News

In the past, planning a respectful outfit for a funeral was simple enough: all black. But as a funeral directors with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we have witnessed the changing funeral attire firsthand. Here’s what to wear to a funeral in 2026…

Planning a funeral can be a difficult job, but it is often one that benefits from a clear vision and a conversation between one or two people and a funeral director. But what happens if that person hasn’t been named in the will? Knowing who has the legal standing to make these arrangements is vital to ensure your loved one receives the send-off they deserve without unnecessary family conflict.

As a family-run funeral director operating across the southeast, we know that when you are facing the difficult task of planning a funeral, having a reputable, local funeral director helps to make that task just a little bit easier. We are honoured to have been shortlisted as finalists at the Tonbridge Business Awards 2026. For us, it is always a pleasure to see our hard work formally recognised, but for you and your family in Tonbridge, this award represents the peace of mind needed to know you are in safe hands.

When a loved one passes away, it is your legal duty to notify the government and register the death. However, in such a trying time, the government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service allows families peace of mind and removes additional administrative stress.

As a local, family-run funeral directors with over 30 years’ experience, we are often asked if family members are able to visit their loved ones prior to the funeral and where they are kept. And as a father-daughter-led company, we fully empathise with these concerns. Here is how you can visit your family member when you plan a funeral through Welham Jones.

Cremations have often been seen as the more affordable option for funerals. However, with the current costs of both living and dying increasing, families are looking for more affordable ways to say goodbye to their loved ones.

As concerns about overcrowding of cemeteries and the environmental impact of cremation rise, scientists have been eager to find novel methods of sending off our loved ones. One such method that appears promising is human composting. Here’s everything you need to know:   

Before planning a funeral, one of the biggest questions on most people’s minds is ‘How do I find a good funeral director?’ However, once you are in the room with them, there are a few questions you can ask to make sure you are being given a fair service.

Countries and cultures all have different timelines when it comes to burying their dead, however, in some cases, a funeral may need to be delayed beyond what is normally recognised. Here’s how that is managed in the UK, especially if you are looking for support with funeral planning in West Kent and Southeast London.

‘I’m sorry for your loss’. It’s been said so many times that many who have lost a loved one report that it’s not actually as helpful as many well-meaning attendants might think. We’ve helped thousands of families from across West Kent and South East London through some of their darkest moments. Here are the things they want to hear.

The average price of a funeral in the UK in 2026 depends on the type of service you choose, but the latest national figures show that costs remain significant for families. In this guide, we explain what the average cost of a funeral is in 2026, what is included, and how you can plan ahead to manage funeral costs with confidence.

Water cremation – often referred to as alkaline hydrolysis or resomation – is a novel method for cremating a body. Proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation and burial, companies are campaigning for wider availability in the UK, but how does it work, and could it form part of your funeral planning?

What are In Memoriam donations? Are there any restrictions? Do they replace flowers – or are they as well as? What about Gift Aid? We answer all your questions.

As a family-run, independent funeral director with over 30 years’ experience, we have noticed the steady drift towards cremation when families are arranging a funeral. However, burial or cremation remains a deeply personal choice, so this guide will help you understand the differences, costs and considerations before you decide.

Choosing a funeral director in Borough Green, Orpington and Chelsfield, Chislehurst and Bromley, Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells means placing your trust in people who will care for your loved one with dignity at every step. By getting to know the team at Welham Jones, you can feel reassured that your funeral arrangements are guided by compassion, respect and genuine human understanding.

Every year, we host a number of food collections across our branches to support the communities we serve. Now, as we begin Lent, we are holding our annual Easter egg appeal to help supply food banks and hospices across West Kent and South East London.

How can you find a reputable funeral director near you, who will take the time to understand you and the departed to help you shape a fitting tribute to them? We guide you through the questions to ask and the things to look out for.

Many funerals are not held for two to three weeks after the death. There are some cultural reasons for this, but also bureaucratic delays which are impacting families arranging funerals.

How can you find out the details of someone’s funeral, especially if you don’t want to contact the family in their time of grief? Our guide points you where to look.

Calm leadership and deep industry knowledge – the skills and expertise that make our Operations Manager a key part of the experience we offer to families across West Kent and Southeast London who need to arrange a funeral to remember their loved one.

One of the options you will be asked to consider when planning a funeral is whether you would like your loved one to be embalmed. If you’re planning your own funeral, you will be asked to consider whether you would like your body to be embalmed when the time comes. But what exactly is embalming? What does it involve? And is it always necessary?  

When a loved one dies, there are many decisions to make in a short space of time. Registering the death is one of the first legal steps required, yet it can feel daunting if you’re coping with grief. However, it is a crucial step in the funeral proceedings, one which you have not only an administrative, but also a legal duty to fulfil.

If you are planning a funeral, you may consider having a celebrant to conduct it for you. But what exactly can you expect from a celebrant? What can and can’t they do? And how do you go about finding the right one to create the perfect commemoration for your loved one? 

As a local, family-run funeral director, Welham Jones is known for taking care of families across West Kent and Southeast London. However, we take equal pride in how we look after our employees. So, what is it really like to work for Welham Jones? Read on to find out.