Losing a loved one, no matter the circumstances, is devastating. It can be even harder when you're suddenly surrounded by administration, and tasked with clearing a house or flat. We are very blessed in Dorset to have family-run funeral services who are really supportive of families facing the fog of bereavement. We encourage all those who have just lost someone to contact a local funeral service for help with administration, and to come to us for pastoral support and help planning a funeral service. If you need a recommendation, please call the vicar.

You may be thinking about preparing things years in advance, so that your next of kin have a simple plan to follow when you take that final step into God's arms. We are more than happy to help you by facilitating a conversation about end of life or funeral plans. We can also recommend the Church of England website section on Funerals, if you need somewhere to start.

Priests/Vicars have a particular role at a funeral service: committing a person into the care of God. We will always try to make sure that we can be with you at the end, if that's what you would like. During a Funeral service, we will make sure to be there for a committal if you have chosen cremation before or after the service so that we can pray for you in that final moment of dedication. Please know that direct cremation prevents a minister or family members, from being present.

You may be thinking about preparing things years in advance, so that your next of kin have a simple plan to follow when you take that final step into God's arms. We are more than happy to help you by facilitating a conversation about end of life or funeral plans. We can also recommend the Church of England website section on Funerals, if you need somewhere to start.

All funerals, memorial services and thanksgiving services in the Church of England comprise a similar structure:

• Tributes

• Hymns

• Optional poems or favourite readings

• Bible Readings (usually a psalm and another themed passage)

• A short Address

• Prayers of Thanksgiving and prayers for those who mourn

• Prayers of Commendation, Farewell and Committal

• A Blessing

If the service is preceded by a crematorium service, then the committal happens at the crem.

Fees

A Church of England Funeral Service costs relatively little, compared to the other components of a funeral. For Public Health Funerals and Funerals for under 18s there is no charge. Active stipendiary clergy (vicars who are paid to work for the church) are not paid an officiant's fee to take a funeral, so you can be assured that each service will be treated with the same care, regardless of your personal circumstances. Please speak to the vicar or funeral director if you are struggling with funeral costs. 

You can find the latest fees here.