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.

W Hodges 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.

W Hodges 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?

W Hodges 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

We couldn't have asked for a better team to support us to help organise our sons celebration of life. From the very start Jayne explained the entire process with care and compassion and was always available to talk when needed, Chris was also dilligent and…

Martin Private

Google

A beautiful caring and heart-warming service. while retaining efficiency and professionalism. The funeral directors and the Minister, Kate Mitchell, were so warm and encouraging while showing empathy and respect. A truly lovely service that was much commented upon by those who attended.…

Jackie Costello

Google

Very easy and supportive process, contact was enough but not too much clear and easily understood throughout the lead up to and the day of the funeral.

Security Tytler

Google

My family went to Hodges for my brother’s funeral and I can honestly say the service we got was lovely from start to finish. Jane made us feel very welcome. She was very caring and compassionate. Everything was dealt with such sensitivity. She helped us…

Louise Alisho

Google

I sadly lost both my parents in the space of 2 months so have had 2 funerals to arrange. Sarah at W Hodges was fantastic. For such a sad event, she made it all feel easy to deal with and I didn't need to worry…

Vivien Cotterill-Lee

Google

I used W Hodges for my dad's pure cremation. From the first phone call I was really touched by the warmth and friendliness of the ladies there; Sally (? sorry if that's wrong!) who first answered and Sarah who I was put through to, then…

Daniela

Google

On such a sad occasion and not having experience of arranging a funeral, Sarah Smith, of W Hodges is the most perfect person to deal with. She had such compassion and light humour dealing with us. She has so much knowledge in her field and…

Marion Grainge

Google

Everyone at Hodges made sure everything was perfect for our beloved mum/grandma. Sarah went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right and was so friendly and helpful from the very first time we went in, that everyone felt at ease to discuss…

Zara Patch

Much Loved

If possible, we would give W Hodges a 10 star rating. The most caring and helpful staff who fulfilled all our wishes for my husband’s funeral from first contact right the way through to the funeral service and for their care during the weeks that…

Sylvia Critcher

Much Loved

We chose Hodges for my Dads funeral arrangements, and to take care of him from the moment he died. We wanted someone local to look after him. I met Sarah from the start, along with Stewart who was work shadowing her. They were both excellent…

Helen Blackaby

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 01732 454 457 visit branch or arrange a home visit