Funeral

[nickyschof]

Does anyone know what is happening about funerals during this time? My MIL's funeral is on Friday. A large turnout is not expected, but even so, I'm wondering if the service may have to be cancelled.

If her funeral is already arranged maybe ask the funeral directors rather than mumsnet?

I'm not sure. I'm getting married in 4 weeks and rang the venue and they told me they are open for business as usual unless government advise changes. I would ring up but I would say it's probably ok unless we go on lockdown.

I too have a funeral I had been planking to attend next week. I know the ‘wake/memorial’ which was to have been held afterwards has been cancelled - by both family decision and then venue anyway. As for funeral if it goes ahead the church has sent family number limit as seating arrangements need to separate people and have also asked them to be prepared for the whole thing to be dealt with ‘differently’.
Good luck op.

I'm going to a funeral this morning. I'm really not sure what to do. It's in a church and then the crematorium.

I wonder if we'll be told to stay on our cars and the service will be conveyed on speakers to us. I'm not going to any get together afterwards

I will certainly observed social distancing criteria

I'll let you know what happens.

Thank you everyone for your replies. As of yesterday, everything seems to be as normal, as we met the vicar at the funeral parlour. He admitted things were up in the air as to what's happening. I've read of some funerals are being held by webcam.

Thinking of anyone who is in this situation

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I do know the Church of England has suspended all church services except weddings and funerals, so it may still go ahead? I wouldn't hold a wake afterwards though, and like others say, be prepared to limit numbers to space people out around the building.

Here in Ireland, where everyone from all over with even the most tenuous connection to the deceased tends to attend funeral, all has changed since 10 March. Immediate family only, well spaced out in church/funeral parlour. Funeral directors will only take instructions over the phone and will not organise transport for the family. Books of condolence have largely moved online and sympathy handshakes and hugs have been banned. Most families are arranging for private ceremony and private burial with perhaps a Mass for a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.

I would say it is most unlikely that ceremony could be broadcast to on SPEAKERS to those outside, you would be starting a trend that would be unfair on those living near the church, can you imagine that this could be happening multiple times a day in the weeks to come.

However, what is becoming more common, even before COVID 19 is the practice of live streaming funeral ceremonies so that those living abroad could feel they are part of the ceremony without having to travel.