Arranging a Funeral. Step 1-8:
Initial Decisions and Service Planning
At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand that planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. With care, respect, and gentle guidance, we will support you in making the arrangements that truly honour your loved one. Whether choosing between burial or cremation, personalising the service, or selecting a fitting tribute, we are here to help every step of the way.
1. Who Will Arrange the Funeral?
The person responsible for arranging the funeral must be able to make decisions regarding the service and will also be responsible for its payment.
Please see 'Who Can Arrange A Funeral?' for further guidance.
While we can only take instructions from one individual, we can keep other family members informed by copying them into all emails and documents.
2. Deciding on Burial or Cremation
Choosing between burial and cremation is a deeply personal decision that may be influenced by religious beliefs, personal preferences, or family traditions. If the deceased expressed their wishes in a Will or pre-paid funeral plan, these should be followed wherever possible.
However, if no specific instructions were left, the decision often falls to the next of kin or those responsible for arranging the funeral. At Rounce Funeral Services, we provide compassionate guidance to help families make an informed choice that feels right for them.
​
Burial is often chosen for those who prefer a traditional resting place, with options including churchyards, cemeteries, or natural burial grounds. It allows for a dedicated memorial space where loved ones can visit.
Cremation, on the other hand, offers flexibility, as ashes can be kept in an urn, interred, or scattered in a meaningful location. Factors such as cost, environmental considerations, and family traditions may also play a role in the decision. Whatever your choice, our experienced team is here to provide support and ensure the arrangements are handled with care and respect.
3. Choosing a Location for the Funeral Ceremony
Selecting the right location for a funeral ceremony is an important decision that helps create a meaningful and personal farewell. At Rounce Funeral Services, we support families in choosing a setting that reflects their loved one’s wishes, beliefs, and personality.
Traditional options include places of worship, crematorium chapels, and cemetery chapels, which provide a formal and structured environment for religious or secular services. For those seeking a more personal touch, alternative venues such as village halls, gardens, or even family homes can offer a unique and intimate atmosphere.
​
For families looking for a simple yet dignified farewell, we also offer an Intimate Attended Direct Cremation service. This option provides a small, respectful gathering at our Chapel at Rounce Funeral Services, allowing close family and friends to say their goodbyes without the formality of a full funeral service. It offers a quiet moment of reflection and remembrance in a private setting, ensuring a meaningful farewell while keeping the focus on simplicity and affordability.
​
When choosing a location, it’s important to consider practical aspects such as accessibility for guests, seating capacity, and any specific requirements for music, readings, or rituals.
If your loved one had a particular connection to a special place, such as a favourite outdoor spot or a community venue, we can help explore options to honour their memory appropriately. Whatever your preference, Rounce Funeral Services is here to provide guidance and support in arranging a dignified and fitting ceremony.
4. Deciding on Which Type of Funeral Celebrant
Choosing the right funeral celebrant is an essential part of creating a meaningful and personal farewell. At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand that every family has unique beliefs, traditions, and wishes, which is why we can help you select a celebrant who aligns with your needs.
If faith plays an important role, a religious officiant, such as a minister, priest, or other faith leader, can conduct a service in accordance with spiritual traditions.
For those who prefer a non-religious ceremony, a humanist can lead a service that focuses on the life and legacy of the deceased without religious elements.
​
Many families opt for a civil celebrant for what we call a semi-religious service, mainly focusing on your loved ones life but including some cultural legacies that we have grown up with such as the Lords Prayer.
​
Some families opt for a family member or close friend to lead the service, creating a deeply personal touch. Whatever your preference, we are here to provide guidance and support in selecting a celebrant who will help honour your loved one’s memory with the right tone, words, and tributes.
5. Selecting a Coffin or Casket
Choosing a coffin or casket is an important part of arranging a funeral, as it serves as a final tribute to your loved one. At Rounce Funeral Services, we offer a range of options to suit different preferences, budgets, and environmental considerations.
Traditional wooden coffins remain a popular choice, providing a classic and dignified appearance, while eco-friendly alternatives, such as wicker, bamboo, or cardboard, offer a more sustainable option for those who wish to minimise their environmental impact.
​
For those seeking a more personalised tribute, bespoke designs with engraved details, colourful finishes, or themed imagery can help reflect the personality and passions of the deceased.
Our team is here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find a coffin or casket that aligns with your wishes and provides a fitting farewell for your loved one.
6. Eulogies and Readings: Honouring a Life with Words
Eulogies and readings play a significant role in a funeral service, offering an opportunity to reflect on the life, values, and legacy of the deceased.
Selecting individuals to deliver these heartfelt tributes allows family members, close friends, or a chosen celebrant to share memories, personal stories, or meaningful passages that celebrate the life of a loved one.
Whether it’s a formal eulogy, a favourite poem, a religious reading, or an excerpt from a book, these spoken words provide comfort and connection for those in attendance.
​
At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand that speaking at a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially during an emotional time.
We offer guidance in choosing appropriate readings, structuring a eulogy, and selecting speakers who feel comfortable and honoured to participate. If preferred, a professional celebrant or minister can deliver words on behalf of the family.
Our compassionate team is here to support you in crafting a tribute that truly reflects your loved one’s life and values.
7. Music: A Personal and Meaningful Tribute
Music is a powerful element of a funeral service, evoking memories, offering comfort, and providing a deeply personal tribute to the life of a loved one.
Whether you choose traditional hymns, classical compositions, or modern songs that held special meaning, the right music can set the tone for reflection, remembrance, and celebration. At Rounce Funeral Services, we help families select pieces that resonate with their loved one’s personality, beliefs, and life story.
​
When deciding on music, consider key moments in the service where it may be played, such as the entrance, during reflection, and at the committal. Live musicians, recorded tracks, or even a choir can enhance the atmosphere and create a lasting impression.
If you need inspiration, we can offer suggestions based on your preferences or your loved one’s musical tastes. Whatever your choice, our team will ensure the music is seamlessly incorporated into the ceremony, creating a heartfelt and memorable farewell.
8. Visual Tributes: A Lasting and Personal Reflection
Visual tributes provide a deeply personal way to celebrate the life of a loved one, allowing family and friends to share cherished memories through images, videos, and music.
As technology has advanced, many chapels and crematoria now offer large display screens, enabling families to move beyond a single framed photograph and create moving digital presentations.
These tributes, often played during a moment of reflection, can evoke powerful emotions, offering comfort and connection even to those who may not have known the deceased personally.
​
At Rounce Funeral Services, we support families in creating meaningful visual tributes, whether it’s a simple photo displayed throughout the service or a slideshow set to a favourite piece of music.
Many crematoria also offer the option to record or provide DVD copies of the tribute, ensuring that loved ones can revisit and reflect on the memories shared.
If you need assistance compiling photos, videos, or selecting suitable music, our team is here to help you craft a heartfelt and lasting tribute.
