Funeral guidance
If something has just happened, start here.
Step by step help with what to do now, how a funeral is arranged, what the day itself looks like, and who else can support you.
If you have just lost someone
If someone has passed away at home, or you need to contact us urgently, please call us and we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care and advise you of the next steps. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Arranging a funeral
Organising a funeral can be a daunting task, especially while grieving.
To assist you through this emotional journey, we provide the following guide. You do not have to work through it alone, and you do not have to do it in this order.
Choose the funeral type
Decide on the type of service that resonates with you, whether it is a traditional ceremony, cremation, an eco-friendly option, or a religious or non-religious gathering. Consider the wishes of your loved one to create a service that genuinely honours their memory.
Plan the service
Personalise the service with meaningful elements like music, readings, eulogies and any special requests. Coordinate post funeral activities such as receptions, and add personal touches like photos or keepsakes. We help coordinate all of it, from bearers to floral tributes, donations and printed memorials.
Arrange for the deceased
Select a casket or urn, decide on clothing or gowns, and gather personal items for the coffin. Coordinate transportation and determine the cortege's starting point, all while respecting your preferences and budget.
Inform family and friends
Notify family and friends through newspaper notices, online announcements, personal calls or messages. You might consider a memorial website to make it easier to share memories and condolences. If you would rather, we can arrange all announcements for you.
Take care of yourself
During this emotionally draining time, prioritise your own wellbeing. Seek support from loved ones or professionals, recognising that grief is a natural process. The charities listed further down this page have genuinely good resources.
Religious or non-religious
Funerals can be personalised to reflect the wishes and beliefs of the deceased. Choose between a religious, non-religious, or custom designed service. Our team will match the right officiant or celebrant to your preferences and create a service that fulfils your needs.
Visiting the chapel
Once all necessary preparations are complete, you can share memories and say goodbye in one of our chapels. No appointment is necessary during our open hours: Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and Saturday between 9am and 12pm. If those times do not work for you, call us and we will try our best to meet your request.
What to expect on the day
On the day itself, you should not have to think about logistics.
Leading up to the day
Our funeral directors collaborate with you, understanding your preferences, assisting in tribute selection and fulfilling any final wishes. A detailed guide will be provided, and our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns.
The morning of
Our directors manage all preparations for a smooth and punctual service. Our limousines carry your family and friends, while your loved one receives meticulous care according to your wishes before being transferred to one of our hearses. Chosen floral tributes, flowers or portraits can be placed inside the hearse.
The procession
Typically commencing from the home of the deceased, with thorough route checks by our directors beforehand. They ensure there are ample pallbearers to respectfully convey the coffin to the chosen venue, be it a church, crematorium or graveside. Preferred routes or stops at meaningful landmarks are accommodated with the utmost care.
At the venue
Your funeral director manages all arrangements, including requested music and order of service sheets, coordinating with the service conductor and chapel attendants. They guide you in and ensure all guests are comfortably seated before the service begins, and will guide you through a committal service if that is part of your plan.
Afterwards
For the wake or reception, we can offer a list of local venues and accompany you to your chosen location.
In the days following
Our team reaches out to ensure you are satisfied and offers assistance in collecting ashes, selecting a memorial, and arranging for the return or placement of flowers and wreaths.
Common questions
What to do when someone passes
If you have any other questions, or need further assistance, please contact us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Call 0151 733 7201- What do I need to do when a loved one passes away at home?
- The first step is to contact your doctor's surgery to confirm the death. If it is outside of regular hours, call the on call doctor. Once the death is verified, notify your chosen funeral director, who will arrange to collect the deceased. You can discuss funeral preferences later when you meet the funeral director.
- What should I do if my loved one was in a nursing home or elderly people's residence?
- The nursing home will contact the doctor to confirm the death and will inform you of the passing. Arrange to collect valuables and clothing from the nursing home. Contact your preferred funeral director to schedule a meeting for funeral arrangements, and to bring your loved one into our care.
- What steps should I take if the death occurred in a hospital?
- The hospital will inform you of the passing and send the Death Certificate to the Registry office. Arrange to collect valuables and clothing from the hospital's bereavement office. Notify your chosen funeral director and set up a meeting to discuss funeral arrangements.
- How can I register the death?
- A death must be registered in the district where it occurred. A near relative, executor, or person present at the death can register. The hospital or GP surgery will email the medical cause of death certificate directly to the registrar. Many registrars offer a Tell Us Once service to notify relevant authorities on your behalf.
- How can the funeral director assist during the funeral process?
- Our dedicated team will support and guide you throughout. We handle all necessary preparations for the funeral service and committal service, coordinate the funeral procession, transport family and friends in luxury limousines, and prepare your loved one according to your wishes. Any floral tributes and chosen items will be placed inside the hearse. We also provide a detailed guide and answer any questions you may have.
- Can I request specific arrangements during the procession and service?
- Yes. If you have specific requests, such as a preferred route or stops at significant landmarks during the funeral procession, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them. We also arrange specific music and order of service sheets for the funeral service.
- What happens after the funeral?
- Following the funeral we will reach out to you to ensure everything went smoothly. We can offer advice on collecting the ashes and selecting a memorial, and can also assist with arranging for the return or placement of flowers and wreaths.
What you need for the death registration
- Date and place of death
- Name and surname of the deceased
- Maiden surname, for married women
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
- Name and occupation of the spouse, if married
- Usual address
- Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds
- Date of birth of the surviving partner, if applicable
- National Insurance number
- Passport, driving license, and blue disabled parking badge, to be cancelled
Useful numbers
Other people who can help
Registrars for the local districts, and bereavement charities whose resources are genuinely worth reading.
Registrars
- Liverpool Register Office0151 233 3004
- Knowsley Registration Centre0151 443 2900
Grief and bereavement support
- Cruse Bereavement Care, Liverpool Branch0151 228 7321
- SamaritansFree 24/7 helpline116 123
- Mind, Liverpool0151 709 2994
- Talk Liverpool (IAPT Service)0151 228 2300