Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and burial arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Get a quote

Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

View masonry

Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

View pricing

Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

View plans

Need advice?

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Contact us

Latest Reviews

Google

The level of service received here was incredible. I had no idea on what to do but Tony was amazing, he came round my house on several occasions as I was really struggling with the loss of my dad. He just got what it was…

Harriet Kite

Google

We were very happy with Alison who arranged everything and was our contact before the funeral day, and also the funeral director on the day and her whole team

Tracy Cushion

Google

It was an extremely difficult time and Alison and the team treated myself and my family with dignity and respect, they literally took care of everything Thank you.

Karema Edwards

Google

The staff, especially Ceanne at James Hawes & Goodchild funeral directors, Well Street, Hackney were professional yet very caring. From our first visit & up to the funeral day they handled all the arrangements efficiently & kept us updated throughout the process. This was a…

Tracy Jenkins

Google

From the start to the finish of the funeral process was perfect, Ceanne maid feel relaxed and welcome and put us at ease the attention to detail was phenomenal she kept in contact all the way through even up until the day before the funeral,…

Alan McManus

Google

Thank you Alison at the Highams Park branch for guiding us through the process of arranging the funeral service for my father. She was kind and sympathetic, providing a coffee, which was a nice touch that helped us to relax. I have never arranged a…

Sue Tuhill

Google

What a wonderful service these guys provided when my Mum passed away recently with their amazing caring ways. I particularly liked that they came to my house and that I didn't need to visit the funeral parlor.

Shaz Tarleton

Google

James Hawes & Goodchild funeral home in Hackney looked after our mum two years ago and most recently our dad. They handled arrangements so well and we felt we were in safe hands at such a difficult time. Deanna was amazing and really put us…

Shenneth Brereton

Google

James Hawes and Goodchild (Hackney) looked after our dad, and we are so grateful with the service we had. We primarily dealt with Donna and Deanna, however the entire team that we met were lovely. We were met with a lot of empathy, and at…

M Devlin

Google

We would Strongly recommend to anyone who has lost a loved one. The staff at James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors in Well Street Hackney, have gone way above & beyond their call of duty to help me & my family get my Dad's funeral…

james stanley

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

Learn more

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

muchloved

View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

View funeral notices

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 020 8527 1508 visit branch or arrange a home visit