John Bald Funeral Directors

Frequently Asked Questions

In our opinion, there is no such thing as a ‘normal funeral’.  Each and every funeral is individual to the family concerned.  It is up to that family to pay their last respects and say their last farewell in the manner that is most suitable for them.

The following information is here to help answer questions that we are most often asked about the funeral, and the services associated with it.

How many people can be seated in the limousine?
In each limousine, there is room for six people in the rear compartment and room for one in the front with the chauffeur.

How do we know what to do at the funeral?
On the day of the funeral, we will be there to help and guide you, your family and your friends.  If you are unsure about any aspect of the service, please let us know.

Can we visit the deceased and pay our last respects?
Yes.  Our funeral home is open and available to you by appointment.  If you wish to visit our private chapel, please ring and inform us when you would like to come and we will be pleased to arrange a member of staff to meet you.

Can we have the deceased brought home?
Yes.  We can bring the deceased home either on the evening before the service, or on the morning of the service, so that the deceased can leave from home.

Can we choose what music is played at the crematorium?
Yes.  If you have a special request, or would like a particular piece of music playing either as you walk into or out of the Crematorium Chapel, please let us know as soon as possible.  Please note that, due to copyright laws, only the original recordings are allowed.

Can we request donations to charity?
Yes.  If donations to charity are requested in lieu of flowers, we will accept and list donations on your behalf and we will hand them to you in a sealed bag at the end of the funeral service.

Is each cremation carried out individually?
Yes.  The identity of the coffin name plate is checked by the Crematorium Attendant before it is placed in the Crematorium Chamber.  This only holds one coffin or casket at a time, and again, there are strict rules to be abided by.

Do I get the cremated remains back that belong to me?
Yes.  Once the cremation has taken place, the cremated remains are removed and left to cool before being placed in an urn.  The urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are.

What can I do with the cremated remains?
1 – You can place them in the Garden of Remembrance, but you may not know where they are, and you cannot place a headstone with them.
2 – You may wish to purchase a grave just for the purpose of interring the cremated remains.  This allows you to have a headstone and have other members of the family buried there in the future.
3 – You may keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.
4 – You may scatter them in a special place.
5 – The remains may be buried in an existing family grave.
If you would like to discuss any of the above alternatives, please contact us and we will be pleased to help you.

What about catering after the funeral?
If you require catering after the funeral, you can make your own arrangements or we will be more than happy to make a booking at a hotel or restaurant on your behalf.

When is the funeral account payable?
The funeral account is sent to the person responsible for the arrangements, or the solicitor, when necessary, about a week after the funeral.  The account can be paid for by cash, credit or debit card, cheque, bankers draft or bank transfer

How soon after a burial can I put a headstone on the grave?
There is no minimum wait to erect a headstone, it would be a good idea to start the ordering process as soon after the funeral as you can.

For any further advice or help, please feel free to get in touch with us, where we will be only too happy to assist you.