Funerals to go ahead as planned on Monday 19 September, NAFD says
The NAFD said that it has, alongside other trade bodies in the funeral sector, advised its members that these decisions should be led by the needs and wishes of the bereaved families
Many funerals will go ahead as planned on Monday 19 September, despite speculation that funerals will be cancelled due to the State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth on the same day, according to the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).
Some funerals are moving to a different date at the request of the bereaved families involved to avoid it taking place at the same time as the State Funeral.
Additionally, some crematoria are now closing and all funerals planned for the day have been moved at the request of families, and no new funerals are being booked on that date.
The NAFD said that with 19 September having been declared a bank holiday, there will be a reduction in public transport and public services and schools will be closed, all of which will have an impact on mourners’ ability to attend a funeral.
The association added that it has, alongside other trade bodies in the funeral sector, advised its members that these decisions should be led by the needs and wishes of the bereaved families.
The vast majority of family wishes are being honoured with funerals going ahead or being moved to a new date. If a chosen crematorium or cemetery has taken a decision to close, funeral directors are working with families to find another date or another venue that families are happy with.
The NAFD said: “It is important to remember that there will, sadly, be families who lose a loved one on Monday 19 September, or who have a loved one that has recently died and is already in the care of a funeral home, in addition to those with a funeral arranged for that day.
“Funeral directors are balancing the needs of all these families in their planning for the day of the State Funeral – as well as the needs of their employees who wish to observe the funeral, or who may have caring responsibilities as a result of closures elsewhere.”
It added: “The door of the funeral home may not be open for the whole day, in line with other high street organisations, but funeral directors and arrangers will definitely be working and will be contactable if families need their support.”
