Arranging a Funeral with Brian Sharples & Son

When someone dies, it can be difficult to know where to begin. You do not need to have all the answers before contacting us. We will explain the immediate steps and guide you through the arrangements one decision at a time.

Call 0161 427 2079 to speak to our team.

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Compassionate Support from the Very First Call

Funeral Arrangements Made with Care and Understanding

The first telephone call
Our telephone service is available 24 hours a day. During the first call, we may ask where the death occurred, whether a doctor or other healthcare professional has attended, and whether the coroner is involved.

We will explain what needs to happen next and when we are able to bring the person who has died into our care.

When someone dies at home
If the death was expected, contact the GP, district nurse or relevant healthcare service so that the death can be verified. Once verification has taken place and the necessary permission has been given, contact us and we can make arrangements to attend.

If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999. The police and coroner may need to be involved. This does not necessarily mean that anything suspicious has occurred; it is a standard legal process in certain circumstances.

When someone dies in hospital
The hospital’s bereavement or patient affairs team will explain its procedure and tell you when the necessary documents are available. You may contact us before the paperwork is complete so that we can begin discussing arrangements and liaise with the hospital when authorised.

When someone dies in a care home
The care home will normally arrange for the death to be verified and will contact the family. You are free to choose your own funeral director. Once you have asked the care home to contact us, or contacted us directly, we will coordinate the transfer into our care.

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Things to Consider

Burial or cremation

Some people leave clear wishes, while other families need time to consider the options. We will explain the practical and financial differences between burial and cremation, including cemetery or crematorium fees and any local restrictions.

Religious and non-religious services

A funeral can be led by a minister, priest, faith leader, civil celebrant, humanist celebrant, family member or another suitable person. We can help locate an appropriate officiant and will work with them to coordinate the service.

Making the funeral personal

Personal touches can be simple or detailed. Families may choose favourite music, photographs, meaningful readings, a particular route, a display of personal belongings, a special floral tribute or clothing that reflects the person.

Visiting the person who has died

Many families value the opportunity to spend time with the person who has died. Others prefer to remember them as they were. There is no right or wrong choice.
We will explain viewing arrangements, suitable clothing and any personal items you may wish to include.

The day of the funeral

Before the funeral, we will confirm timings and practical arrangements. On the day, the funeral director and team will coordinate the procession, guide family members and work with the officiant and venue so that the service runs as planned.

After the funeral

We can provide guidance on the collection, burial or scattering of ashes, memorials, additional inscriptions, charitable donations and thank-you notices. You are welcome to contact us with questions after the funeral.

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Funeral Arrangement Meeting

When the coroner is involved
A death may be referred to the coroner when the cause is unknown, the death was sudden or certain legal criteria apply. The coroner may order further enquiries or a post-mortem examination.
You can still contact us and begin discussing the funeral while this process is taking place. We will explain which arrangements can be made and liaise with the coroner’s office where appropriate.

Registering the death
The registration process depends on the circumstances and current death-certification procedures. The relevant hospital, GP service, medical examiner’s office or coroner will tell you when the death can be registered.

The registrar will provide the documents needed for the funeral arrangements. We will explain which document we require and can answer practical questions, although official registration guidance should always be obtained from the local register office.

The funeral arrangement meeting
The arrangement meeting is an opportunity to talk about the person who has died and the kind of farewell the family would like. It can take place at one of our funeral homes or, where agreed, in the family home or by telephone.
It may help to consider the following:

• Whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation
• The preferred date, time and venue
• Whether the service will be religious, non-religious or a mixture
• Who will lead the service
• The coffin or casket
• Clothing and personal items
• Visiting the chapel of rest
• The hearse, limousines and funeral route
• Music, hymns, readings and tributes
• Orders of service and photographs
• Floral tributes or charitable donations
• Newspaper or online notices
• Livestreaming or recorded services where available
• A reception following the funeral
• Plans for cremated remains or a memorial

Contact Us Today

To find out more about our Funeral Care Services or to discuss our pre-paid funeral plans,
please contact our friendly team.

Call: 0161 427 2079
Main Branch Email: marple@briansharples.co.uk

Creating a Personal and Meaningful Farewell

Address

Brian Sharples & Son Ltd
52, Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB