Planning a funeral is an emotional process, especially during a time of mourning. Whether you’re arranging a service for a loved one, supporting a friend or family member with funeral arrangements, or even planning ahead for yourself, there are several key aspects to consider when making your decisions. We’ve tried to outline the main elements of funeral planning within this guide, however, please note this guide is specific to Dundee, Scotland and other locations may have slightly different legal processes, specifically if you are based in England, Ireland, or Wales (or indeed anywhere else in the rest of the world). 

 

Choosing A Funeral Director In Dundee

One of the first steps in arranging a funeral is usually contacting a Funeral Director (though there is no obligation to do so and you can organise a funeral by yourself). In Dundee, independent funeral directors such as ourselves at James Ashton & Son are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support and guidance. You can reach the team at 01382 452 110 in Dundee and 01334 472 456 in St Andrews, or via our contact form. 

Websites such as Local Funeral also provide lists of local funeral directors and their pricing to help you make an informed comparison. All of our locations are listed on Local Funeral, including:

You can also visit the Citizen’s Advice website to learn more about what is involved in funeral planning – this can help you feel more prepared ahead of your first call with your Funeral Director and help ease some of the anxiety or uncertainty of what to expect. Your Funeral Director will be able to guide you through the process and can provide help with any legal paperwork or other requirements alongside supporting you with the funeral preparation and arrangements. 

 

Registering A Death In Dundee

Before the funeral service can take place, the death must be registered. A medical certificate must first be obtained from a qualified medical professional, such as the deceased’s GP or a hospital doctor. This certificate will confirm the cause of death and allow for the registration process to begin. In most cases, the certificate can be issued promptly, however, if further investigation is required in instances where the cause of death was unexpected or unclear, this may delay the process.

It’s also important to note that there is a legal requirement in Scotland to register a death within 8 calendar days and failure to do so is a criminal offence. Death must be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages – your dedicated Funeral Director will be able to support you with this process and provide further advice (Dundee City Council’s website also provides information about the registrar). 

For additional information about the forms you may need to complete and when to contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) see our article on the 24 most common questions about funerals.

 

Organising The Funeral Service

Once the paperwork is in order (or if you are planning your own funeral), you’ll be able to start planning and finalising the details of the funeral such as the type of service and burial or cremation preferences. This could include (but won’t be limited to):

 

Deciding between a burial or a cremation

If opting for a burial, it’s important to consider if an existing family plot will be used or if a new one is needed. The Dundee City Council website has a list of cemeteries, including options for public memorials. 

Cremation preferences

If cremation is chosen, you will need to decide which crematorium to use and whether there are any wishes for scattering or burial of the ashes. (We also offer a selection of urns.)

 

Picking a coffin or casket

You can select from a range of coffin options including burial and cremation coffins. Options include a range of wood types, though additional materials can be discussed with your Funeral Director. You’ll also be able to choose whether you’d prefer a closed, open, or partially open casket as well as the interior of the coffin or casket. 

 

Deciding on the type of service 

In a previous article, we discussed some common service types which can be a good starting point to deciding the type of service you wish to organise. The service type may sometimes be quite clear, e.g. if the person had expressed their wishes prior to their death or if they practised a particular religion; however other times there might be more than one appropriate option so it’s good to discuss what each might entail and associated costs with your Funeral Director.

 

Choosing flowers

While your choice of flowers may be determined by the type of service, there may still be several options available including whether to have a floral arrangement on the casket/coffin and the size of the flower arrangements you wish to order. 

 

Arranging newspaper notices 

You may wish to arrange for a newspaper notice to inform others of the service and/or announce someone’s passing. Many people will also post an obituary online – see examples of how to write an obituary here.

 

Inviting guests & an officiant / funeral celebrant

It’s important to consider who will lead the service, provide eulogies, participate in readings and singing / music, and who will attend as a guest. Note this may be restricted by your service venue so it’s important to check capacity if you wish to host a larger group of people.

 

Organising transportation

A hearse is usually hired to transport the deceased to their final resting place. While optional, it’s also common to organise transport for close family and friends on the day of the service which will take guests from the funeral home to the service venue and/or burial site. See transport options here.

 

Arranging memorials

Memorials can include headstones, gravestones, vases, plaques and statues in a range of materials including granite, sandstone, and marble. These can include inscriptions and photos for additional personalisation. 

 

How long does it take to arrange a funeral?

Funerals can typically be arranged within a week or two, depending on availability and providing there are no delays such as investigations into the cause of death.

 

Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch in Dundee and St Andrews:

1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way! They will work with you to create a funeral and lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, and they will be there to offer support to you and your family during this difficult time.