Burials
Individuals often prefer burials as they provide a permanent resting place for the deceased. However, some dislike the idea, so it’s important to note whether the deceased would’ve been happy with a burial. When choosing this option, our undertakers in Totton will present the option to have the remains interred in a family grave. If one doesn’t exist, you’ll have a choice of several cemeteries in the Southampton area.
These are Hollybrook, located in South Stoneham; St. Mary Extra, located in Millbrook; and Southampton Old. Burial services can take different forms, so feel free to talk to our Totton undertakers, who will be happy to advise you.
Cremations
Some prefer the sense of finality that comes from cremation and the freedom to be “laid” to rest in almost any location. Cremation is also often a personal and religious choice, so it’s important to note if this applies to the deceased. Some people leave specific instructions of where they’d like their ashes to be spread. This is usually a place of significance that hold many fond memories for the deceased.
If no specific place has been designated, our undertakers in Totton can arrange for the ashes to be scattered in the crematorium garden or interred in a family grave if one exists. Alternatively, we carry a range of decorative urns if you wish to take the ashes home with you.
Coffins and Caskets
There is a difference between coffins and caskets, so let’s first address this. Coffins are usually tapered at the head and foot while wide at the shoulders. Conversely, caskets are rectangular in shape. Caskets are usually made from more premium-quality materials and crafted to a higher standard. As such, they usually cost a lot more. Our undertakers in Totton will talk you through the various options available and help you choose the right one for the situation.
Flower Arrangements
Flower arrangements play a huge role in any funeral ceremony. Floral tributes symbolise life in contrast to death as well as new beginnings. They serve to bring colour and joy to what is, otherwise, a dark time for all. Many feel their spirit lifted simply by having a splash of colour and scent of freshly picked flowers. The gesture of sending flowers has existed for thousands of years and is commonly considered an acceptable expression of sympathy.
Our undertakers in Totton will handle any flower arrangements per your request. Maybe the deceased had a favourite colour or flower. We can create an assortment of decorative floral arrangements that feature one particular flower or an assortment. Such arrangements we can offer include:
- Wreaths
- Baskets
- Casket Sprays
- Standing Sprays
- Half-Casket Sprays (preferred for open casket services)
- Garland or Casket Inserts (alternative to half-casket sprays)
We have a catalogue of funeral flowers for you to choose from, or you can work with an outside florist if you prefer. Our undertakers in Totton only ask that the arrangements be delivered at least two hours before the service starts.
Memorial Services
Memorial services are a tradition that’s seen as a way for those in attendance to come together for emotional support and say goodbye to the dearly departed. Such services provide closure and can be either religious or non-religious in nature. Typically, a eulogy is given by a close friend or family member, and others can get up and speak if they so choose to. Our undertakers in Totton can arrange for a service to be held at either a church or chapel.
Religion plays a huge factor in the planning of memorial services. For religion services, hymns can be selected. The ceremony itself is led by a religious speaker who will direct proceedings, ensuring the service goes off without a hitch.
For non-religious services, we can provide recorded music from our wide-ranging catalogue, which you’ll get to see beforehand. If such a service is required, our undertakers in Totton will arrange for the ceremony to be led by a non-religious speaker. We’ve built up valuable connections with independent speakers as well as celebrants from the British Humanist Association.