Funeral choices
Having provided a specialist service for many years, we understand that everyone is unique and no two funerals will be the same. We will take you through the options available to help you tailor the funeral to your needs. If you have any special requests or questions, we are here to advise you.
Making arrangements for a burial
Most commonly, burials take place in a traditional churchyard or cemetery. Cemeteries are usually non-denominational. You may also be considering burial in a family vault or at sea. Woodland or nature reserve burial sites are now available throughout the UK where trees or wildflowers are planted instead of headstones and memorials.
Burial plot
We can make arrangements to purchase a new burial plot or, if you already have a family grave or plot, we can arrange for this to be used. If a space has already been purchased in a cemetery there will be a Deed of Grant, which may be with the deceased’s papers.
Burial costs
We will advise you on the fees applicable and make arrangements for:
- purchasing a new grave or plot
- opening or digging the grave
- removal and replacement of existing memorials
- cremation
If you choose cremation, you will need to decide whether to have a full funeral service at the crematorium chapel, or whether to hold a service at a separate location first.
Distributing the cremated remains
At this stage you may not be sure of your wishes for the deceased’s cremated remains. We recommend that you wait until after the funeral and allow time to consider the options.
Cremated remains can be scattered, buried or kept. Often they are scattered in the grounds of the crematorium, but you may wish to scatter the cremated remains in a place with particular memories, such as in your garden, the countryside or at sea.
Many families like to bury the cremated remains so that they can visit the place or burial, place the cremated remains of more than one family together or put up a memorial on the site. In some cases, it is possible to bury cremated remains within the grounds of a crematorium or churchyard, in a grave or in your garden.
Some people like to keep the cremated remains at home in a casket or urn or place a small amount in specially designed jewellery.
Looking after the deceased
We will discuss the arrangements for taking care of the deceased before the funeral and go through the types of coffin and caskets available. We are able to supply a range of coffins and caskets, from the very simple to elaborate solid wood or eco bamboo.
Carrying the coffin
We will supply bearers. Alternatively, you may wish to consider relatives or friends of the deceased who would like to carry the coffin.
Clothes for the deceased
The deceased may be dressed in their own clothing according to your instructions. However, in some circumstances such as a cremation, it may be necessary to comply with regulations restricting certain materials.
Visiting the deceased
Visiting the deceased offers a chance for people to pay their final respects. You may decide to visit the deceased in one of our viewing rooms at the funeral home, or to have the deceased at home. This is a very personal choice. We will make all the appropriate arrangements for you once you have made your decision.
Funerals abroad and repatriation
We can make all the necessary arrangements, and obtain the required documentation if the funeral is to take place abroad or for repatriation.
How we support you with your funeral choices:
- We will provide an estimate of all the fees for the funeral service you have requested.
- We will help you if you do not have the deeds to an existing grave or plot
- We will deal with all necessary documentation
