Frequently Asked Questions

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. For your information we set out below the most often asked questions about the funeral and services associated with it. However, please do not hesitate to ask us any question which you may have and we will do our best to help you.

How will I know how much the funeral will cost?
John Weir Funeral Directors are members of the National Association of funeral directors and the National Society of allied and independent funeral directors and are required to abide by a strict code of practice. The code requires that you be given a full written estimate of what the funeral will cost.
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. We do ask that a deposit amounting to 50% of the total funeral cost be paid at least 72 hours prior to the funeral.

For those selecting our simple funeral service specification (the Coventry) we ask that all fees and disbursements be paid prior to the funeral taking place. The account can be paid for by cash, cheque, debit or credit card.
How many people can be seated in the Limousine?
In each Limousine there is room for six people in the rear compartment.
How do we know what to do at the Funeral?
On the day of the Funeral the Funeral Director is there to help and guide you, your family and friends. If you are unsure of anything please ask the Funeral Director.
Will you place a notice in the newspaper?
Yes, we will be please to arrange for notice(s) to be placed in either your local paper or the national papers such as the Times or the Daily Telegraph.
Can the family carry the coffin?
Yes, although we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure that it is safe to do so.
Can we visit the deceased and pay our last respects?
Yes, our Funeral Home is open and available to you at anytime. 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 make an appointment for 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 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 the Funeral Director know as soon as possible. Please note that only original recordings are allowed because of copyright laws.
Can we request donations to charity?
Clients may prefer charitable donations in lieu of flowers, in which case we create an online obituary notice through which donations can be made directly to your chosen charities. We are unable to accept cheques, cash or money orders. However, family and friends who wish to donate by cheque/money order can send them direct to the charity of choice.
Are the handles on the coffin removed before the cremation takes place?
No. There are strict laws regarding cremation. Nothing may be removed from the coffin before cremation.
Is each cremation carried out individually?
Yes. The identity of the coffin name plate is checked by the Crematorium staff before it is placed in the Cremation Chamber. This only holds one coffin or casket at a time and again there are strict regulations that must 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. This urn is clearly identified as to whose remains they are.
What can I do with the cremated remains?
You can place them in the Garden Of Remembrance, but you may not know where they are and you can not place a headstone with them. However you can if you wish be in attendance when they are strewn.

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.

You may keep them at home in a special urn or memorial.

You may scatter them in a special place.

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.
My relative has died abroad, can he/she be repatriated to the UK?
Yes, we have a great deal of experience in the repatriation of remains both to and from abroad.
How will I know who attended the funeral?
A list of mourners who attended the funeral can be made.
What about catering after the funeral?
If you require catering after the funeral, you can make your own arrangements or we can arrange for a caterer to provide a buffet in your own home.
How soon after a burial can I put a head-stone on the grave?
If the grave is 'earth' rather than 'bricked', then the grave will take six months or more before the ground is firm enough to place the weight of a headstone. If the grave is 'bricked' inside, then it does not take as long. For further advice please contact your Funeral Director, who will be pleased to advise you.
What are Doctors Forms 4 & 5?
When a funeral is a cremation, two doctors MUST attend to confirm the cause of death. The first doctor must be the doctor who attended the deceased during his/her last illness. The duty of the second doctor is essentially one of confirmation. This doctor must not be related to the first doctor either through family or practice.

For this service, each doctor makes a separate charge, which we, the Funeral Directors usually pay on behalf of the deceased's family. (Currently Doctor's fees (April 2016) are £164.00 in total). It should be noted that where a death is reported to the coroner and a post mortem examination is held, the procedure is different and the need for two doctors is removed.