Type of funeral

Choosing between cremation or burial

The first choice people usually make is about the type of funeral service that will take place. Whether you choose a burial or a cremation, we will be there to make all the arrangements on your behalf.

Some things to consider about a burial:

• You may already have a family grave or plot. We can arrange for this to be reopened and the headstone to be removed and stored before burial.
• In some areas, burial space may be limited or may be very expensive.
• You might want to pre-purchase several plots or a large plot if you or your family want to be buried close by.
• Woodland burials are now very popular. We can organise woodland burials at various sites on the island.
• You can hold the funeral service in a local church of your denomination, in a cemetery chapel or, for non-religious ceremonies, we can advise on a suitable location. 
• After the burial you will need to consider if you want a memorial headstone, or a new inscription on an existing headstone.

For all burials there are fees involved that could include the following:

• Cost to purchase a new grave.
• Opening or re-opening an existing grave.
• Removal and replacement of any existing memorials, headstones, etc.
• An exclusive right of burial.

We can also give you advice on choosing a memorial and any local regulations you should know about.

Some things to consider about a cremation:

• It can cost less than a burial.
• The funeral service can be held at the crematorium.
• The service may also take place in a church or another location before going to the crematorium.
• There will be a strict time limit for the length of the service at the crematorium. If available, a double session can be booked if deemed necessary.
• You will need to decide the final resting place of the ashes. You can keep the ashes in an urn, scatter or bury them.
• If you are planning to scatter the ashes soon after the cremation we can loan you a suitable urn or casket.