The benefits of selecting an independent, local funeral director

Below, we speak to Austin Williams, director of Nailsea Funeral Services, about the first steps to take, the important considerations and how they support their customers.

Q: What are the immediate things to consider when a loved one passes away?

A: There are a number of vital steps to take care of before the organisation of the funeral can properly begin. At Nailsea Funeral Services, we believe that the best service we can offer is to not only listen carefully to your wishes, but also professionally guide you through everything you need to know.

For instance, we will attend to the matter of moving your loved one from the place where they have died, and take care of notifying the relevant authorities. Depending on the location of the deceased, we will inform hospital or care staff and help to guide you through the registration of the death.

Our ‘Tell Us Once’ service ensures that all relevant government organisations are informed in one go, so you don’t have to repeatedly make these difficult phone calls.

(Image: Nick Beer) Q: How does Nailsea Funeral Services provide support?

A: We ensure that we are available day and night to answer any questions or to begin making the necessary funeral arrangements at your preferred time. Coordinating every aspect of the funeral without guidance quickly becomes overwhelming.

That’s why we ensure that we obtain any required legal paperwork from medical practitioners or the coroner, book the funeral date with venues, liaise with ministers and celebrants, as well as preparing necessary burial or cremation paperwork on your behalf.

Transparency and personal communication are the cornerstones of our approach. We will always provide you with a complete, transparent breakdown of costs, and rest assured that when you call us that we will answer the phone personally to assist you with whatever you need.

Q: What are the major considerations for a funeral?

A: One of the first things to confirm is whether the deceased had any specified requests for their funeral. If there are no written requests available, try to recall any mention of a religious or non-religious ceremony, favourite music, and burial or cremation preferences. We recommend checking in with family members and friends for confirmation.

We can provide guidance on selecting the location for the funeral service, and the possibility of using specific venues if required. We also never dictate the time or date of the funeral, as this is always decided upon between the family and venue.

Determining your budget is a crucial part of the planning process, and we’re on-hand at all times to assist. One key aspect that is often overlooked is the type of coffin required – we offer a wide range of coffins from traditional veneered or solid wood, to environmentally conscious or bespoke printed coffins. 

(Image: Nailsea Funeral Services) Q: Can Nailsea Funeral Services fulfil personalised requests?

A: Absolutely, the purpose of a funeral is to celebrate the life of the deceased and what they loved the most. No two people are alike, and deciding how to celebrate them in a meaningful way is essential.

We find that it’s the small touches and details that create the most heartfelt moments, and elevate the funeral to a truly poignant time for loved ones. That’s why we offer an array of personalised features – creating meaningful videos, asking guests to wear specific colours or items of clothing, choosing a method of transport that befits the deceased, and compiling a special playlist for the day.

Our approach is always customer-focused and intent on providing peace of mind, and we go to great lengths to ensure that we are always able to accommodate the wishes of our customers.

For more information on booking a funeral or bespoke services, visit nailseafunerals.co.uk or call 01275 617540.