What happens at a Church of England funeral?

Going to a funeral is not easy, especially for the first time. Whether you are worried about practical things or want to know what it’s for, this page will help to answer your questions.
A vicar taking a funeral in a full church

A Church of England funeral might be in a church, a cemetery, a crematorium or a green burial ground. Wherever it takes place, there are some things that will always happen. There will always be a time to give thanks for the person you are remembering, there will a space to think and reflect, and the person will be trusted into God’s care.

There may also be hymns, music and other readings.

Sometimes the family ask for people to wear certain colours or bring certain things, but if there hasn’t been any advice, it’s still usual to wear smarter clothes in subdued colours.

Make sure you arrive in good time and follow the directions about when to go in to either the church or the crematorium chapel. The minister leading the service will tell you when to sit and to stand. It’s usual to stand as the coffin is brought in, to stand for hymns, and for the ending of the service.

People often cry at a funeral, so make sure you have some tissues with you. Even the most celebratory funerals feel sad, because someone we knew and loved is not with us anymore. It might also be that going to the funeral makes you think about others who you have loved but see no longer. It might also make you think about some of life’s big questions.