Funeral Arrangements
Saying Goodbye in the Right Way
When you feel ready to discuss the funeral arrangements, J Lawrence & Sons will be here to help. We offer tailored arrangements that celebrate and honour the life of your loved one. We’ll provide an initial consultation at whatever location is convenient to you, whether it’s our office or your own home.
What To Consider
Some of the important decisions to be made when planning a funeral include the following:
- Burial or cremation
- Church or chapel service
- Religious or non-religious service
- Music requirements
- Obituary notices
- Flowers
- Donations
- Vehicle requirements
- Choice of coffin
- Viewing in our chapel of rest
- Options for the cremated remains
Burial or Cremation
The choice between burial or cremation is a difficult decision. For some their religious beliefs may impact their decision, for others the increased expense typically seen in burial may dissuade them. A burial may be seen as a more of a permanent resting place, some people find visiting their loved one’s grave a comforting experience. Whereas following a cremation there are more options for a final resting place.
There is a choice of three crematoriums in Southampton:
- Southampton Crematorium, Bassett Green Road, Southampton.
- Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, West End.
- Test Valley Crematorium, Ridge Lane, Romsey.
There is a choice of three cemeteries in Southampton:
- Hollybrook Cemetery, Tremona Road, Shirley.
- South Stoneham Cemetery, Stoneham Cemetery Road, Mansbridge.
- St Mary Extra Cemetery, Portsmouth Road, Sholing.
These are all owned and run by Southampton City Council. There is also Southampton Old Cemetery and Millbrook Cemetery, however they are for re-opened graves only. There are other cemeteries in the surrounding boroughs.
Service in a Church or a Chapel
Whether the choice is burial or cremation, the service can be held in a church beforehand. If a church service is inappropriate, then the service can be held in the chapels at the cemeteries or the crematoria. Alternatively, you could have the main service after the cremation or burial has taken place. This is also known as a Memorial service.
Religious or Non-Religious Service
Should you wish for a religious service, we would arrange with the minister from the Church to lead the service.
Some people prefer to have a non-religious Celebrant to lead the service. There are a number of excellent Celebrants locally who we can arrange to lead the service.
Music Requirements
Whether the service is in a church or a chapel, hymns can be sung or recorded music can be played. Recorded music at all the local crematoria is provided by Obitus. The list of available music can be browsed online at Obitus.
Obituary Notices
Obituary notices are a good way to pass on the funeral details to your loved ones wider circle of friends you might not have contact information for. The notices would usually contain a statement from the family followed by the funeral date and time, as well as any specific requests from the family; dress code, whether floral tribute are to be accepted and if donations are to be collected for a specific charity.
We can arrange for announcements to be placed in local and/or national newspapers
Registering a Death
When a death occurs, we’re here to provide support for you and your loved ones.
We will take you through all the necessary legal processes so that you aren’t left overwhelmed during this difficult time.
Call us
Day or Night
Flowers
We can arrange flowers for you, through one of our trusted florists. Click below to find more information.
However, if you would prefer to use your usual florist; please could the ask them to contact us regarding delivery.
Donations
We collect and administer Donations to a chosen Charity on a family’s behalf. The donations can be sent care of our office or we can also set up an online donation page, through which people can donate directly to the charity through the page.
The online page can also become a Memorial Pages enabling family and friends to leave messages and add treasured photos to the page. To see examples of these pages please visit our obituaries page.
Vehicle Requirements
On the day of the service, we will transport your loved on in our Mercedes Benz Hearse. However, if you would prefer a different vehicle, we can look to hire a bespoke hearse for the day to make your loved one’s last journey as special as possible. Alternatively, you may prefer the more traditional horse-drawn hearse.
We can also supply our matching Mercedes Benz Limousine to carry you in dignified comfort. We also have available our Jaguar Limousine should you require the additional seats. Both our limousines seat up to 7 passengers. The limousines will return you to your chosen destination following the service. For more information, please click below.
Choice of Coffin
We offer a comprehensive range of coffins from traditional style solid wood and veneered coffins to the more modern designs:
Somerset Willow & Natural Woven, Eco-Friendly woven coffins.
Colourful Coffins, Offer wide range including Picture coffins and Glitter coffins.
To see our range please click below to view our brochure.
Viewing in our Chapel of Rest
Making the decision to come and view your loved one can be difficult. You may wish to remember them as they were in happier times or if they had been in some discomfort leading up to the death, you may wish to see them at peace.
Many families find providing clothing can be very helpful. It can be comforting to know that your loved one is dressed as they would wish to be. If clothing isn’t provided, then we have gowns that we would use instead.
Many people find comfort from visiting a loved one in the Chapel of Rest.
This can be arranged by contacting our office.
Options for Cremated Remains
Cremated remains can be scattered in the crematorium garden of rest or, if there is a family grave, scattered on or buried in the grave. They can be placed in a churchyard if available.
Alternatively, you may wish to keep them at home or you can scatter them at a favourite location (permission may be required).
We will retain them at our premises for as long as required, whilst you make your final decision. We have a range of caskets/urns available for all options. To view and purchase online from our range of caskets and urns press below.
Help with Funeral Costs
Depending on your personal circumstances you may be entitled to some financial assistance. Please visit the gov.uk website for more information.
Golden Charter Funeral Plans
Click below for information on Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans.
