Preparing For The Funeral Day

Before the funeral begins, our funeral team will prepare the coffin, hearse and any requested flowers or personal tributes. The hearse may leave from the funeral home, travel directly to the venue or call at a family address so that relatives can join the procession.

We will confirm where you need to be and when. We will also ensure that the person leading the service, the venue and everyone involved in the arrangements are ready before the funeral begins.

Mourners should usually arrive around 15 to 20 minutes before the service is due to begin. This provides time to park, find a seat and greet other guests without feeling rushed. Larger funerals or venues with limited parking may require a little more time.

Close family members travelling in funeral vehicles will be given a separate collection time. We will explain the schedule clearly beforehand and contact you if anything needs to change.

The funeral procession, sometimes called the cortege, is usually led by the hearse carrying the coffin. Funeral limousines containing close family members may follow, with other mourners travelling behind in their own vehicles.

The procession may travel directly to the funeral venue or follow a route that passes a family home, workplace or another meaningful location. We can discuss any special route requests and allow suitable time within the day’s arrangements.

Funeral limousines are generally reserved for close family members, although there are no fixed rules about who should travel in them. The family can decide who would benefit most from travelling together and receiving door-to-door transport.

The number of passengers that can travel in each vehicle will depend on the limousine being used. We will confirm the capacity and help organise additional vehicles where required.

The people who carry the coffin are known as pallbearers. The coffin may be carried by members of our funeral team, relatives, friends or a combination of both. A wheeled bier may also be used where this is safer or better suited to the venue.

Families should not feel obliged to provide pallbearers. Our experienced funeral team at N E Downing can carry the coffin with dignity if relatives or friends would prefer not to do so.

A coffin is often carried by four or six pallbearers, depending on its size and weight, the route into the venue and whether it will be carried on the shoulders or at waist height. The number required will be decided carefully to ensure everyone’s safety.

We will assess the arrangements beforehand and explain where the pallbearers should stand, how the coffin will be lifted and what will happen when entering and leaving the venue.

Family members and friends can carry the coffin when it is safe and they feel comfortable doing so. No previous experience is needed, as we will provide clear guidance before the procession begins.

It is understandable for someone to change their mind, particularly when emotions become overwhelming. Members of our funeral team will remain nearby and can step in at any point without drawing unnecessary attention.

Traditional funeral clothing is usually smart and in dark or muted colours, but this is not essential. Some families ask mourners to wear a particular colour, football shirt, item of jewellery or something connected with the person who has died.

Any clothing request can be included in the funeral notice or shared directly with guests. The most important consideration is that mourners feel comfortable and dress respectfully in accordance with the family’s wishes.

At a church, we will guide the coffin into the building, usually followed by close family members. Mourners may already be seated or may enter behind the family, depending on the arrangements agreed with the priest or minister.

At a crematorium, the procession will arrive shortly before the allocated service time. The coffin will be carried or moved into the chapel and placed on the catafalque before the ceremony begins. At N E Downing, we will guide your family throughout, ensuring that each part of the day is handled calmly, respectfully and with care.