Types of funeral services
The type of funeral you choose is a deeply personal decision. If you do not know whether your loved one would have preferred a cremation or burial funeral, or even an unattended direct cremation, we are here to talk you through the different options and help you decide what is the right choice for you and your loved one.
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A cremation service usually takes place at the crematorium, but the service can take place at a church before a cremation, if you wish.
The coffin will be carried into the Chapel at the crematorium and placed on the catafalque, which is a raised box or platform at the head of the room.
The service itself can be religious or non-religious and be personalised as you wish with music, readings, hymns and prayers.
A cremation service typically lasts 30-40 minutes.
After a traditional cremation, the ashes can be returned to you to keep or for scattering or interment.
Our Bespoke Funeral and Simple Funeral packages can provide you with this type of cremation service
This low cost cremation option provides the opportunity for a small number of mourners, typically no more than 12, to attend the crematorium for a short time to witness the committal.
The coffin is brought to the crematorium and laid on the catafalque.
An attended committal service typically lasts 10 minutes.
After an attended cremation, the ashes can be returned to you to keep or for scattering or interment.
Our Intimate Cremation Funeral package provides this type of send-off.
This is a cremation that takes place without a service or mourners present at the committal.
You will be told of the day and time the cremation occurs.
After the unattended direct cremation, the ashes can be returned to you to keep or for scattering or interment.
Our Unattended Direct Cremation provides this type of cremation.
A service before burial can take place at a church, cemetery or crematorium.
In a church, the coffin will carried inside and positioned at the altar.
The service can be personalised as you wish with music, readings, hymns and prayers.
At the end of the service, the coffin is then transported to the graveside. More readings and prayers may be said at this time.
For a burial, the committal is the process of lowering the coffin into the ground. Family members may wish to scatter soil or flowers into the grave.
After everyone has left the grave is filled in. You can then mark the grave with a headstone or grave marker, providing a permanent place to visit.
Our Bespoke Funeral and Simple Funeral packages can provide you with this type of burial service.
A natural burial is a more environmentally friendly option that focuses on ecological sustainability and conservation and returning the body to the earth in a sustainable way.
This typically involves using biodegradable materials for the coffin. Natural burials take place in designated natural burial grounds or woodland, where the body decomposes naturally and contributes to the ecosystem or to the restoration and preservation of natural habitats.
Our Bespoke Funeral and Simple Funeral packages can provide you with this type of burial service.
Repatriation
Repatriation is the process of returning your loved one to their place or country of origin.
You may wish for us to bring your loved one into our care here in Rotherham, if they have died away from home at a location in the UK or abroad.
Or if they have died here in South Yorkshire, we can also assist with repatriating a loved one to a destination anywhere in the UK or abroad.
If dealing with international borders and regulations repatriation can be a complex process. At Bartholomew & Sons we have extensive experience in handling repatriations and can provide a comprehensive service to ensure your loved one is returned to where you want them to go with dignity and respect.
We will help and guide you through the repatriation process step by step, obtaining the necessary documentation and coordination with other funeral directors. Our aim is to alleviate the stress involved with repatriations, allowing you to focus on honouring your loved one.
Any of our funeral packages are suitable once repatriation has taken place and your loved one is in our care.
The loss of a child or baby is a profound and heart-wrenching experience. At Bartholomew’s, we are here to support you with unwavering compassion, guiding you through the process with exceptional sensitivity and care.
We also recognise that each family’s needs are unique, so we tailor our services to reflect the precious life that has been lost. Whether you envision a small, intimate gathering or a more formal ceremony, we are here to honour your wishes. We can assist with creating personalised tributes, choosing appropriate music, and selecting meaningful readings.
Our team is experienced in working with families during these delicate times, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment. We will work closely with you, listening to your needs and ensuring that every detail is handled with the utmost care. We can advise on specific burial or cremation options suitable for infants and children, and provide information on available support services.
We understand that the grief associated with the loss of a child is immeasurable, and we are here to offer ongoing support and guidance, both during and after the funeral. Our aim is to create a peaceful and comforting farewell, allowing you to honour your child’s memory with love and dignity.
Let us help you
We are here to help you in every way we can. Call us or contact us with any questions. For urgent assistance, call us on 01709 363 706, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.