Notifying 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 which we can help you prepare.
We also have an online obituary service on our website to publish funeral details for mourners. This can be used for your private social media posts and people who see the listing can leave messages of condolence. Finally, where our branches have street facing windows, we can create obituary cards.
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, a non-specific example is set out here as a guide.
Your funeral director is there to help you write exactly the notice you want to place.
Normally a notice for the Press and Journal or Northern Scot 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 Peacefully on the 28th February 2018 at the Dr Gray's Hospital, John, beloved husband of Jean, much loved father of Jim and Jen, and loving uncle to all the family. Service at Moray Crematorium on the 7th March at 11.30 am to which all friends are invited. Family flowers only please, but donations may be sent to Cancer Research UK.
John
(Elgin)
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 choice varies depending on which part of the country you live in. Urban areas have good access to crematoria but burial ground spaces are increasingly limited. Conversely, rural areas have plenty ground but are further away from crematoria. The costs vary between the regions so call us to find out what the options are for your area of choice.
With family in many countries, can we arrange a small private funeral now and have a larger celebration of life on a different date - and can you help with both arrangements?
We can assist with all elements of event planning for a funeral including celebrations after - whether they are on the same day or at later date. Whether you want a simple tribute or an extravagant memorial event, we're here to help you and your loved ones.
Are we limited to the number of cars?
You can have as many cars as you like. Our fleet of limousines can be fitted with screens to comply with any social distancing restrictions set by the Government which will continually evolve. We can arrange as many cars, and even arrange alternative transport from luxury coaches to more individual alternatives should you require it.
I am worried about thanking everyone who attends...
We can help. As there are limits on who can attend a funeral, we offer online obituaries where people can leave online tributes and messages of condolence. You can provide details about the funeral before or add messages of thanks after and then link from your own social media. In the future, when larger numbers are once again allowed, we can provide attendance cards for mourners to sign or leave a message of condolence. We collate them for you after the funeral so you can focus on saying goodbye.
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 left at the graveside. There is no "rule".
