When someone close to you dies, it can feel impossible to know where to begin.
You may be in shock, and you probably feel overwhelmed.
Equally, you might simply not know what needs to happen first.
At Varty’s Funeral Directors, we support families across Wigan at some of the hardest times in their lives.
To help, we have put together this simple guide to help you understand the first steps after a death.
First, take a breath and make the call you need to make
The first step depends on where the person has died.
However, once the death has been confirmed, you can contact us, and it’s our job to guide you through what happens next.
You do not need to have all the answers.
Instead, we will talk you through the process calmly and clearly.
If someone dies at home
If the death happens at home, a doctor or nurse will need to confirm the death first.
After that, you contact us, and we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
This can feel like a lot to take in.
However, we will explain each step and make sure you know what is happening.
If someone dies in hospital or in a care home
If the death happens in hospital or in a care home, staff will contact the relevant doctor and follow the correct procedure.
Once everything is in place, we will liaise with the hospital or care home and arrange transfer to our private chapel of rest.
As a result, you will not need to manage those arrangements alone.
If the death is sudden or unexpected
Sometimes, the coroner may need to be involved.
This can happen if the death was unexpected or the cause of death is not yet clear.
If that happens, we will explain what it means, keep you updated and support you with any extra steps.
Importantly, we will also liaise with the relevant people on your behalf where needed.
Registering the death
In England and Wales, you usually need to register a death within five days.
Once the doctor has issued the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, you will need to make an appointment at your local register office.
Before you go, we will make sure you understand the process and have the right documents.
If the coroner is involved, timings may be different. In that case, we will keep you informed throughout.
Planning the funeral
Once the paperwork is in place, your designated funeral director will meet with you to talk through the funeral arrangements.
Some families want a traditional funeral.
Others prefer something simple.
In some cases, families want a highly personal service that reflects the life, interests or wishes of the person they have lost.
Whatever you choose, we will help you create a fitting tribute with care and sensitivity.
What we can arrange for you
We can take care of all the main funeral arrangements, including:
- burial or cremation bookings
- church or venue coordination
- officiant, celebrant or minister arrangements
- transport and timings
- music, readings and service structure
In addition, we can help with many of the finer details, such as:
- floral tributes and flowers for the service
- newspaper notices
- printed service sheets and memorial cards
- acknowledgement cards
- catering and venue recommendations
- grave memorials and monuments
- accommodation advice for travelling relatives
We can also advise you on financial support or benefits that may be available to help with funeral costs.
On the day of the funeral
On the day itself, your funeral director will oversee everything.
They will manage timings, liaise with service providers and handle any fees or disbursements on your behalf.
Because of that, you can focus on remembering your loved one and being present with family and friends.
You do not have to face this alone
Losing someone is painful. Even so, you do not have to carry everything by yourself.
At Varty’s, we do more than arrange funerals.
We provide steady support, clear guidance and a familiar face throughout the process.
You will have a dedicated funeral director who will answer your questions, explain your options and make sure everything goes as it should.
Most importantly, we will treat you and your loved one with the care, dignity and respect you deserve.
Need support?
If you need advice after the death of a loved one, we are here to help families across Wigan with calm, compassionate support when it matters most.
Here, when you need us
If you would like advice or support, the team at Varty’s Funeral Directors is here for you.
You are welcome to visit Darlville Funeral Parlour, Manchester Road, Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN2 2EA during office hours.
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm.
Alternatively, you can call 01942 244712 at any time, email kristen@vartys.co.uk, or complete the contact form on our website by clicking HEREe, compassion and clear advice, so you never feel like you are facing it alone.
