Cremations are a less popular form of funeral in Northern Ireland as there are only two crematoria in the country, in Belfast and Newtownabbey. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their onsite service room – but you can also hold the service in a church, funeral home service room or other venue of your choice prior or after the cremation.
It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will usually be conducted by a 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 or even a family member or a friend. John Gray & Co Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.
On the day of the funeral, the cortege will travel to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the service room.
A cremation funeral service varies but usually lasts about 30 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you and the deceased, eulogies, readings and prayers. Mourners will be invited to go up to place flowers or say their individual goodbyes. At the end of the service the coffin is usually lowered this is called the committal, so that mourners can pay their final respects before the cremation.
Cremated remains can be collected following a cremation or by appointment. They can only be collected by the person named on the applicant’s instructions to crematorium form. Photographic ID is also required.
We can collect these for you and keep them or deliver them to an address of your choosing. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some inspirational ideas you might like to consider are available here.
John Gray & Co 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.
View price listWe have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.
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.
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.
John Gray & Co 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.
Choose a prepaid funeral plan
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 about Choice Funeral Plans
Call 02891271148 visit branch or arrange a home visit