Funeral services at the crematorium

The funeral service and the way it is conducted is a matter of personal choice. Your funeral director will advise and guide you on the format of the service and will inform the Crematorium of any specific requirements in advance.

If you are choosing not to use a funeral director, then a member of our Bereavement Services Customer Care team will be able to assist you with any enquiries and with making the necessary arrangements. 

Service arrangements at the crematorium

Full religious services can be held at the crematorium within the scheduled time. Or, you can have a service at a place of worship followed by a brief ceremony at the crematorium. Families can ask their preferred minister to lead the service, or funeral directors can help find one if needed.

The deceased's family can make any service arrangements they feel are appropriate. Non-religious services can be held at the crematorium, or they can choose not to have a ceremony at all.

Memorial services can take place separately from the cremation at local places of worship, arranged with the minister.

Service duration

Our standard service is 45 minutes however there are options to book a longer service should you wish.

Procedure for the service

Mourners will normally gather in the waiting room or close to the entrance in the moments before the service is scheduled to begin.

After leading the cortège to the chapel, it is usual for the coffin to then be taken into the chapel ahead of the mourners. The coffin will be carried into chapel either by the Funeral Directors or bearers selected by family and friends. Once inside the chapel, the coffin will be placed on the catafalque and the service will then begin.

As the service draws to a close, you can choose to have the curtains close or remain open for the committal, as you say your final farewell. Following the service, mourners will be guided out of the chapel and floral tributes can be viewed in the dispersal area.

Audio-visual services for funerals

Our audio and visual options let you personalise the service with slideshows and music, and the webcasting service allows those unable to attend to watch online. There is the option to record the service so that it can be viewed again at a later date. View our audio-visual services for funerals page to see the options available and for more information.

Further information

See the Crewe Crematorium  or Macclesfield Crematorium page for further information and contact details.