Arranging the funeral

We believe that a funeral should be as unique as the person who has died, that is why we tailor our funeral arrangements to meet your exact requirement. We do not feel you can say a better goodbye by spending more than you can afford or by putting yourself through a funeral service that means nothing to you or the mourners attending. There are far better ways of personalising a funeral. You may feel that a more traditional funeral would be the most appropriate or you may like the funeral to mirror a service you have attended in the past. Whatever your choice we can make all the necessary arrangements for you.

We can present you with all the available options to create a truly unique funeral for the person who has died. The basic decision of burial or cremation* has to be made but that is where the limits end. There is no requirement to have a formal service of any kind if that would not be appropriate. There is no right or wrong way of doing things. 

We can provide set funeral options that you can then tailor to suit your individual requirements, or work with you to create a totally bespoke funeral.  

*In addition to burial or cremation we can also arrange burials at sea, and give advice on donations to medical research. 

Transport

We can provide you with a traditional hearse and limousines or various alternative options. eg Horse drawn hearse, motorcycle hearse, HGV hearse, JCB hearse. Traditional hearses are also available in a variety of colours (not just black).

Funeral expenses and meeting the costs

Funeral expenses fall into three main categories.

1. Disbursements (These costs are fees incurred by us on your behalf. They include: Doctors fees related to the issue of the medical certificate issued for cremation, Minister or Celebrants fees, obituary announcements in newspapers, cremation or burial fees, organist or other musician’s fees. Any other costs associated with third parties engaged as part of the funeral ceremony).

1. Funeral Directors professional fees.

1. Supplementary services. (Coffin and additional transport, floral tributes, funeral stationery, cremated remains caskets, memorial masonry and other bespoke memorial items).

We will provide you with a written estimate of funeral expenses at the time of arrangement. Disbursement payments are required prior to the funeral taking place by way of a deposit. The final invoice will normally be sent after the funeral either to you or directly to a bank, building society or solicitor in accordance with your instructions.

If you feel meeting the funeral costs may be difficult you may be able to make a claim from social fund. We can help you complete the SF200 form and this can be sent to the department for work and pensions. Likewise you may be able to apply for a budgeting loan using the SF500 form. These payments are not guaranteed and you will need to meet strict criteria to be eligible. (Please inform us at the earliest opportunity if cost is an issue).

Floral Tributes

We can arrange and supply floral tributes using a local florist who we trust to deliver quality arrangements to suit every budget.

You can choose floral tributes from our brochure or if you prefer then you can speak to our florist to design and create
a bespoke tribute.

Our florist has created many bespoke tributes and we have received some fantastic feedback from our clients.

The floral tributes shown on this page are just a small selection of what we can offer.

Jewellery

Working in partnership with a number of specialist memorial jewellers we are able to offer large selection of bespoke and unique items. It is possible to include fingerprints, cremated remains (ashes) locks of hair, flowers or individual petals and even small swatches of a loved one’s favourite garment.

Music

Working alongside dedicated media companies located at our local crematoria we are able to arrange whatever music you would like ranging from Hymns to classical and contemporary pieces to a family’s own recording. If the funeral is taking place elsewhere, we are able to provide the same service using a transportable sound system. We can provide organists, soloists, and musicians ranging from lone pipers to jazz bands and have routinely assisted family musicians at services. 

Photo Tributes

All of our local crematoria are able to provide a photo tribute service. This can be a single photograph shown throughout the service or a simple slide show. You may prefer to have a selection of special photographs professional set to a chosen piece of music.

Funeral Stationary

Our partner printer is able to produce a vast selection of printed orders of service and other funeral stationary, ranging from traditional photographic designs to themes reflecting wildlife and nature to hobbies and interests. We will work with you to create a truly special keepsake. 

Webcasts

This additional service is becoming increasingly more popular. It allows people who are unable to attend the service perhaps due to distance to be able to watch the service streamed in real-time.it is also possible to watch the service at a later date or even download a copy to keep.