Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on where and how the person has died. If the death was expected at home, contact the appropriate medical professional so the necessary confirmation can be arranged. In a hospital or care home, staff will explain the next steps.

You can telephone us at any time for advice about what to do next. There's no need to have everything worked out before you call.

You can also read our step-by-step guidance .

No. Choosing a funeral director is entirely your decision. You can compare services and prices and choose the people you feel most comfortable with.

Even if someone has already been taken into another funeral director's care, it's usually possible to arrange a transfer, although charges for work already undertaken may apply.

There is no single timescale. It depends on the circumstances of the death, the necessary paperwork, availability at the crematorium or cemetery and the family's wishes.

We'll talk you through what is possible and help agree a date that works for the family and everyone involved in the arrangements.

Yes. We're happy to meet you at either our Offerton or Romiley funeral home, visit you at home or arrange things by telephone if that is easier.

There's no need to travel to us if you'd be more comfortable making arrangements at home.

Absolutely. A funeral doesn't have to follow a fixed format. You can choose music, readings, photographs, flowers, vehicles and the type of service you would like, within any practical or venue requirements.

Some families prefer something traditional, while others want a relaxed and very personal occasion. We'll help you put together a funeral that reflects the person who has died.

Not at all. Funerals can be religious, non-religious or include elements of both. We work with ministers, celebrants and other officiants and can help you find somebody whose approach suits the family.

Yes, in many circumstances. Some families find it meaningful to carry the coffin themselves, while others prefer our team to do so.

We'll discuss what is practical and safe, taking account of the coffin, the venue and the people involved. You can also have a mixture of family members and professional bearers where appropriate.

Your loved one will initially rest at our Offerton Funeral Home, where our dedicated mortuary and preparation facilities are located.

We have chapels of rest at both Offerton and Romiley, so you can choose where you would prefer to visit.

Yes. We have comfortable chapels of rest at both funeral homes, and visits can be arranged by appointment.

Both chapels have facilities for playing music, so you can listen to something meaningful during your visit if you wish. You're equally welcome to spend your time together in quiet.

Yes. Many families choose favourite clothing, something smart or an outfit that feels particularly appropriate for the person.

We'll discuss any practical requirements and help you decide what you'd like them to wear.

Of course. We wash and condition hair, style it, apply make-up, paint nails and take care of other personal details according to the family's wishes.

You're welcome to be involved in this if you'd like. Some families find it comforting to help with these final personal touches.

No. Embalming isn't something we routinely recommend, and in most circumstances we don't consider it necessary.

It is an invasive process and may offer little practical benefit in many cases. If there is a particular reason to consider it, we'll explain the circumstances and discuss the options with you.

You can read more on our Caring for Your Loved One page.

Not at all. Some families find visiting comforting; others prefer not to. It's a personal decision, and we'll support you either way.

If you're unsure, you're welcome to talk it through with us before deciding.

That depends on the arrangements you choose. A direct cremation generally costs less than a funeral with an attended service, vehicles and additional personal choices.

You can see our prices in the Full Price List , or simply ask us for an estimate tailored to what you're considering.

These are charges made by organisations or people outside Memories, such as a crematorium, cemetery, minister or celebrant.

We'll explain these costs separately so you can see what we're charging and what is being paid to somebody else.

Please tell us. You won't be judged for having a limited budget, and we'd much rather have an open conversation from the beginning.

We can discuss simpler arrangements, explain which costs are necessary and which are optional, and help you find an approach that works for your circumstances.

Our Help with Funeral Costs page explains this in more detail.

Yes. We can explain the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme and help you understand the application process.

If you are expecting a DWP payment, we can discuss whether to wait for that amount to be received, provided the arrangement is agreed with us in advance. We'll also explain any expected shortfall and how it will be paid.

The DWP decides eligibility and how much is awarded, so payment isn't guaranteed.

We'll explain the payment terms clearly when providing your estimate and arranging the funeral. The amount and timing of any payments depend on the arrangements and what has been agreed.

If you're relying on a DWP payment or have concerns about the balance, please speak to us as early as possible so we can discuss the available options.

Usually, changes can be made, particularly during the early stages. Some changes may affect availability or cost, and certain services or goods may already have been ordered.

We'll explain any implications before making changes. Our Terms & Conditions also explain the relevant arrangements and cancellation provisions.

The timescale depends on the crematorium and the arrangements made. Once the ashes have been released and are ready for collection or return, we'll explain the next steps and arrange this with you.

No. You don't need to rush into a decision. Some families know immediately what they'd like to do, while others need time to think.

We can explain the options for keeping, scattering or interring ashes, including suitable urns and memorial arrangements.

If you would like us to keep the ashes while you decide, we'll explain our arrangements and any charges for longer-term storage.

Yes. We can discuss memorial choices and help you understand what may be permitted at a particular cemetery or churchyard.

Our Memorial Masonry page has more information.

Grief affects everybody differently, and support is available if you feel you would benefit from it.

Organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support provide information and support for people following a bereavement.

You can also speak to your GP if your grief is affecting your health or daily life.

Of course. Whether you have a question about ashes, paperwork, memorials or something you forgot to ask at the time, you're always welcome to get in touch.