In line with Government guidance, attendees should be limited to those who are not in any of the high-risk categories and are not self-isolating.
Alongside the Funeral Director, Chapel Attendant and funeral staff, only the following should attend:
- Members of the person’s household
- Close family
- Close friends (if family are unable to attend)
- A celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this
Mourners who are not part of the same household are advised to stay the recommended 2 metres apart from each other and avoid shaking hands or making other physical contact.
Please only attend if you have been specifically invited as there are restrictions on numbers of attendees in place depending on the size of the chapel at the chosen crematorium. Adherence to government guidelines on social distancing is required, especially those individuals deemed to be most at risk. Please contact us for more information on current capacities at our preferred crematoria.
Anyone suffering with COVID-19 or self-isolating should not attend a funeral service under any circumstances.
Suffering a bereavement can be extremely distressing, even more so if you are unable to attend the funeral and do not have people around you to offer comfort and support due to social distancing restrictions. Not being part of the funeral will be very difficult for those who can't attend. If there is a funeral service you could:
You could share the date and time of the funeral service, if there is one, with the people who would have ordinarily attended the funeral. This will allow these people to mark the time in their own way, this could be lighting a candle, saying a prayer, observing a moment’s silence or even watching an episode of your loved one’s favourite TV show.
You could also share with them the music or any readings you have chosen as part of the service, so they can access them at home.
There are many communication apps that allow you to video call on a smartphone, such as FaceTime, WhatApp, Skype and Zoom. If you are unable to video call someone who is unable to attend, for example because they do not have a smartphone or tablet, you could make a phone call to them instead.
Consider filming the service on your phone so you can share it with people who could not attend. Remember to check your phone has adequate storage space prior to the service.
If you have arranged a direct cremation, please remember that there will be no mourners present at the crematorium, so our previous suggestions will not be possible.