At Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we understand that meeting with a funeral director might feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had to arrange a funeral before. We want to reassure you that this first step is taken at your pace, and that we’re here to gently guide you through the process with care and compassion.
Whether you visit our Bude or Launceston premises, you’ll find a warm welcome, a quiet space, and a cup of tea or coffee if you’d like one. This meeting is not about pressure or paperwork, it’s about listening and understanding what’s right for you and your loved one.
What Happens During the First Meeting?
We begin with a conversation. You might want to share stories or talk about the person who has died. This helps us understand what kind of funeral would reflect their life and wishes.
We’ll talk through some of the following:
- Type of Funeral Service – Whether you’re thinking of a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, a natural burial, or something in between.
- Burial or Cremation – If a decision hasn’t already been made, we can talk through the options together.
- Location and Date – We’ll help you choose a suitable date and venue, and manage all the arrangements with local churches, crematoria or burial grounds.
- Personal Touches – Music, readings, flowers, transport and other details that help make the service meaningful.
- Legal and Practical Matters – Such as registering the death and any paperwork that may be needed. We’ll explain everything in plain English and support you step-by-step.
If you’d like to read more about arranging a funeral, you can find lots of helpful information in our Arranging a Funeral section. We cover everything from planning a meaningful service to understanding what to expect on the day.
You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers
It’s perfectly natural not to have everything planned. Many families come to us unsure of what to do next and that’s okay. We’re here to help you make informed choices, gently and without rush.
Some people arrive with a few clear wishes in mind, while others are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. We understand that grief affects everyone differently, and we never expect you to have all the details worked out. Our role is to listen, to answer your questions, and to offer advice that is sensitive to your needs and your pace.
You don’t need to feel embarrassed about asking anything – no question is too small. Whether it’s your first time arranging a funeral or you’ve been through this before, we’ll be by your side with steady, compassionate support.
A Safe and Supportive Space
We’ve designed our premises to be calm and comforting. You won’t find a corporate setting, but a family-run service that truly cares. There’s no obligation. Some people simply want an informal chat to explore options, and we welcome that too.
From the moment you walk through the door, we want you to feel at ease. Our spaces are designed to offer a sense of peace and privacy, whether you’re visiting us for a meeting or just need somewhere quiet to gather your thoughts. We’ve supported many families who tell us they felt reassured by the relaxed and homely atmosphere we’ve created.
We believe that the right environment makes a real difference when you’re going through a difficult time. That’s why we offer a warm drink, an open heart, and as much time as you need, no rushing, no pressure, just gentle guidance from people who genuinely care.
If you’ve recently lost someone and aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help.
You can call us on 01288 359277 (Bude) or 01566 785340 (Launceston), or pop in for a quiet conversation when you feel ready.
