Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

Howard's Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with 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.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

Howard's Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and burial arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Get a quote

Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

View masonry

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?

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.

Contact us

Latest Reviews

Google

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

Google

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

Karen Forsdike

Google

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

heathersmum1

Google

Amazing job with my nan thank you so much she looked bell of the ball everyone at the funeral directors thank you so much 😊 ❤️

Damien Miller

Google

Howards arranged the best Scottish funeral service for me. The funeral organiser, director and celebrant were all top class. It went as well as could ever be expacted for a very sad occasion. All good. Five star service. Would definitely recommend.

Ken Lowe

Google

Derek conducted mum’s funeral, he was kind, helpful and supportive throughout, we cannot recommend his services enough nothing was too much trouble.

Tracey Giller

Google

The team were very helpful, from the start when I needed help to know what was available, to the end, and the service was conducted according to my wishes.

P D

Google

The Howard funeral team are exceptional from start to finish Compassionate, caring and patient Thankyou especially to Karl and Lyndsey…

Bernadine Darwin

Google

I was very impressed with Debbie form the first phone called to arranging the first meeting to talked about my late husband funeral arrangements. She was so caring and understanding, her way of communicating helped me and my family, gave us the assurance that Tim…

Tim Straker

Google

Having used Howards for my Mum last year, I used Howards for my beautiful wife Sally-ann 6 weeks ago, I can only say that Derek and the staff are wonderful and I cannot recommend them enough. The whole process was flawless and they show so…

David Stanbrook

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

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01704 500 086 visit branch or arrange a home visit