What Happens To the Coffin After the Curtains Closes at a Funeral

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Funeral FAQs

What Happens When the Curtains Close at a UK Crematorium?

In a crematorium where the curtains close around the coffin, or we leave the chapel, what happens to that coffin? Behind the catafalque, which is the thing the coffin was placed on, are hidden doors, or some mechanism by which the coffin could be transported on rollers through into another building, which is called the crematory.

Within the crematory are the cremators, and the coffin is put in front of the cremator, the doors will open and a hydraulic ram on the trolley will push the coffin very quickly into the cremator. The door closed behind it, and the process, which is computerized, then takes place. Now, for many religions, Hindus and Sikhs in particular, witnessing that charging, is important to them as they would normally in their own religion, have the cremation take place on an open pyre. That can be accommodated by most crematoria with limited numbers of people.

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Tonbridge Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
164 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1BB

Tel: 01732 617171

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Swanley Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

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Bromley & Chislehurst Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
4 Belmont Parade, Green Ln, Chislehurst BR7 6AN

Tel: 020 8467 2222

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Bromley%20And%20Chislehurst

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Borough Green Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
43 Western Rd, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 7AN

Tel: 01732 780600

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Sevenoaks Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
156 London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DJ

Tel: 01732 742400

https://welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Sevenoaks

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Swanley Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/6cqrE4rVDUKqWJDC8

Tunbridge Wells Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
39 Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2JZ

Tel: 01892 300330

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/TunbridgeWells

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Chelsfield & Orpington Funeral Directors

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
9 Windsor Dr, Chelsfield, Orpington BR6 6EY

Tel: 01689 452525

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Orpington%20And%20Chelsfield

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29 Apr 2026

What questions should I ask a funeral director?

by Rebecca Welham

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.

22 Apr 2026

How long can I delay before holding a funeral in the UK?

by Simon Welham

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.

15 Apr 2026

What should I say at a funeral?

by Rebecca Welham

‘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.