Arrange a funeral

To arrange a funeral service at Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground and Funeral Directors, our experienced on-site Funeral and Memorial Consultants can do this.

No, you can also choose a funeral service with little or no religious content. The non-religious funeral ceremony tends to focus on celebrating a loved one’s life, personality and achievements as an alternative way to say goodbye.

Embalming can help restore a natural and restful appearance, which can bring comfort when visiting a loved one in the chapel of rest. Embalming is a preservation technique introducing a chemical preservative through the vascular system.

We will ask you what you would like to happen to your loved one’s jewellery and personal effects. We can return it to you, or you can ask for it to stay with your loved one.

You may wish for your loved one to be dressed in their own clothes to reflect a hobby, job or an outfit of significance. Examples could include a wedding dress, football strip, military uniform, kilts and bikers’ leathers. In certain circumstances, clothing choices are restricted due to local crematoria rules, restricting certain materials.

Black is the traditional worn colour at a funeral, but there are now an increasing number of requests for mourners to wear alternative colours, whether that be a favourite colour to reflect their personality or bright colours to celebrate their life.

Once funeral arrangements are in place and we have received the necessary medical paperwork, and preparations are completed, you can visit your loved one in the reflection room as often as you wish.

The reflection room is a private viewing room, allowing you to visit your loved one. You can spend as much time as you need and we are happy if you wish to display a photograph or a small selection of keepsakes in remembrance of favourite hobbies or pastimes. You may also wish to bring in a CD of personal music to play during your visit.

A certified death (when a Cause of Death Certificate has been obtained):

• A relative of the deceased, present at the death
• A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness
• A relative of the deceased, residing or being in the sub-district where the death occurred
• A person present at the death
• An administrator from the hospital or nursing home
• A person in charge of making funeral arrangements

A death that has been referred to the Coroner:

• Any relative of the deceased having knowledge of any of the particulars required to be registered
• Any person present at the death
• Any person who found the body
• Any person in charge of the body
• The person causing the disposal of the body

It is advisable to go to the registration office in the area in which the person died, as you will receive the documents you need on the day. If you use a different register office, it will take longer to get the documents you need which could delay the funeral arrangements. Registering the death will involve some simple questions and the process normally takes about 30 minutes at the registration office. It is likely that you will need to make an appointment in advance.

• Date and place of death
• The person’s full name (and maiden name, if applicable)
• The person’s date and place of birth
• Their occupation
• Their last address
• Whether they were in receipt of a State Pension or other benefits
• Full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner

By law, all deaths in England and Wales must be registered, normally within five days (unless by prior arrangement with the registrar).

The total cost of a funeral will depend on the options you choose, for example, the type of coffin and funeral vehicles, or if you require flowers, stationery or memorials. Third party charges that are out of our control may also vary by location, including minister, celebrant, doctors and crematorium / burial fees. When you have made your funeral choices, we will give you a detailed written estimate of the costs. A fully itemised invoice will normally be provided to you within 5 days of the funeral taking place. View our prices here.