Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained 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.

Howard's Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Howard's 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Need advice?

Howard's 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.

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Featured Reviews

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Absolutely fantastic company from start to finish. Debbie was so compassionate and helpful with choosing what we wanted. The black horses were beautiful and they were dressed in my mum’s favourite colour. When we visited my mum, the chapel of rest was outstanding. I have…

Pawfect-IT

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Lyndsay was wonderful. She was professional and also very and patient. I would highly recommend Howards.

Nemaine

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Such an amazing group of people. Caring, supportive and full of compassion. Could not of asked for more from the whole team.…

Cathie Kendrick

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Lindsay was so helpful and had total patience, she gave me confidence in a situation I’d never dealt with before. Thank you.…

Shirley Skillicorn

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Our arranger Derek was both sympathetic and supportive. He and his team ensured mum was looked after well, ensured a lovely send off for her and made the whole process and actual day easy for us. Thank you to everyone at Howard’s.

Shirley Powney

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From my first meeting with Lyndsay to the funeral itself Howards’s were faultless. So very caring in every way. We cannot thank them enough.

Catherine Doyle

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Debbie dealt with everything very efficiently, and kept us updated and in the picture the whole time. Derek, the Director was very pleasant and caring, and the first person I spoke to on the phone. He and the pall bearers were very respectful and kept…

Hannah Neale

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Lyndsay and the Howard’s team were highly professional, respectful and supportive throughout all aspects of the planning for our mum’s funeral service. The day of the funeral went very smoothly and was dealt with in a very calm and caring manner. Special thanks also go…

Gary Merrill

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Howards were professional and showed empathy. Very welcoming and everything was explained clearly . Would highly recommend

Karen Forsdike

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I can highly recommend Howard’s funeral directors of Southport.

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Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

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

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