Burial or cremation choosing a service
It can often be a difficult decision to make, we are here to help and advise you in any way we can
It’s a personal choice whether to have a burial or cremation, and while we can’t help make that decision, we are happy to talk through all the options available. Sometimes the decision will be influenced by family traditions, religion or the deceased’s wishes.
Burial
A churchyard or cemetery is the most common form of burial. Subject to availability and local regulations, you will usually have the choice of using a new or existing grave.
When purchasing a new grave some local authorities may allow you to also purchase space next to the grave being used. For existing graves, we will need the deeds or some documents relating to it that you have in your possession. Don’t worry if you don’t have the deeds, we can help you. We can also check that there is room for further interments.
Burial fees
There may be fees for purchasing a new grave, opening or digging the grave and also the removal or replacement of existing headstones. We are happy to advise you on the local charges accordingly.
Alternative burials
Not all burials are in a churchyard or cemetery. Some alternatives include woodland or moorland burial, maritime burials, or even a local Pet Cemetery alongside a treasured pet.
Repatriation
If the funeral is to take place abroad, let us know and we will take care of the arrangements for you.
Cremation
Most crematoria will incorporate a service chapel; however you may wish to hold a service in a church or another location before you have the funeral service in the crematorium chapel. Let us know your wishes and we’ll be happy to take care of arrangements for you.
What will I do with the ashes?
Often when arranging the funeral, one thing you won’t think about is what to do with the ashes. This is not uncommon and there are lots of different possibilities that you may want to explore. You are not rushed to make a decision, and we are happy to discuss all options with you, give advice about local regulation and costs involved.
Scattering ashes
You may choose to scatter the ashes at a favourite place of the person who has died, in the grounds of the crematorium, on a family grave, in your garden, at sea or even abroad. In some cases permission may be needed, which we can advise on.
Burying ashes
Families choose to bury ashes for a number of reasons. You may want to have a memorial of some kind erected where you can visit and reflect, or it may be the ashes are placed together with other members of the family. We can advise on suitable urns and caskets and any memorial you might require. You can bury ashes within the grounds of the crematorium, in a churchyard, in a grave or in your garden. Again permission may be needed, and we’d be happy to do this on your behalf.
Keeping the ashes
Some people like to keep the ashes at home in a casket or urn. In some cases this may be so that when a spouse or partner dies, their ashes can be scattered together.
We are here to help and advise you in any way that we can, and would be happy to discuss all options with you and help with local regulations etc. You are not rushed to make a decision and we strongly recommend you allow time to consider all options. Some crematoria will hold ashes for a limited time, but we can hold them at our funeral home – free of charge – until you have reached a decision.
