Lady Funeral Directors Amanda-Louise Funeral Services serving Minehead, Taunton, Bridgwater, Tiverton and surrounding areas

In brief, anyone can. There is no legal requirement to have a religious minister. 

• Religious Minister – these can vary depending on different religions and beliefs and may follow a fixed format.
• Celebrant or Humanist – a Celebrant can provide a person centred funeral including religious, spiritual or non-religious service (rather than based on their beliefs) and also ideal for those families with blended-faiths, whereas a Humanist will only provide a non-religious service. Both will meet with you to understand your needs and learn about the person who has died. Every Celebrant or Humanist are different, so we recommend those based on who we believe will be a good match for you. Its always worth having a chat with them beforehand to see if they are your right choice by appointing. They will be self-employed and have their own overheads and insurance, and training varies as well as their experience. Some belong to an overarching organisation. Read our blog about funeral celebrants
• Family or Friend - if you know someone who is capable of leading a service, and keeping to the timeframes, then this is another option as they do not have to follow any structure. Or you could simply listen to a piece of music and say your goodbyes.

These usually happens to establish why the person has died, so an investigation takes place, and the Coroner has to establish all the facts before the death certificate can be issued. They will ask various questions and come to a conclusion.

Once a doctor has certified the death call our funeral service, and we wil take your loved one into our care. You will need to complete the necessary legal paperwork so the funeral can go ahead, and we help you with this. Your loved one is then taken into our facilities where they are treated with dignity. Depending upon wishes, we can change their clothes and prepare them into a coffin that you have chosen.

If death was expected, a medical practitioner will need to certify the death.  This can be the person’s registered GP, Doctor on duty or registered nurse for example.  They will complete a verification of death form, and will send a copy of that document to the person's registered GP surgery. They will leave you with a copy of that document too. The process has now changed since Sept 2024 -the GP surgery contacts the Medical Examiners Dept and they exchange paperwork. Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied with that information, they contact the next of kin and ask if they are satisfied with the cause of death (typically this takes 3-5 days from date of death). If you are satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will complete the Cause of Death documentation, and you are now able to register the death. If you are not satisfied with the cause of death, the Medical Examiner will consider your views.

After someone has died at home and it was expected, you can spend time with them, if you want to.  You may want to play music and light a candle.  There is no rush.  Whenever you are ready, you can call us on 01643 800335 or mobile 07879-220046 and we will bring the person who has died into our care, once the death has been certified. Our staff are fully trained in order to handle this difficult event with care and respect. You are always welcome to visit our Chapel of Rest at a later date.

If the death was not expected, the person will be taken into hospital mortuary (see coroner involvement)

A small number of deaths have to be reported to the Coroner before they can be registered, for example:

• Where there is no doctor who can issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
• If the person who has died hasn’t seen their GP in the last 14 days before death
• The cause of death is unknown
• The cause of death is believed to be unnatural or suspicious
• The cause of death is believed to be due to an industrial disease or poisoning
• The death occurred during an operation or before recovery from an anaesthetic
  

The Registrar will wait for the Coroner to decide whether a post-mortem or inquest needs to be carried out before the registration of the death can proceed. In these cases, the new Medical Assessors wont be involved in the process.

This may take some time, so it’s a good idea to speak to us, so we can arrange with the Coroner and make provisional arrangements for the funeral. However, we will not be able to confirm a date or time until the Coroner has finished their investigations.

A doctor will need to certify the death. This can be the person’s registered GP or the Doctor on duty.  Once the Doctor has been to see the person, the nursing home may want us to collect them straight away, with your permission. 

The verification of death document is sent to the GP surgery who in turn liaises with the Medical Examiner (their role is to look into cause of death), and if satisfied they will then contact next of kin to ask if they are also satisfied with cause. If so, next of kin can then register the death

If the person who has died during the day and death was expected or not unusual, then a medical practitioner (the GP, registered nurse or duty doctor for example) will attend to verify the death. They will complete a form confirming death, which is sent to the GP surgery. The GP surgery then liaises with the Medical Examiner as to cause of death, and then when ready, the Medical Examiner will contact the next of kin to ascertain if next of kin agrees with the findings. If so, next of kin is then ready to book appointment to register death.  

If someone has died at home unexpectedly, the emergency services must be involved. They will contact the local coroner who may wish to investigate the cause of death.  The Coroner will arrange for a local funeral director to collect the person who has died and to bring them into their care.  This doesn’t have to be the funeral directors that you use to plan and conduct the funeral, that its your choice. If that happens, then you simply let the funeral directors know and they liaise between them.

Take with you the following information, where appropriate, as the Registrar will require this from you:

• Date and place of death
• Full name and address of the person who has died (including maiden name if the deceased has been married)
• Date and place of birth
• Occupation
• Name and address of their husband or wife, or civil partner and the date of birth of the surviving partner
• Your name, address and your relationship to the deceased
• Whether the person who has died was in receipt of a pension from public funds
  

The Registrar enters all this information in their Death Register. It is important that the information you give to the Registrar is correct as errors can be time consuming to be altered. Remember to check all the details recorded before you sign the Death Register.

If English is not your first language of the person registering the death and assistance is required, it is a good idea for someone else to accompany that person to the Registrar’s office and act as an interpreter. But the interpreter helper cannot be the person registering the death personally.

If the death was unexpected and the Coroner is involved, as your funeral director we can provide you with more information. Contact us and we can discuss the different procedures that may need to be followed.

The person who will be registering the death needs to be completed by the legally responsible person, which is usually:

• the next of kin
• close relative
• or Executor of the deceased. 
  

Alternatively, it can be someone 

• who was present at the time of death
• the occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• or the person who is responsible for arranging the funeral (not a funeral director)

Here is a list of all the Somerset County Registrar offices, contact information and details of opening times. If you are in any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.

Somerset Register Office (Taunton)

Address: The Old Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AQ -

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm

Parking: Disabled parking space adjacent to the office. This is accessed by driving through Castle Green and is shared with the museum. There is a ramp to reception at the rear of the building on Castle Green. The nearest public car park – Metered spaced on Corporation St, Enfield or Crescent Car Parks

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Williton Registration Office

Address: The Library, Killick Way, Williton, TA4 4PY

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 4pm

Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Killick Way

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Minehead Registration Office

Address: The Library, Bancks Street, Minehead TA24 5DJ

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Parking: 1 hour on-street nearby. Nearest public car park – Summerland Place

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Bridgwater Registration Office

Address Bridgwater House, Kings Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

Opening hours  Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm

Parking Nearest public car park – Northgate

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Burnham-on-Sea Registration Office

Address: 1 Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours:  Tuesday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 3pm

Parking:  On-site disabled parking available, on-street general parking. Nearest public car park – Oxford Street

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Yeovil Registration Office

Address:  The Library, King George Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PY

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm

Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Petters Way

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Frome Registration Office

Address: Frome Library, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 2.30pm

‍Parking: On-street parking nearby. Nearest public car park – Cattle Market

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Chard Registration Office

Address: Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard, TA20 2YA

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

Opening hours: Thursday and Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm

Parking: On-site disabled parking available. Nearest public car park – Boden Street

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Glastonbury Registration Office

Address: Glastonbury Library Hub, 1 Orchard Court, The Archers Way, Glastonbury, BA6 9JB

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2pm

Parking:  Disabled parking on-site. Street parking nearby. Nearest public car park – Butt Close

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Weston Super Mare Registration Office (North Somersrt)

‍Address : Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm

Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Carlton Street

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Clevedon Registration Office (North Somerset)

Address: Castlewood, Tickenham Road, Clevedon, BS21 6FW

Tel: 01823 282251

Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk

‍Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 9am to 3.30pm, Thursday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm

‍Parking: On-site general and disabled parking available

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To find out where other Registry Offices are located, click here to take you to the Government’s website, or click here to read what to take with you to register the death

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If you need funeral services, why not reach out to Lady Funeral Director Amanda-Louise who will be happy to support you. Speak to Amanda-Louise on 07879-220046 for more information

Here is a list of the Devon County Registrar offices, contact information and details of opening times. If you are in any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.

Mid Devon Registration Office

Becks Square, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6LB - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Tuesday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

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Devon Registration Office

Larkbeare House, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4NG - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

‍Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Tuesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Thursday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

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West Devon Registration Office

Okehampton Town council offices, Fore Street, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1AA - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Tuesday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am to 4.30pm

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N‍orth Devon Registration Office

Taw View, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1EE  - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Tuesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Thursday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

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Torridge Registration Office

Caddsdown Business Support Centre, Farm Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3DX- Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Tuesday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

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East Devon Registration Office - Exmouth

Town Hall, St Andrews Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1AW - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Tuesday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Thursday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

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East Devon Registration Office - Honiton

East Devon Business Centre, Heathpark Way, Heathpark, Honiton, Devon, EX14 1SF  - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Tuesday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Wednesday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Thursday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Friday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

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South Hams Registration Office

Fallaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NE- Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Wednesday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

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West Devon Registration Office

Alexander Centre, 62 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8BU - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

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Teignbridge Registration Office

Devon House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4PB - Tel: 0345 155 1002

Email - register@devon.gov.uk

Opening hours - Monday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm) Tuesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm) Wednesday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm) Thursday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm) Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (closed from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm)

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To find out where other Registry Offices are located, click here to take you to the Government’s website, or click here to read what to take with you to register the death

‍

If you need funeral services, why not reach out to Lady Funeral Director Amanda-Louise who will be happy to support you. Speak to Amanda-Louise on 07879-220046 for more information

If the Coroner wasnt involved, then the GP and the Medical Examiner will look into cause of death, and the Medical Examiner will liaise with the next of kin and ask if they are in agreement with the cause. Once everyone is satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will confirm to the person (typically next of kin or relative) that they can now register the death.

By law you must register the death in England or Wales before the funeral can take place (unless the death has been referred to the Coroner), and at the Registry Office in the area where the deceased died - for Taunton and the surrounding areas this comes under the Somerset Registration Services -to book an appointment with them ring 01823 282251

You make an appointment to see the Registrar. Due to space restrictions, it is likely only one person can attend the Registrar’s office unless it is essential to be accompanied. To ensure you take all the relevant information and paperwork with you, click here to see what you need.  During your meeting with the Registrar (typically you are allocated up to 45 minutes), they will check the documentation you bring, ask if you are intending a crematorium or burial, which funeral director you are appointing, then if everything is in order they will enter the death onto the register and issue you with a death certificate (you will need to take some money with you to purchase copies of the death certificate(s) - £12 each) They will also give you information about the 'Tell Me Once' system, which is a useful process that notifies various organisations in one go without having to contact them separately -there is no charge for that process. The Registrar will give you a unique reference number to use that system which is available for up to 28 days from registering the death.

Next the Registrar will send the 'green form' to your chosen crematorium or cemetery and you can ask for a copy of that form to be sent to your funeral director.

The next stage is to liaise with your funeral director to plan the funeral, and organise collection of the person who has died to be taken into their care, if this is what you want (there isnt any law to say you have to do this as some families choose to keep their loved one at home right up until the funeral).  

‍Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, our woman's understanding and care are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director personally on 01643 800335 or 07879220046 or email office@amandalouisefuneralservices.co.uk

The Registrar will give you the following:

A Green Certificate (Certificate for Burial or Cremation) – this form enables the funeral to go ahead. It may be emailed to you. We will need the green certificate for the funeral to go ahead.

A White Certificate (BD8) – this is the certified copy of the enter in the Death Register. You need this to claim any national insurance benefits. The Registrar will sell you (typically cost approx. £12 each) copies of the Certified Entry of Death (Death Certificate) – you are able to arrange for additional copies at a later date, but the fees on that separate occasion may be higher.  You may need additional copies for

• The Will or Solicitor
• Bank Accounts
• Any Pension Claims
• Insurance Policies
• Savings
• Bank Certificates
• Premium Bonds
  

A “Tell Us Once” reference number. This is for the online service to inform most government departments of the death in one go.

If the Coroner wasnt involved, then the GP and the Medical Examiner will look into cause of death, and the Medical Examiner will liaise with the next of kin and ask if they are in agreement with the cause. Once everyone is satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will confirm to the person (typically next of kin or relative) that they can now register the death -this takes usually 3-5 days.

By law you must register the death in England or Wales before the funeral can take place  (unless the death has been referred to the Coroner), and at the Registry Office in the area where the deceased died - for Tiverton and the surrounding areas this comes under the Devon Registration Services -to book an appointment with them ring 0345 155 1002

You make an appointment to see the Registrar. Due to space restrictions, it is likely only one person can attend the Registrar’s office unless it is essential to be accompanied. To ensure you take all the relevant information and paperwork with you, click here to see what you need.  During your meeting with the Registrar (typically you are allocated up to 45 minutes), they will check the documentation you bring, ask if you are intending a crematorium or burial, which funeral director you are appointing, then if everything is in order they will enter the death onto the register and issue you with a death certificate (you will need to take some money with you to purchase copies of the death certificate(s) - £12 each) They will also give you information about the 'Tell Me Once' system, which is a useful process that notifies various organisations in one go without having to contact them separately -there is no charge for that process. The Registrar will give you a unique reference number to use that system which is available for up to 28 days from registering the death.

Next the Registrar will send the 'green form' to your chosen crematorium or cemetery and you can ask for a copy of that form to be sent to your funeral director.

The next stage is to liaise with your funeral director to plan the funeral, and organise collection of the person who has died to be taken into their care, if this is what you want (there isnt any law to say you have to do this as some families choose to keep their loved one at home right up until the funeral).  

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, our woman's understanding and care are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director personally on 07879220046 or email office@amandalouisefuneralservices.co.uk

If the Coroner wasnt involved, then the GP and the Medical Examiner will look into cause of death, and the Medical Examiner will liaise with the next of kin and ask if they are in agreement with the cause. Once everyone is satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will confirm to the person (typically next of kin or relative) that they can now register the death.

By law you must register the death in England or Wales before the funeral can take place  (unless the death has been referred to the Coroner), and at the Registry Office in the area where the deceased died - for Minehead, Watchet, Exmoor and the surrounding areas across West Somerset this comes under the Somerset Registration Services -to book an appointment with them ring 01823 282251

You make an appointment to see the Registrar. Due to space restrictions, it is likely only one person can attend the Registrar’s office unless it is essential to be accompanied. To ensure you take all the relevant information and paperwork with you, click here to see what you need.  During your meeting with the Registrar (typically you are allocated up to 45 minutes), they will check the documentation you bring, ask if you are intending a crematorium or burial, which funeral director you are appointing, then if everything is in order they will enter the death onto the register and issue you with a death certificate (you will need to take some money with you to purchase copies of the death certificate(s) - £12 each) They will also give you information about the 'Tell Me Once' system, which is a useful process that notifies various organisations in one go without having to contact them separately -there is no charge for that process. The Registrar will give you a unique reference number to use that system which is available for up to 28 days from registering the death.

Next the Registrar will send the 'green form' to your chosen crematorium or cemetery and you can ask for a copy of that form to be sent to your funeral director.

The next stage is to liaise with your funeral director to plan the funeral, and organise collection of the person who has died to be taken into their care, if this is what you want (there isnt any law to say you have to do this as some families choose to keep their loved one at home right up until the funeral).  

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, our woman's understanding and care are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director personally on 07879220046 or email office@amandalouisefuneralservices.co.uk

If the Coroner wasnt involved, then the GP and the Medical Examiner will look into cause of death, and the Medical Examiner will liaise with the next of kin and ask if they are in agreement with the cause. Once everyone is satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will confirm to the person (typically next of kin or relative) that they can now register the death.

By law you must register the death in England or Wales before the funeral can take place  (unless the death has been referred to the Coroner), and at the Registry Office in the area where the deceased died - for Bridgwater, Highbridge and the surrounding areas this comes under the Somerset Registration Services -to book an appointment with them ring 01823 282251

You make an appointment to see the Registrar. Due to space restrictions, it is likely only one person can attend the Registrar’s office unless it is essential to be accompanied. To ensure you take all the relevant information and paperwork with you, click here to see what you need.  During your meeting with the Registrar (typically you are allocated up to 45 minutes), they will check the documentation you bring, ask if you are intending a crematorium or burial, which funeral director you are appointing, then if everything is in order they will enter the death onto the register and issue you with a death certificate (you will need to take some money with you to purchase copies of the death certificate(s) - £12 each) They will also give you information about the 'Tell Me Once' system, which is a useful process that notifies various organisations in one go without having to contact them separately -there is no charge for that process. The Registrar will give you a unique reference number to use that system which is available for up to 28 days from registering the death.

Next the Registrar will send the 'green form' to your chosen crematorium or cemetery and you can ask for a copy of that form to be sent to your funeral director.

The next stage is to liaise with your funeral director to plan the funeral, and organise collection of the person who has died to be taken into their care, if this is what you want (there isnt any law to say you have to do this as some families choose to keep their loved one at home right up until the funeral).  

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, our woman's understanding and care are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director personally on 07879220046 or email office@amandalouisefuneralservices.co.uk

If a Will has been made, check where the Will is.  For example, at the family home, solicitor or bank. The Will shows who are the Executors and they may have to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. They will complete all the admin, pay any debts before assets can be distributed to any beneficiaries. A solicitor can advise you.

If there isn’t a Will, then the next of kin or close relative must apply to the Probate Registry for Letters of Administration to appoint them as Administrators of the Estate.  A solicitor can advise you.

In brief, anyone can. There is no legal requirement to have a religious minister. 

• Religious Minister – these can vary depending on different religions and beliefs and may follow a fixed format.
• Celebrant or Humanist – a Celebrant can provide a person centred funeral including religious, spiritual or non-religious service (rather than based on their beliefs) and also ideal for those families with blended-faiths, whereas a Humanist will only provide a non-religious service. Both will meet with you to understand your needs and learn about the person who has died. Every Celebrant or Humanist are different, so we recommend those based on who we believe will be a good match for you. Its always worth having a chat with them beforehand to see if they are your right choice by appointing. They will be self-employed and have their own overheads and insurance, and training varies as well as their experience. Some belong to an overarching organisation. Read our blog about funeral celebrants
• Family or Friend - if you know someone who is capable of leading a service, and keeping to the timeframes, then this is another option as they do not have to follow any structure. Or you could simply listen to a piece of music and say your goodbyes.

If you want us too, yes we can take care of every part of the process for you. We will discuss with you what you would like in terms of service, flowers, coffins, transport, obituaries, donations for example. You can trust our caring and professionalism to ensure it is delivered as you wish.

If you are claiming benefits you can make an application to the Dept of Work and Pensions for help with covering the cost of a simple cremation, although it is not guaranteed, and there may be additional costs. We can help you through the process.

We offer to make a list of all attendees and give to the family, which we’re told is helpful for the family to go through and send a card of thanks for attending

No, but it’s a good idea to discuss with the funeral director if there are going to be a large number for logistics.

Yes of course. You don’t need to have a professional ceremony leader, and even if you do have one, sometimes a family or friend stands up to read their written eulogy. We have had military personnel get up too to share words in honour.

A Celebrant can incorporate any religions or none at all into a funeral ceremony, whereas a Humanist will only perform non-religious ceremonies.

We work with many talented ceremony leaders, including ministers, so please do talk to us if you do not have someone in mind.

Yes, she can. She’s a qualified celebrant and has been a public speaker for over 30 years. She can deliver a ceremony that’s heartfelt retelling your stories, incorporating any religion or none, upholding tradition or will devise new ones too so that is personal and meaningful for you.  As Amanda-Louise has limited availability to do this important task, please speak to her in person and offers this as complimentary as part of her role as Funeral Director.

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You need to consider this before deciding. The death must be formally registered first. Talk to us about your chosen venue, or if you need help in choosing one (there are so many options available to you) and for all bespoke funerals, we work together in booking a date that’s right for family and friends to travel.

Usually a funeral takes place depending on factors for example:

• The religion, and wishes, of the person who has died
• Whether the death has to be reported to the coroner
• The availability of venues and crematoria

As a typical guide many funerals can take within 2 weeks after the person has died, or has been brought into our care.

We can talk to you about venues and how many people they can comfortably hold. We recommend that one member of the family and friends takes the role of inviting people to the funeral, and making a note of who is going to attend to give you an idea on numbers. You could telephone, text, email or write to them; or some pop the message onto social media platforms, otherwise there is the traditional way of placing a death notice in the newspaper, or we at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services have an online notice of funerals offered to our bespoke funerals. However, you do it, don’t forget to tell them the place, date, and time.

As to who to invite, this is a personal choice. Some families give an open invitation, while others only want close family. There is no right or wrong way.

Nowadays not everyone invites everyone back to their home or to an organised funeral reception. But if you want to, let them know when you invite them, or the ceremony leader can remind the attendees during the service, and it can also be placed in an Order of Service that you wish to have printed. We can help you with this.

Yes, its common for a funeral to take place within 2 weeks but its okay to delay it. Sometimes this happens around 2-4 weeks for family arrangements and we are happy to do this. As we are transparent with our fees, you only pay for what you need.

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming for family and friends, and can put more stress on families who may already have conflict. We are here to help you limit stress and to have a funeral day that can go as peacefully and smoothly as possible. Talk to us in confidence – we are here to support you, and very good at rapport with everyone often defusing the most volatile situations.

This is a process that we can do for you. We’ve designed a number of service sheets ranging from traditional to modern in style. They can include photos of your loved one, the structure of the funeral service including any poems or readings, and details of any funeral reception or charitable donation details. There is no right or wrong to the format, talk to us.

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No that’s not their role. We can help you find someone that is suitable for you, unless you have someone else in mind.

Many crematoria’s will allow one or two family members to be present but this will need to be arranged prior to the cremation to accommodate this. There may be an additional fee for this. If you are worried about the process, then talk to Amanda-Louise who will answer all your questions honestly.

You can either leave the flowers at the crematoria or the grave side. Most crematories will have a place for mourners to leave the flowers and visit to view them for a couple of days before they dispose of them. Or you can choose to have all or some of the flowers taken home to recycle and put into vase, or take them to the funeral reception.

For cemetery sites, once the earth has been placed on top of the coffin, the flowers are placed on top.

A direct cremation is a cremation with no service or mourners in attendance. Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services our ethical approach means we prefer to use local crematoria’s, we still drive to the chapel in a funeral suitable vehicle and take the coffin into the chapel with full honours. As a direct funeral is seen as a no frills no fuss approach, then the deceased is placed into their coffin in clothing they have arrived in and there’s no facility for viewing. The family do not choose the date/time and location of the cremation. Availability at crematoriums is limited for this type of funeral, so the time afforded to us is only 15 minutes maximum. Its usual practice not to inform the family of the details, as we need to obey rules of direct funeral of no attendees.  If this is not the option that’s right for you, then we offer a full and flexible funeral service.

Typically, cremations are less expensive than a burial, but there isn’t much in it these days.

For burials, the cost will depend on whether it’s a new plot needed to be purchased, or an existing one that needs to have a stone removed in preparation, plus there is the burial cost on top.  Having said that, cremation prices do vary with each crematoria provider, whether you want a funeral ceremony and for how long. Please do talk to us about your individual requirements as we always supply a quotation.

Here is a list of the Crematoriums in Somerset along with their contact information and details of opening times. If you are in any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.

Taunton Deane Crematorium

Address: Wellington New Rd, Taunton TA1 5NE

Office Hours: Monday 8 am–5 pm, Tuesday 8 am–5 pm, Wednesday 8 am–5 pm, Thursday 8 am–5 pm, Friday 8 am–4:30 pm

Telephone: 01823 356381

Chapel space: Taunton Deane Crematorium has a chapel with seating for 120 and room for 300 with standing

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Sedgemoor Crematorium

Address: Red Ln, Stretcholt, Bridgwater TA6 4SR

Office Hours: Monday9 am–5 pm, Tuesday9 am–5 pm, Wednesday 9 am–5 pm, Thursday 9 am–5 pm, Friday 9 am–5 pm

Telephone: 01278 680020

Chapel space: Sedgemoor Crematorium has a chapel with seating for 91 people with standing space for a further 50

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Yeovil Crematorium

Address: Bunford La, Yeovil BA20 2EJ

Office Hours: Monday 9 am–5 pm, Tuesday 9 am–5 pm, Wednesday 9 am–5 pm, Thursday 9 am–5 pm, Friday 9 am–5 pm

Telephone: 01935 476718

Chapel space: Yeovil Crematorium has a chapel with seating for 94

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Mendip Crematorium

Address: Old Wells Rd, Croscombe, Wells BA5 3RR

Office Hours: Monday 9 am–5 pm, Tuesday 9 am–5 pm, Wednesday 9 am–5 pm, Thursday 9 am–5 pm, Friday 9 am–5 pm

Telephone: 01749 340930

Chapel space: Mendip Crematorium has a chapel with seating for 94 plus extra space for larger funerals

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If you need funeral services, why not reach out to Lady Funeral Director Amanda-Louise who will be happy to support you. Speak to Amanda-Louise on 07879-220046 for more information

Here is a list of the Crematoriums in Devon along with their contact information and details of opening times. If you are in any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.

East Devon Crematorium

Address: London Rd, Strete Ralegh, Whimple, Exeter EX5 2PT

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 01404 823017

Chapel space: can accommodate up to 105

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Devon & Exeter Crematorium

Address: Topsham Rd, Exeter EX2 6EU

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 01392 496333  / 01392 255631

Chapel space: can seat large numbers‍

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North Devon Crematorium

Address: Old Torrington Road, Roundswell, Barnstaple, EXZ31 3NW

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm

Telephone: 01803 327768

Chapel space: 2 chapels one seating up to 66 the other up to 250

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Torbay Crematorium

Address: Hele Road, Torquay, TQ2 7QG

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 01392 496333

Chapel space: 82 seating plus standing room‍

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If you need funeral services, why not reach out to Lady Funeral Director Amanda-Louise who will be happy to support you. Speak to Amanda-Louise on 07879-220046 for more information

The choices are limitless. Many halls, sports clubs, hotels, galleries, zoos, castles, outdoor areas can be suitable to host a funeral ceremony. You can have the coffin present if you wish. Best advice is to book somewhere that is enthusiastic to your needs.

Our beautiful funeral home in Minehead is available for exclusive use to hold a service; with or without catering facilities.

We aim to help families do this. Many crematoriums and churches are happy for families to be bearers if they have been trained by their funeral director and come under the funeral director's insurance (due to liability), so if its important to you, our professional bearers will be in attendance to support you to do this. The final decision on the day of bearing always falls to the funeral director, who will make risk assessment of the conditions to ensure everyone is safe.

We believe it's important not to rush into making decisions, that way the funeral service can be individual and reflect the person. We will discuss options with you including who you would want to conduct a funeral service, whether anyone wants to provide a eulogy or tribute along with music and visual tributes.

We have supported families in a variety of ways from memory boards, funeral stationery, flowers from own garden, custom made coffins, musicians, funeral photographer for example.

We have a wealth of experience of supporting families to have gentle to flamboyant funerals

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Yes many people opt to have a direct funeral, and then organise to have a remembrance event on a different day and venue.

Here at our funeral home in Minehead, we offer to hold ceremonies and/or funeral reception wakes (with catering facilities if needed), or we can recommend alternative venues if that's helpful

Yes of course, and the choice is up to you reflecting your loved one. We have supported families from religious, classical, rock and roll or pop.  We have created some popular choices on our Youtube Channel to give you some inspiration

https://www.youtube.com/@amanda-louisefuneralservic3476

This now does not apply as law changed in Sept 2024

This will vary. Prosthetics will depend, for example pacemakers and internal defibrillators will need to be removed before cremation, as they will explode.  Many implants such as silicone breast implants will likely remain with the deceased and will form part of the cremated ashes. Whereas metal implants do not burn, and these are separated after the body has been burned.

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Directors, we carry out the procedure to remove pacemakers

IF THE PERSON HAS DIED AT HOME

We usually receive a telephone call direct from the next of kin, where our highly experienced team is available during office hours every day to attend wherever and whenever a death occurs, although we can do this 24 hours a day.

Upon receipt of a call our private ambulance is dispatched and we will let you know when we will arrive. When we arrive, we will sensitively introduce ourselves and able to help with any initial questions you may have at this distressing time and will then convey the deceased with dignity to our funeral facilities (mortuary) - we will ask you to sign our short form giving us authorisation and leave you with our details. We will put our disposable gloves, ensure the person is appropriately covered and move them onto our trolley, which we use to convey into our vehicle. Depending on the person's size, height and location will depend on how many of us will be involved. (We will have asked for details in advance so we are prepared as we can be)

Before the removal can take place we must ascertain that the person's doctor - or the doctor on call - has given permission for the body to be moved. They will have completed a form verifying the death - nb the date and time that the verification takes place/recorded is the date and time you will need to use when you apply for the Death Certificate (this may be different from date/time that the person actually died)

If the death has been reported to the Coroner, the deceased must be taken to the public mortuary at the hospital. This must be carried out by the funeral directors who are contracted for this purpose by the Coroner - we are not allowed to attend. However, you are still completely free to choose our Company for the funeral arrangements themselves. We would then collect the person from that funeral director.

IF THE PERSON HAS DIED IN HOSPITAL OR A NURSING HOME

Similar to above, we receive a telephone call from the next of kin notifying of the death instructing us to be the  chosen funeral directors (unless the nursing home's records already show we are the funeral directors and they can call us).They will have already organised for the death to be verified by a doctor before we come out

We offer to make a list of all attendees and give to the family, which we’re told is helpful for the family to go through and send a card of thanks for attending

Yes they can. Its recommend that 6 bearers carry a coffin, but some used 4. We can help families if they want to do this, or you could have a mixture of family bearers alongside our professional bearers.

Funeral dress code for mourners

Black or navy tends to be the traditional option. Years ago, it wasn’t appropriate to wear flip flops or open toed sandals and men wore black ties and a suit. Nowadays, there aren’t any rules about what to wear or what not to wear. Each family may want to consider what's right for them, whether formal, smart casual or casual. Equally colour choices do not have to be black; it can be bright and colourful from whole outfit to a tie or scarf, or to wear a colourful flower buttonhole.

Read our blog what to wear to a funeral in 2023

Funeral dress code for funeral directors

We can be addressed in formal funeral director attire, or if you prefer, we can wear less formal clothing such as dress in a variety of colours.

There is no right or wrong way these days, however there are still some etiquettes to be considered about respectfulness. When driving, it is always considerate not to overtake a hearse conveying a coffin as a mark of respect.

Look to the family arranging the family for their guide on their expectations.

Some people like to bring flowers as a mark of respect, others give money to a chosen charity; others opt to attend to pay their respects and of course it's perfectly okay not to attend if you cannot face it.

People who do attend often bring with them

• Tissues
• Sympathy card for the family
• Umbrella or sunglasses depending on weather

Things to ask if you have been invited to attend a funeral

• Do they want flowers, or donation to charity
• What is the dress code
• Time and venue location
• Is there a wake or celebration afterwards, and are you invited
• Do you need to bring anything to the wake or celebration of life ie plate of food
• Should you take the children with you?

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN MMO SEA BURIAL LICENCE

We will require you to forward to us the following scanned copy certificates: (originals to be held by you and made available on the day of the burial at sea for MMO inspection)  

• The Death Certificate  
• Freedom from Fever and Infection Certificate  
• Coroners Out of England Certificate (Form 103)

Scattering Ashes at Sea on a River or a Lake.

Scattering ashes at sea, on a river or lake is great way to give a loved one a really nice send-off and research suggests that those who scatter in this way find the presence of water, after that, very comforting.

Scattering Ashes in the SEA - the Law

If you choose the sea then you should aware that for the UK you do not need a licence to spread ashes in tidal coastal water. In coastal waters you will need to comply with Environment Agency Guidance.

Scattering Ashes on a RIVER or LAKE

If you choose a river you should be aware that the English Environment Agency say ‘It is acceptable’ with some provisos (download this leaflet – Scattering Ashes on rivers). Basically you need to look out for others and don’t put anything in the river that will not degrade eg plastics.

Where to scatter

You can choose to scatter the ashes from a boat or the shoreline / riverbank. The choice is yours and each has it advantages:

From a boat: if you have access to a boat you can do it yourself .  If not, we can help, we work with a number of boat companies that operate across the UK and Ireland. Here is a map of them - Boats on a Map

Advantages of a boat:  the main advantage is that it is totally private; you can reach more inaccessible places; it is easier to put the ashes into the water; and it is likely to feel more of an occasion.

From the waters edge: on a beach, a bridge or the riverbank– all make good venues, but be mindful of others and tide times, it is best to scatter the ashes below the tide line: tide times

Advantages of a shore line: no additional cost, no restrictions on numbers; you choose your own timings and duration, no chance of seasickness!

Yes of course.

Once a doctor has certified the death call our funeral service, and we wil take your loved one into our care. You will need to complete the necessary legal paperwork so the funeral can go ahead, and we help you with this. Your loved one is then taken into our facilities where they are treated with dignity. Depending upon wishes, we can change their clothes and prepare them into a coffin that you have chosen.

Yes of course but we do have to charge an additional rate for this service.

It's typically about the shape. A coffin is wider at the shoulders and is thinner at the feet end, and can be made in a variety of materials from wood, wood products ie veneer, cardboard, wool, wicker, bamboo, for example.

A casket is rectangular shape, is often heavier and more expensive than a coffin and commonly made from metal or wood. They tend to be more lavish including the liners and handles too.

You can get a casket to hold cremated remains, which is not the same as a casket that holds a body.  

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Yes of course, we welcome those who wish to be involved as much as possible. Many family members find this comforting.

A Celebrant can incorporate any religions or none at all into a funeral ceremony, whereas a Humanist will only perform non-religious ceremonies.

We work with many talented ceremony leaders, including ministers, so please do talk to us if you do not have someone in mind.

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming for family and friends, and can put more stress on families who may already have conflict. We are here to help you limit stress and to have a funeral day that can go as peacefully and smoothly as possible. Talk to us in confidence – we are here to support you, and very good at rapport with everyone often defusing the most volatile situations.

Repatriation means transporting the person who has died to another country so that their funeral can take place there. At Amanda-Louise Funeral Services we will help you with everything involved in the funeral arrangement and processes. 

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This is a process that we can do for you. We’ve designed a number of service sheets ranging from traditional to modern in style. They can include photos of your loved one, the structure of the funeral service including any poems or readings, and details of any funeral reception or charitable donation details. There is no right or wrong to the format, talk to us.

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No. During a cremation the coffin is always burned. At a burial, the coffin is lowered into the ground. Out of respect for the deceased and family a coffin would never be reused under any circumstances.

No that’s not their role. We can help you find someone that is suitable for you, unless you have someone else in mind.

That’s up to you. You can be cremated with or without clothing. The majority of direct cremations, the deceased is cremated in whatever clothing they are wearing when they died, however for more traditional support the funeral director can help the family redress the person who has died into something chosen by the family.

Yes, the deceased is always cremated in the coffin or a shroud (if desired). All UK crematories have to follow a very strict code of practice. Once the funeral director has sealed the coffin, no one opens it again.  Sometimes you may see a coffin flag or drape over a coffin, and as these can be recycled they are often removed prior to the cremation at the request of the family.

At every stage there is an audit process to ensure compliance. The person who has died will be identified from when they have died right through to after the cremation. Their details are written down and is checked at every stage. The coffin has to have either a name plate or card to identify the person, and once the funeral director closes and seals the lid on the coffin, it is not opened again.  During the cremation, only one coffin is in the cremator at a time; again, everyone is checking that the body and coffin match with the records.

Yes they are. The chamber only allows for one body at a time, which allows to check the right person is being cremated at the right time, plus the law states this.

Many crematoria’s will allow one or two family members to be present but this will need to be arranged prior to the cremation to accommodate this. There may be an additional fee for this. If you are worried about the process, then talk to Amanda-Louise who will answer all your questions honestly.

This term is also known as remembrance or memorial jewellery and is jewellery that has incorporated a small amount of the cremated ashes. Popular items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces but there are a variety of other items such as coloured glass ornaments too.

You can either leave the flowers at the crematoria or the grave side. Most crematories will have a place for mourners to leave the flowers and visit to view them for a couple of days before they dispose of them. Or you can choose to have all or some of the flowers taken home to recycle and put into vase, or take them to the funeral reception.

For cemetery sites, once the earth has been placed on top of the coffin, the flowers are placed on top.

A direct cremation is a cremation with no service or mourners in attendance. Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services our ethical approach means we prefer to use local crematoria’s, we still drive to the chapel in a funeral suitable vehicle and take the coffin into the chapel with full honours. As a direct funeral is seen as a no frills no fuss approach, then the deceased is placed into their coffin in clothing they have arrived in and there’s no facility for viewing. The family do not choose the date/time and location of the cremation. Availability at crematoriums is limited for this type of funeral, so the time afforded to us is only 15 minutes maximum. Its usual practice not to inform the family of the details, as we need to obey rules of direct funeral of no attendees.  If this is not the option that’s right for you, then we offer a full and flexible funeral service.

Typically, cremations are less expensive than a burial, but there isn’t much in it these days.

For burials, the cost will depend on whether it’s a new plot needed to be purchased, or an existing one that needs to have a stone removed in preparation, plus there is the burial cost on top.  Having said that, cremation prices do vary with each crematoria provider, whether you want a funeral ceremony and for how long. Please do talk to us about your individual requirements as we always supply a quotation.

Yes, if you want to. Families have placed small personal objects into the coffin with the deceased before cremation; these items will be cremated too. We’ve supported families to place photos, teddy bears and pictures drawn by children as a gesture of goodbye and comfort.  There are some items that are not suitable such as glass, large metal items with a cremation. Do remember to remove any items of jewellery if you do not wish these to be cremated too.

For burials then there is typically less restrictions as to what can be placed inside the coffin. However with a natural burial then only biodegradable items can be included

Yes of course. If you want to get the rewards from the corporate funeral plan, then you would simply need to ‘cash it in’ and get the monies, then this can pay for us as your independent funeral director.

Yes, the UK law states that a body must be covered up when in public. As coffins are not a legal requirement for cremations, a shroud can be used to cover the deceased who is placed on a 'charging board'. 

However, many crematoriums insist of having coffins. There are of course a variety of materials for coffins these days, from wood, to wood products, to wicker and cardboard too.

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This now does not apply as law changed in Sept 2024

This will vary. Prosthetics will depend, for example pacemakers and internal defibrillators will need to be removed before cremation, as they will explode.  Many implants such as silicone breast implants will likely remain with the deceased and will form part of the cremated ashes. Whereas metal implants do not burn, and these are separated after the body has been burned.

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Directors, we carry out the procedure to remove pacemakers

That a personal choice. Many people choose to purchase an urn to store the ashes in, or commission some of the ashes into jewellery or art or even a cuddly bear for example. Some people decide to buy a scattering tube, and when the time is right for them, they scatter the ashes in a favourite place.

Alternatively there are a range of urns in a variety of materials - dont forget the cardboard varieties mustnt get wet!

Generally, the grave will need to settle in order for it to support the weight of a headstone. This could take between six to twelve months.

Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, we can provide everything that you may or need at every stage of the journey - including headstones

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No, it only used to apply for a cremation but that was changed in Sept 2024 so burial and cremation funerals there is no charge for doctors fees

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