Cremations

Cremation Services

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.

What happens at a cremation service?

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 list

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?

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.

Contact us

Featured Reviews

Google

Riana, Sarah and Tom were excellent. The whole experience was new to us and the team made it easier by explaining everything clearly. It all went smoothly thanks to the friendly staff and professional service.

Kerr Eastwood

Google

I contacted John grays concerning my mums funeral . From the first contact sandra , and anne marie took charge of everything taking a lot the pressure of myself for which I was very grateful . They are very professional but also very compassionate, nothing…

John Veighey

Google

First class service. A special thanks to Ann Marie who was professional, personable and provided guidance throughout.

Steve Clements

Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – Truly Outstanding Care and Compassion Words cannot express how grateful our family is to everyone at John Gray & Co Funeral Directors in Bangor for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion shown to us following the loss of our much-loved Gordon.…

Jacqui Bothwell Hair

Google

I would like to say a massive thank you to Sandra, Andrew and Tom in Grays. They took the pain out of a painful journey, they made the whole process easy and simple to manage. Their communication style was simple and human. Thank you to…

Michael Harvey

Google

Thank you so much for arranging my stepmother's funeral. It was as perfect as a funeral can be from the arrangements to the day. Special thanks to Anne Marie and Sandra in the Bangor office and Andrew on the day who was so caring and…

jennifer farr

Google

From the start of our process to the very end Anne-Marie was fantastic! She showed patience, understanding and knowledge in what was a very emotional and difficult time for us on the loss of our mum, and grandma to my daughter, who had an exceptionally…

Heather Lee

Google

Totally professional especially the help given by Rianna and the pastoral care shown by Mark Niblock it makes me glad that my mother’s funeral was done in a proper and dignified manner

Hillis Hamilton

Google

EVERY member of your team were brilliant Many Thanks…

Diann Bill

Google

John Gray & Co were absolutely superb! Very compassionate and understanding, made everything so simple and took a massive weight off my shoulders. Riana, Mark and the rest of the staff were very professional.

Jamie McGaffigan

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 02891271148 visit branch or arrange a home visit