The choice between burial and cremation is a truly important and personal one
We are here to support and advise you with this difficult choice, taking into account such factors as:
- the wishes of the deceased
- family tradition
- religion, faith and culture
Burial
Most burials take place in churchyards or cemeteries and, depending on availability and local regulations, involve a choice between new or existing plots.
Existing graves
If you wish to use an existing grave, we will require the deeds and any other documents relating to to the plot. We can help you in sourcing these and determining whether there is room for additional burials.
New graves
With new graves, there is sometimes the opportunity to buy adjacent plots too. Enquire with your Local Authority if you wish to do so.
Burial fees
Fees may apply to the purchase of a new grave plot, any removal or replacement of existing headstones, and opening of the plot itself. We can advise you on how such costs are administered in the local area.
Alternative burials
There is no obligation to use a churchyard or cemetery plot and you may wish to investigate woodland, maritime or other alternative burial sites. Please inform us of your wishes at the earliest opportunity.
Repatriation
We are happy to handle arrangements for overseas burials. Please inform us of your requirements.
Cremation
Most crematoria have a service chapel available for funeral ceremonies. You may choose, however, to have a church service prior to the ceremony at the crematorium. We will be happy to make such arrangements for you, should you wish.
Options after cremation
After a cremation, you have various options regarding what to do with the ashes. Remember, there is no need to rush this decision, and we are hand to guide you through the alternatives.
Scattering
Popular locations for scattering ashes include gardens, a family grave, the sea, or anywhere with particular significance to the deceased. You may need to gain permission before scattering ashes in certain locations. Please let us know your intentions and we will advise accordingly.
Interring
By burying the ashes, you have a place that family, friends and well-wishers can come to visit, pay their respects, reflect, and remember their loved one. Memorials can be built to allow for the ashes of several family members to be kept together. Traditional burial locations include churchyards, the grounds of a crematorium, or the garden of a relation. It is important to seek permission before proceeding, which may require the Certificate of Cremation.
Keeping
Specially designed urns allow for ashes to be kept, often so the ashes of a surviving partner or spouse can be scattered together with them, following their passing.
If you have questions regarding any of these options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and find out more.
