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.

B Matthews 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.

B Matthews 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Need advice?

B Matthews 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.

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Featured Reviews

Google

I cannot praise Marie at the Shirley Branch highly enough. She helped me organise my husbands funeral recently and did an amazing job. She took all the stress and worry away and was always on hand to answer my questions. I would highly recommend this…

Christine Jones

Google

I can highly recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. I have nothing but praise especially for Samantha who was exceptional, kind caring and professional and whose attention to detail ensured my Aunty was honoured in exactly the way I wished. Helen who was the funeral director…

Louise Nicoll

Google

Sam at the woolston branch was an absolute gem, her dedication to making sure the funeral went to plan, every detail we asked for was met, when Dad was brought into the care of Matthews he was looked after and when we went to see…

Eunice weatherley

Much Loved

I cannot possibly thank B Matthews enough for their kind, professional and caring service. Samantha was exceptional in everything she did for us from the moment of my Aunty's passing to the funeral and afterwards. The funeral service was everything we wished for our beloved…

Louise Nicoll

Google

Not long ago my mum passed away and they made it amazing, Mum had a brilliant send off. I want to thank Sam who made our day a bit more bearable and the 2 drivers/pull bearers. So thank you for everything.

Lynda West

Much Loved

Sam (from B Matthews Woolston) was an incredible support with the planning of my mums funeral. Sam showed patience and kindness throughout the process and my Father and I never felt rushed or that any request was too much. Sam was always timely and professional…

Fran Wilson

Much Loved

I would not hesitate to recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. Samantha Appleton's kindness, support, and organization to us all made it so easy to put our fathers funeral together even though we changed our mind on his Order of Service completely two days before the…

Yvonne Forsythe-Brown

Google

A pleasure to work with Sam at the Woolston branch of B Matthews, and the opportunity to write and lead a wonderful ceremony for a beautiful lady. Clear communications and contact when needed. Also a pleasure to work with Helen, the Funeral Director, on the…

Tina Woodcock

Much Loved

I simply cannot speak highly enough about these people. Absolutely on-point with everything including a beautiful blend of professionalism and empathy. In short, they made a terrible time, so much easier and that was priceless. Thank you.…

Gavin Mulholland

Google

Tim and everyone else involved at B Matthews Funeral Directors were just wonderful in every way. Their gentleness, kindness, sympathy and inclusive approach towards my mum and the family was so evident from the moment they came to the house to the funeral. We are…

sarah martin

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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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.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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

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Call 023 8044 7965 visit branch or arrange a home visit