Helping You Plan, One Step at a Time
Our commitment is to be there for you every step of the way—from your first call until all arrangements are completed.
There’s no “right way” to arrange a funeral - only what feels right for you, your family, and the person you’re honouring.
Whether specific funeral wishes were expressed prior to death (in a will, a prepaid plan, or simply a conversation) or you are unsure what the appropriate arrangements might be, our staff are fully trained to guide you. We will carefully explain all the options available.
Considerations
When a loved one passes, we are here to expertly guide you through every step, explaining all procedures and legal requirements with clarity and compassion.
To begin arrangements, it is important that the person acting as the point of contact has the family’s authority to provide instructions and make final decisions.
While funerals in the UK typically take place within 10–14 days, there is no legal timeframe; we can expedite or delay arrangements to suit your family’s specific needs.
Our team provides full coordination, managing all communication with cemeteries, crematoria, and officiants to ensure every legal requirement is met seamlessly.
To ensure peace of mind, you will always receive a clear, comprehensive written estimate of all charges before the service takes place.
Authority to Act:
The person arranging the funeral must have the family’s authority to make final decisions and provide instructions.
Honouring Wishes:
Whether following a will, a prepaid plan, or starting from scratch, we will help you navigate every choice to create a fitting tribute.
Timing:
While UK funerals typically take place within 10–14 days, there is no legal timeframe; we can expedite or delay arrangements to suit your family’s needs.
Full Coordination:
We manage all communication with cemeteries, crematoria, and officiants, ensuring all legal requirements are met seamlessly.
Transparent Costs:
You will receive a clear, comprehensive written estimate of all charges before the service takes place.
Type of Funeral
Decide between a burial, cremation, or a direct cremation.
It is entirely your decision as to which type of service you have.
Traditional Cremation
A traditional cremation is a funeral service that includes a ceremony attended by family and friends, followed by the body’s cremation at a crematorium. This often involves a formal procession with a hearse, an opportunity for loved ones to view the deceased beforehand, and a wake or reception held afterward.
Most crematoria offer chapels for either the full funeral service or a short committal after a separate service elsewhere. Standard service times vary, but extensions are often possible if arranged in advance.
Each cremation is performed individually, respectfully, and typically on the same day as the funeral. Great care is taken with the cremated remains, which are placed in a separate container and held in the chapel area for collection or arrangement for their final resting place.
Burial
When choosing burial, service options are flexible, including graveside services or ceremonies at a chapel, church, or another location, followed by interment.
Burial can occur in an existing grave (requiring prior documentation) or a new one. Most local boroughs provide new grave facilities, there is often choice of location and the type of grave, so visiting beforehand is recommended.
Costs of buying a new grave, opening a grave or removing a headstone are fully itemised during arrangements and vary by area. Non-resident fees are often significantly higher. Alternative options include burials in vaults, at sea, or in woodland areas.
Direct Cremation
A Direct Cremation is a cremation loacally with no funeral service, ceremony, or mourners present. The deceased is collected by our dedicated team, cremated, and the ashes are returned to the family without any formal gathering. There is no viewing of the deceased.
We are committed to high standards, transparency and respect throughout this service.
Types of Service
Choosing the type of service is entirely up to you; many individuals find it important to hold a meaningful, personal service that reflects the life of their loved one. Our experienced staff can advise you on the various types of funeral services available and explain how your specific choice might influence other aspects of the funeral arrangements.
Religious services
We recognise each faith honours the end of life with its own distinct traditions and rites. We have extensive experience coordinating funerals across all religions.
We would suggest consulting your religious leader for guidance on tailoring a service that truly honours your loved one’s memory. As we discuss your wishes, if required, we can also help guide you to a minister or religious leader who we feel would best meet your wishes. We work with numerous places of worship and can recommend suitable venues for any belief system and manage all logistical arrangements.
Non-Religious or alternative services
Some families wish the service for their loved one to be taken by a non-religious celebrant. They will meet with families beforehand to create a personalised service that reflects the individual, focusing on human experiences rather than specific faiths. On the day of the service, a celebrant’s role is to act as a supportive lead, carefully balancing their involvement to perfectly match the family’s wishes.
We’ll help you choose the format that feels most appropriate — or guide you if you’re unsure.
Chapel of Rest & Visiting Your Loved One
You may choose to spend time with your loved one before the funeral — a moment of reflection, farewell, or simply quiet presence.
For many people the decision to visit the chapel of rest to see a loved one is not an easy one to make. It is a very personal decision to visit the deceased, for some, the experience can be helpful and comforting whilst for others it may be too upsetting.
If you are unsure, we will always be pleased to talk this through with you.
Guidance on clothing, items placed in the coffin, and final care >
When arranging a funeral we will take the time to discuss how you would like your loved one to be dressed. Choosing a favourite outfit—perhaps a cherished suit, a well-loved dress, a uniform, or even a favourite team shirt—can be a meaningful way to honour their personality and the memories you hold dear. Alternatively, we can provide a funeral gowns if you prefer.
To help our dedicated team present your loved one as naturally as possible, we suggest providing any dentures or glasses they typically wore.
You are also most welcome to bring items of personal significance, such as a photograph, a letter, or a favourite flower, to be placed within the coffin. Please be assured that these precious items will remain undisturbed.
For your peace of mind, all jewellery and personal effects are carefully recorded as soon as they are entrusted to our care. We will consult with you to confirm whether you would like these items to remain with your loved one or be returned to you
We’ll talk you through what to expect and tailor the experience to your wishes.
Personalising your service
Every life is unique, and we believe a funeral should be a true reflection of the individual it honours. We offer a comprehensive range of services to help you personalise the day, celebrate cherished memories, and create a lasting tribute that resonates with family and friends.
Whether it is through selecting a meaningful venue beyond traditional chapels, curating a bespoke playlist of favourite music, or designing a personalised coffin that reflects a lifelong passion, we are here to help you explore the many ways to make the service unique.
Writing the Eulogy
A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.
Music
Music can be an important and personal element of any funeral or memorial service. You might consider choosing hymns or songs that held special meaning for your loved one, or that resonate with your family’s shared memories.
Our team is happy to advise and source any particular music requests you may have, whether it’s recorded music or live performers; such as professional organist, soloists, or even a Piper to lead and play at the service, ensuring the music is a fitting tribute.
Catering
After the service, many families choose to gather, share memories, and offer support to one another.
We can help you organise a simple reception or something more tailored to your wishes.
Find out more about personalising your service
Whether you’re planning ahead, arranging a funeral or simply exploring your options, we’re here to guide you wih professionalism and care. Explore our full range of services
Writing the Eulogy
A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
