be that of warmth. Lamps and discreet lighting give a peaceful, warm atmosphere whilst the reception areas and chapels are furnished to the highest standard. The Devonshire House and Willows Funeral Homes are open Monday to Friday 8.00am until 5.00pm and on Saturday 9.00am until 12.00 noon. The Highfield Funeral Home is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and on Saturday 9.00am until 12.00 noon. Our funeral homes can be visited at any other time by appointment: please ask for more details.

Courtesy Car
We can provide a courtesy car to take the person responsible for registering the death to the registrars. In addition, this service can be extended for visits to the funeral home to see your loved one and for the collection of staff and residents from care/nursing homes for the purpose of attending the funeral service.

Newspaper Notices
We shall be pleased to help compile a funeral notice for both local and national newspapers. We shall then arrange for them to appear on the appropriate day.

Flags
All types of flags are available to drape over the coffin on the day of the funeral; for example RAF, Royal & Merchant Navy, Union Flag, Scottish & Polish etc.

Jewellery
Every care is taken over the handling of jewellery, which is normally removed and returned to the next of kin for safe keeping. We will require you to sign a receipt of safe return.

Hearse & Limousines
Our fleet of hearses and limousines is of the highest quality, representing our continuing investment in our funeral service. All vehicles are modern in their engineering and have the traditional look that conveys the sense of dignity that is essential for a funeral service. Limousines hold 6-7 people comfortably. Some find great comfort from knowing that they can travel the last journey with their loved ones in the hearse, so to meet this need we have had a hearse specially designed with separate doors and seats to make this possible; this hearse can hold a maximum of 3 people. You may also wish to plan a special route for the cortege to take, taking in consideration favourite memorable places.

Horse Drawn Carriages
Horse drawn carriages are an elegant alternative to the more widely used motor hearse. Pulled by black Fresian horses decorated with customary plumage and harnesses, thy further enhance the grace and dignity of these original funeral carriages.

Coffin Bearers
Bearers to carry the coffin are an essential part of our service, however in some cases bearers may be made up from family members, friends or colleagues of the loved one. There are normally 4 to 6 bearers to do this.

Catering
Catering may be arranged on your behalf. You may choose a venue you have been to previously, or alternatively we can make a recommendation of a local catering establishment. A home catering service is also available.

Stationery
We can supply you with stationery for the funeral. Service sheets with a memorable picture of the person who has died can be produced, making them a treasured keepsake. Appreciation cards thanking people for attending or just for thinking of you are a touching way to acknowledge your thanks. At some funerals the volume of mourners attending can be quite overwhelming and you may not be able to acknowledge everyone in person. A book of remembrance gives the opportunity for the mourners to record their name, address and words of sympathy; this book is handed into your care. Laminated memorial cards and book marks are a way to record the day and date the person passed away, when and where the funeral was held, and close family names. Additionally, a verse or picture can be chosen to be printed.

Music
Memorable music can be chosen for the service. It may be a favourite of yours or of the person who has died. Depending on the type of funeral service you can normally choose up to 2 pieces of music to be played in the background as you enter and leave the service. Most crematorium and cemetery chapels are provided music by a company called Wesley Music, for an up to date music list or for a request of a certain track and artist please visit www.wesleymusic.co.uk. A hymn can be sung if this is your wish: the person officiating the service will be able to assist you in your choice. A piper or trumpeter in traditional dress is a highly visible and unique addition to a funeral as, too, can be a soloist; your funeral director will on request check the availability and cost of this service.

Cremated Remains
At the time of making funeral arrangements, it is not always easy to realise the emotional benefit that is gained after the funeral by having somewhere to go, a place that you and your family can go back to knowing that a loved one is there. You can scatter ashes in the crematorium grounds, in your garden, at a place which holds fond memories at sea or abroad.

A burial plot smaller to those used for full burials can be a focal point to have a lasting memorial and a place to visit on anniversaries. A burial plot can be at a cemetery, churchyard or in your own garden subject to regulations.

Floral Tributes
It is a tradition in many communities that friends and family pay their respects by sending flowers. Your funeral director can organise flowers for you.

You can view our full range of floral tributes online, you can order online and arrange delivery to a family home or funeral home. For more details please visit the Floral Tributes page.

Funeral Costs
We will give a written estimate of all funeral charges and disbursements to be made on your behalf, in each and every case at the time of taking instructions or as soon as practicable before the day of the funeral. Disbursements are essential fees that we pay out on your behalf, ie Doctors, Crematorium/Cemetery and Church Fees. Our policy is to cater for all needs and, therefore a simplicity funeral is available online. It designed for those who are looking for a no fuss no frills service which does not include our full services for more details visit Simplicity.

Coffins & Caskets
A selection of coffin and caskets are available made by specialist craftsman, using traditional techniques. You may wish to visit our showroom at the Highfield Funeral Home, 497 Lytham Road, Blackpool FY4 1RE or alternatively view our range online: please visit Coffins & Caskets.

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