Arranging a cremation.

Arranging a cremation can feel overwhelming, particularly when you have never had to organise a funeral before.

William Dunphy Funeral Directors will guide you through each stage and help you make the arrangements that are right for you and your family.

From our funeral homes in Brockley and East Dulwich, we arrange cremation services throughout London, Kent and further afield. We can take care of the necessary paperwork, liaise with the crematorium and arrange the funeral service, hearse and limousines, flowers, orders of service and any other requirements.

Our funeral directors will explain all of the available options clearly, allowing you to make decisions at your own pace.

What is an attended cremation?

An attended cremation allows family and friends to be present at the crematorium for a funeral service before the cremation takes place.

The service can be religious, non-religious or a celebration of life and can include music, readings, prayers, eulogies and personal tributes.

We can arrange attended cremation services at crematoria throughout the UK, helping you create a service that reflects the life, beliefs and wishes of the person who has died.

What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service or mourners attending the crematorium.

The person who has died is taken to the crematorium, where the cremation takes place privately. The ashes can then be returned to the family if requested.

Some families choose direct cremation because they prefer a simple funeral, while others choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life separately at a later date.

William Dunphy Funeral Directors offers direct cremation as well as attended funeral services and can explain the differences and costs involved.

Choosing a crematorium.

There are many crematoria throughout the UK, and we can help you choose one that is suitable for your family.

Your choice may depend on location, availability, the length of service required, facilities, accessibility, religious requirements or whether a particular crematorium has a special connection to your family.

As experienced South London funeral directors, we regularly arrange cremation services at crematoria across London and surrounding areas and can advise you about the options available.

How much does a cremation cost?

The cost of a cremation depends on the type of funeral you choose, the crematorium, the time and length of the service and any additional services you require.

A simple direct cremation will usually cost less than an attended cremation with a funeral service, hearse, limousine, flowers and other arrangements.

William Dunphy Funeral Directors believes funeral costs should be clear and transparent. We will explain the costs before arrangements are confirmed and provide an itemised estimate so you understand what you are paying for.

Please see our Funeral Prices page for our current cremation and funeral costs, or contact us for a personalised quotation.

Can we choose any crematorium?

In most circumstances, yes. You are not normally restricted to the crematorium closest to your home or to the funeral director.

We can arrange cremations at crematoria throughout London and further afield, subject to the crematorium's availability and requirements.

If you are unsure which crematorium to choose, we can discuss the location, facilities, service times and costs with you and help you find the most appropriate option for your family.

Can we have a religious or non-religious cremation service?

Yes. A cremation service can be religious, non-religious or a combination of both.

A religious service may be led by a minister, priest or representative of your faith. A non-religious funeral can be conducted by a celebrant or, if appropriate, by family and friends.

The service can be personalised with music, readings, photographs, eulogies, prayers, poems and other tributes that reflect the life of the person who has died.

We can help arrange an appropriate minister or celebrant if you do not already have someone you would like to conduct the service.

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

After the cremation, the cremated remains are prepared by the crematorium and can usually be collected by the funeral director or released in accordance with the instructions given to the crematorium.

There is no need to decide immediately what you would like to do with the ashes.

Families may choose to keep them, scatter them somewhere meaningful, inter them in a cemetery or churchyard, place them in a crematorium memorial, or have them incorporated into a permanent memorial.

If the ashes are to be taken or sent overseas, additional documentation or requirements may apply depending on the destination country. William Dunphy Funeral Directors can advise you about transporting cremated remains internationally and assist with repatriation arrangements where required.

Need help arranging a cremation in London?

William Dunphy Funeral Directors is an independent family funeral director serving families from our funeral homes in Brockley and East Dulwich.

Whether you are considering an attended cremation, direct cremation or simply need advice about what happens next, our experienced team is here to guide you through the arrangements.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements or for immediate assistance following a death.