Arranging a Funeral

Arranging a funeral can be an overwhelming experience at a particularly difficult time, that’s why we’re here to support you, both emotionally and practically.

We will take as much responsibility as we can in order to help you through the process. This includes liaising with organisations on your behalf, from doctors, crematoriums and cemeteries to florists and caterers.

When will the Funeral Take Place?

One of the first things we will establish is the date the funeral will take place. This gives you and your family a date to focus on and work towards. This gives you the time to think about the finer details, such as notifying all family and friends, the order of service, the music, flowers and wake, all of which we can help you with.

You decide when you would like the funeral for your loved one to take place. We can hold the funeral in as little as a week, but of course, if you feel you need more time, then that’s no problem at all.

Unlike other funeral directors, we do try to aim for a week. Often, families wish to have the funeral sooner. They feel like they are in limbo between the death and the funeral, which is why we work tirelessly to find a time that’s right for you.

Your First Call to Northern Cremations

We understand that the first time you contact us can be difficult, which is why we’ll arrange to book an appointment with you face-to-face. This appointment can either take place at your home or in one of our, funeral homes.

We would encourage you to give us a call before coming in to ensure one of our dedicated funeral directors is available. To contact us, please ring 01253 420 450/01772 876878 or fill in our contact form here.

How To Arrange a Funeral

You will sit down with our funeral director who will discuss the plans with you, the whole process usually lasts an hour, but you’re free to take as much time as you need. Every funeral is different and we want to ensure that you have everything you need to give your loved one the perfect send-off.

We’ll also advise you on practical matters such as registering a death, death certificates and other aspects to arranging a funeral such as wakes, catering and florists.

The arrangements can take place at any of our funeral homes.

Blackpool Funeral Home

Cleveleys Funeral Home

Fleetwood Funeral Home

Preston Funeral Home

How to Register a Death

A death needs to be registered within five days, so while you’re waiting for your appointment with the funeral director, this might be a task you wish to complete in the meantime.

Usually, you can make an appointment with the Registrar to inform them of a death through your local council. Many have online booking facilities where you can make an appointment.

For you to register the death, you will usually need the following:

• Identification of the deceased. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, passport or driving license.
• The Medical Certificate Cause of Death, issued by a doctor caring for the person who has died.
• Identification for yourself such as a birth certificate, passport or driving license.
• The deceased’s medical card. Although, many councils understand that sometimes this can be difficult to find. Check with them before you go.

For those who’ve changed their name (e.g. through marriage)

• Marriage certificates or change of name documents (Again, many councils understand that these can be hard to find, so check before your appointment).

The registrar will also need to know the deceased’s full name (including the previous surname), date and place of birth, date and place of death, their most recent occupation and last address. If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, they will also need to know the name and occupation of their partner.

Once the death has been registered the Registrar will hand you a green certificate, which you will need to give to us.

They will also give you a white form for social security purposes.

The information required does vary from council to council. For further information on registering deaths in Blackpool and Lancashire, just visit the following pages:

Blackpool Council: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Life-events/Registering-a-death.aspx

Lancashire Council: http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/deaths.aspx