Choosing a date and time for the funeral is an important part of the arrangements. While you may have a preferred day, several factors need to come together before the funeral can be confirmed. Your funeral director will work closely with you to find a date that is suitable wherever possible.
Before confirming the funeral, it's worth considering:
Taking a little time to discuss these with close family members can help avoid unnecessary stress later.
If possible, speak to your closest family members before confirming a date. Finding out in advance if there are any days they cannot attend can help avoid disappointment and ensure those who are most important can be there.
Although you may have a preferred date or time, please avoid contacting the crematorium, cemetery, minister or celebrant to make bookings yourself. Your funeral director coordinates all aspects of the funeral and will need to check the availability of:
Making arrangements independently may lead to clashes or delays if the funeral director is unavailable or another part of the funeral cannot be accommodated.
Sometimes your preferred date may not be available. Being flexible with the day or time may allow you to secure your preferred minister, celebrant, venue or funeral director. Your funeral director will always explain the available options and help you choose the most suitable arrangements.
Funeral arrangements often depend on the availability of several different people and organisations. Your funeral director's role is to coordinate everything on your behalf, helping the day run as smoothly as possible.
Choosing the date and time of a funeral can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance everyone's commitments. Don't feel that you have to make every decision immediately. Your funeral director will guide you through the process and help you find arrangements that work for both your family and the practicalities of the funeral.
Before meeting with your funeral director, speak with your closest family members and make a note of any dates they genuinely cannot attend. This can save time and help your funeral director find the best available date without needing to rearrange plans later.