Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the 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.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

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

Get a quote

Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

View all

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

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Denise for the care, professionalism and compassion you showed while arranging my aunts funeral. Throughout the entire process, your communication was clear, thoughtful and reassuring. You were always available to answer questions and guide me…

Kathy Kalarus

Google

Alison is a very helpful lady. She made my dads funeral go so smooth. I would definately reccomend them. Thank you

debbie taylor

Google

The service offered here was superb. Alison Orrow who dealt with most of the arrangements was very sensitive and helped with all our requests. I highly recommend James Hawes in Highams Park.

Sandeep D Christian

Google

Exceptional service from beginning to end for my Nan’s funeral. Denise and the team were incredibly supportive throughout, and even followed up afterwards to make sure we were doing okay, which meant a lot. I would highly recommend them.

Asha Jackson

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

wonderful people to deal with very very supportive lost my mother last month these people are wonderful couldn't have got through this without them

Troll destroyer

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

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