FAQs
Are children allowed to come to the chapel of rest and attend the funeral?
Children are allowed to visit the chapel of rest as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Children may also attend the funeral. If you wish a child to travel in a limousine then they must be in the appropriate child seat. Unfortunately we can no longer allow children to sit on other passengers' laps and a child will count as one of the passengers. Please see the separate more detailed document regarding children in limousines.
Can you help with catering?
Yes we can. We can arrange for our caterer to provide refreshments in your home supplying all of the necessary crockery and cutlery. We can also arrange for an external venue if you would prefer not to have the catering at home.
When can I visit the chapel of rest?
Once the necessary forms are complete and the coffin prepared, you are welcome to visit the chapel of rest.
What items can we put in the coffin?
If the person is to be buried then you can leave almost anything in the coffin. If a person is being cremated there are rules regarding items placed in coffins.
As a general guide watches with batteries or glass leather or rubber are not allowed. Photographs, cards and letters are obviously welcomed.
If you are in any doubt about the items you wish to place in the coffin please ask us.
Where can we get help with our choice of music?
The choice of music at a funeral is very personal and we will help you to choose that and find the resources.
What happens if I have asked for donations to be sent?
Donations can be sent care of
E White and Son or they can be sent to another person or direct to the charity if you wish. We will then send the money received to the specified charity. We will also send details of the donations received to the person who has arranged the funeral.
Call us
We are available 24 hours a day
01823 272 183
E White & Son
138-139 East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3HN
What do I do about jewellery?
You will have been asked about jewellery when you made the funeral arrangements. If we are to remove jewellery from the person who has died, it will be kept in our safe awaiting your collection. If the jewellery has not been collected by the time the funeral takes place we will return it to you at your convenience in the days following.
What happens on the day of the funeral and how long does a funeral take?
This depends on the type of funeral service you have selected. On the day of the funeral your dedicated person will be in constant contact with you and will guide you through the funeral and be on hand to give assistance should it be needed.
As a guide, most funeral services which are held at the crematorium last about 20 minutes. This will vary if there has been a service elsewhere first.
When can I collect the cremated remains?
We will be able to advise when after the funeral the cremated remains will be available for collection. When you are planning to collect the cremated remains it is helpful if you telephone the office beforehand so that we can ensure everything is ready when you arrive. Please remember that we can only hand the cremated remains to the person who arranged the funeral. If the person who collects the cremated remains is not the person who arranged the funeral then we will need either a letter to confirm that we can hand the remains to that person or to be able to telephone the person who made the arrangements.