Our team is based across Hertfordshire and is often the first to be called when someone passes away. Relatives understandably have many questions when making funeral arrangements. However, there are other questions people often think about but hesitate to ask. Our friendly funeral arrangers are always happy to answer all your questions, even if they seem unusual.
Here are some of the common questions people often think about but don’t always ask …
How do you care for my loved one?
We ask relatives how they would like their loved one to look for their funeral. This could involve the clothes they should wear, whether they should be shaved, and/or if makeup should be applied.
- Do you apply makeup? Yes. If you would like us to, our trained care team can gently apply mortuary cosmetics to help your loved one look as natural and familiar as possible. We may ask you to provide a recent photograph, as this helps us care for them in a way that reflects how you remember them.
- Can you shave or groom the deceased? Yes. Where possible, we will follow your wishes with care and respect. This may include shaving, styling hair, or other gentle grooming, helping your loved one look as familiar and natural as possible.
- Do we dress the person? Yes. People worry that the clothes they choose for their loved one may simply be placed alongside them in the coffin. At Austin’s, we ensure each person is dressed in the clothes provided for them, where possible.
It’s important to note that our team does all of the above as requested for every person in our care, irrespective of whether a visit to our chapel of rest is arranged.
What happens to the coffin?
The coffin you order for your loved one is especially for them. With cremations, either full service or direct, people sometimes wonder whether the coffin itself is cremated.
- Are our coffins reused? Never.
The coffin, the deceased, the clothes they are wearing (unless they are made of non-combustible materials) and any keepsakes in the coffin are cremated together.
Are the ashes definitely those of my loved one?
This is one of the most common, unspoken questions we encounter.
Are the ashes definitely those of my loved one? Yes. We meticulously ensure that you receive your loved one’s cremated remains. After cremation, each set of cremated remains is placed in its own unique container which is clearly labelled.
What happens to metal items after cremation?
Following cremation, we use a magnet to pick up and remove any metal fragments within the ashes.
- What do you do with the metal fragments? Following cremation, any metal fragments are carefully removed from the ashes. Families can choose whether they would like any metal returned to them. If they do not wish for it to be returned, we will ask for their permission to recycle it, with the money raised donated to Harwood Park Crematorium’s charity of the year.
This practice raises an incredible amount of money for charity each year, typically £17,000.
Remember – our friendly, professional team is available to answer any questions you may have. We understand that arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming and that some questions may feel uncomfortable to ask. Often, the questions people hesitate to ask are the ones that matter most.
If you have queries about arranging a funeral, what happens to your loved one while they are in our care or the support available after their funeral, please talk to us. We have offices across Herts and have been helping our local communities for over 300 years.
No question is too small, unusual or personal. What would you like to know?
With special thanks to Susannah, one of our valued funeral administrators, for her guidance with this article.
