A.P McDonald Funeral Services
Your local family funeral directors
Arranging a Funeral
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A guide from A.P. McDonald Funeral Services
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At A.P. McDonald Funeral Services, we understand that arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially during an emotional and difficult time. Our role is to guide and support you every step of the way — listening carefully to your wishes and helping you make informed decisions with complete reassurance.
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As your local independent family funeral directors in Wiltshire, we are here to make the process clear, personal, and dignified, ensuring your loved one receives the farewell they deserve.
Further Arrangements & Personal Touches
As part of the planning process, we will discuss:
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Location of the service
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Date and timing
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Coffin or casket options
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Funeral vehicles and limousines
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Music, readings, and personal tributes
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Orders of service and printed materials
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Floral arrangements
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Aftercare and ongoing support
Once your loved one is in our care, we will also guide you through:
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Dressing and personal clothing choices
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Viewing opportunities in our Chapel of Rest
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Any special requests or personal instructions
We encourage families to bring clothing and personal items as soon as possible so we can honour your wishes carefully and respectfully.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
At A.P. McDonald Funeral Services, we believe every funeral should reflect the life it honours. Whether you are planning a traditional service, a simple farewell, or a fully personalised celebration of life, our family is here to support yours with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care.
Need Guidance?
If you would like to speak to us about arranging a funeral in Wiltshire, our team is here to help at any time.
Contact Ashley, Paul & Sam
Your local independent family funeral directors.
Before Arrangements Begin
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If you have already registered the death, please bring the green certificate issued by the registrar when you meet with us.
If you have not yet registered the death, you can still begin making arrangements with us, and we will guide you through what is needed and when.
Arranging a Cremation
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When arranging a cremation, we will:
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Obtain all required legal documentation and certification
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Liaise with medical practitioners or the Coroner where required
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Discuss your wishes in detail and arrange a personalised service
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Coordinate and book the funeral date and time
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Complete all cremation paperwork on your behalf
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Provide a clear and transparent breakdown of costs
You may also wish to consider options for your loved one’s ashes in advance, including:
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Collection following the cremation
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Scattering options
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Urns and keepsakes for safe keeping
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Burial or memorial placement
Once you decide, we will ensure everything is prepared with care and ready for your chosen arrangements.
Arranging a Burial
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When arranging a burial, we will:
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Handle all legal paperwork and necessary certifications
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Discuss your wishes and guide you through the available options
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Coordinate the funeral date with the cemetery and clergy if required
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Prepare cemetery paperwork
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Provide a clear explanation of costs and choices
Additional considerations for burial
We will need to know whether the burial will take place in:
A new grave
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Proof of residency (where applicable)
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Cemetery regulations and memorial restrictions
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Grave ownership terms
An existing grave
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Grave ownership documents (Deeds)
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Permission from the grave owner
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Possible removal or storage of existing memorials
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Restrictions on further interments
Each cemetery and churchyard has its own regulations, and we will guide you through these in detail so everything runs smoothly.