Planning a service
There is a lot to think about at what is already a very difficult time. We’ve provided some questions below, to consider to help with the planning process. Once you have made these decisions we will guide you through the necessary steps:
What type of funeral do you require, burial or cremation?
Do you wish to attend the funeral or choose a direct cremation?
Do you require a service in church, cemetery chapel, crematorium chapel or somewhere else?
Is the service to be religious or non religious?
Do you want a Minister, Civil Celebrant, a member of the family or someone else to officiate?
If you require a burial, is there an existing grave that we need to arrange to reopen?
If there is not an existing grave and you need to purchase a new one, is it in a churchyard, cemetery or natural burial ground?
How many burials does the grave need to be for?
If you require cremation, which crematorium?
Coffins, Caskets & Options for Ashes
- If you require a burial, what type of coffin do you require?
- Veneered
- Solid wood
- Eco friendly
- Casket
- If cremation, will the ashes be:
- interred (buried) in a churchyard, cemetery or on private land?
- scattered on land or water?
- or some placed into a keepsake?
Vehicles
- Do you require a traditional hearse or a speciality hearse such as horse and carriage, vintage vehicle, lorry, motorbike and side car to name a few?
Flowers & Floral Arrangements
- Will you order flowers through ourselves or direct with your florest of choice?
Music
- What music do you require? (There is normally a piece to enter to and a piece to exit to)
- Is there to be a Hymn?
Music is often played during a service especially whilst entering or exiting a venue but also at other points during the service. This can be your loved ones, or your, favourote track/artist. The only specification is that the piece of music has been produced and not found on YouTube as we are unable to use these. Below are some examples of popular choices.
Music Suggestions:
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- No Matter What – Boyzone
- Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
- We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
- Simply the Best – Tina Turner
If you wish for Hymns to be included in the service, do you want a choral version so the congregation can sing along with it? (recommended if a small number of people attend) Below are some popular Hymns.
Hymn Suggestions:
- Abide With Me
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
- How Great Thou Art
- Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
- Morning Has Broken
- The Lord is My Shepherd (23rd Psalm)
- Jerusalem
- Amazing Grace
- The Old Rugged Cross
Memorials
- Would you like a memorial created for your loved one?
We use and recommend Memorial Specialists Cleverley & Spencer. Please see their details below.
3-5 Frith Road,
Dover,
Kent,
CT16 2PT
01304-206379
enquiry@clevspen.co.uk
Welcome To Cleverley and Spencer Monumental Stone Masons. A memorial is not merely a marker erected over a grave, it is a lasting symbol of remembrance and a final gift to someone dearly loved. We believe that only the finest sculpting and careful hand finishing of a memorial is appropriate so we insist on working to the highest standards. Every single letter of each hand carved inscription is carefully drawn by hand and painstakingly sculpted, with a hammer and chisel, by our highly trained craftsmen. We are also able to offer machine carved lettering when required either to match an existing inscription or when a stylish headstone is required within a limited budget.
Our Services Include:
- Headstones
- Full Grave Memorials Additional
- Inscriptions Commemorative Plaques
- Individually Designed Memorials
- Cleaning and Restoration
- Friendly and Helpful Advice
Orders of Service
- Do you require Orders of Service?
These allow friends and family to follow the service. We work closely with you and whoever is to take the service to provide you with something that can become a keepsake. Any words of hymns, prayers and readings can be printed if needed/wanted. If you would like to provide us with photographs we will scan them and include them within the pages so that it can create a story of the life of your loved one, or if you want a more simpler look just one on the front cover. Depending on content will depend on whether you require 4, 8 or 12 pages.
Visual Tribute
- Do you require a visual tribute?
Sometimes a life well lived requires more than just words. We can arrange for a visual tribute at your chosen crematorium using photos, videos and music.
There are 3 options to choose from:
- Single photo tribute – A photo of your loved one can be shown on the crematorium screen throughout the service.
- Pro tribute – 25 Photos timed perfectly to your chosen piece of music. The video can be played at any time during the service as a moment of reflection. Extra photos can be added at an extra cost.
- Visual tribute – As above but without music and can be on a rolling slideshow throughput the service.
Web Cast
- Do you require a web cast?
Sometimes for whatever reason not everyone may be able to attend the funeral, but they can still join you in saying goodby via a live streaming service no matter where they are. We can arrange for your service to be streamed and you will be issued with a unique log in to pass to friends and family. A video will also be available online within 3 days of the actual service where you will be able to watch for a further 28 days. Keepsakes in the way of DVD, USB stick or CD can be ordered at extra cost.
Alternatively, we work with a company that speacialises in providing a professional video for you to keep.
Wake Suggestions
- Will you be holding a wake?
Here are a few suggestions of local venues:
- Nevill Crest & Gub, Eridge Green – 01892 864209
- The Anchor, Hartfield – 01892 770424
- The Gallipot Inn, Upper Hartfield – 01892 770008
- Sweetwoods Golf Club, Cowden – 01342 850729
- The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells – 01892 520331
- Hotel Du Vin, Tunbridge Wells – 01892 320749
- The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells – 01892 524252
There are also various church and village halls that are happy to accommodate, and we can supply you with details of caterers that can assist you.
Charity Donations
- Would you like donations to a charity of your choice to be collected?
We are happy to receive and collate donations on your behalf both on the day of the funeral and in the following weeks. More than one charity can be chosen. Donations can be made via Obituaries & Donations page.
Additonal Considerations Regarding the Care of Your Loved One
Do you wish to have your loved one dressed in their own clothes or do you wish us to provide a matching gown to match the interior of the coffin?
Do you want your loved one embalmed?
Do you wish to visit your loved one in our Chapel of Rest?
Do you wish us to bring your loved one home prior to the Funeral?
Need help or advice?
We know that losing a loved one is a difficult and overwhelming time. Remember, if there is anything that you are unsure of, you can call or email us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with any questions you have.
01892 770253