Arranging a Funeral
Arranging a funeral
Compare funeral types, understand specialist services and explore the choices available in Orpington and Tunbridge Wells.
Arranging a funeral means making a series of choices about how someone will be cared for, how people will say goodbye and what the funeral should reflect. You do not need to understand every option or make every decision before you contact us.
We will begin with what matters most to you, explain what needs to be decided now and what can wait, and provide a clear written estimate before arrangements are confirmed.
How arranging a funeral works
1. Tell us what has happened
We will establish the immediate circumstances, any paperwork or release requirements and whether there are religious, cultural or timing needs we should know about.
2. Choose the type of funeral
The main starting point is whether the funeral will be a cremation or burial and whether people will attend the committal itself.
3. Make it personal
You can then consider the ceremony, venue, coffin, transport, flowers, music, readings, clothing and other details. You can choose only what feels right for the person and your family.
4. Review the costs
We will separate Valentines’ charges, third-party fees and optional personal choices so that you can see what each part of the arrangement costs.
5. Confirm the arrangements
Once the necessary permissions, date, venue and choices are agreed, we will confirm the plan and coordinate the people and organisations involved.
Start with the kind of funeral
Funeral types
Compare attended and direct cremations and burials, including what each option means for the ceremony, committal and later remembrance.Explore funeral typesSpecialist funeral services
Find guidance for child and baby funerals, repatriation and funerals with civic, military or other specialist requirements.View specialist servicesBeliefs, identity and values
Understand how a funeral can reflect a person’s faith, culture, non-religious beliefs, identity and environmental values without relying on a standard formula.Plan a funeral that reflects the personFuneral choices
Explore the practical and personal choices available, from coffins, vehicles and flowers to ceremony leaders, venues, ashes, keepsakes and memorials.Explore funeral choices
Understanding the cost
The total cost depends on the funeral type, the crematorium, cemetery or burial ground, fees charged by other organisations and any personal choices you make. Our funeral costs page explains these separately and shows the approved current starting figures.
Frequently asked questions
No. You can contact us and begin discussing the funeral before the death has been registered. The funeral cannot take place until the required legal authority and paperwork are available, and we will explain what applies in your circumstances.
No. Many people call without having made any decisions. We will explain the main options in plain language and help you identify what matters most.
This depends on when the person can be released into our care, completion of the required paperwork, and the availability of the chosen venue, cemetery, crematorium and ceremony leader. Any date discussed before these points are confirmed remains provisional.
Bring or tell us about any written or spoken wishes as early as you can. We will help you understand what can be included, taking account of practical requirements, the available budget and the decisions of the person arranging the funeral.
Talk to someone who can help
If someone has died or you need immediate guidance, call either of our branch numbers for 24-hour assistance.
You do not need to know what to ask. We will take you through the next steps.
For non-urgent enquiries, you can request an estimate or contact us online. We will respond during office hours 09:00-16:00.