FAQs

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.

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.

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 the festive season approaches, you may be wondering how your local funeral director will be available should you need support. At what can already be an emotional time of year, knowing when you can reach a trusted team offers invaluable reassurance. 

Registering a death is one of the first legal steps that must be taken after someone passes away — but it can be difficult to know when, how, and where to do it. As experienced funeral directors serving West Kent and Southeast London, Welham Jones Funeral Directors are here to help guide you through what can feel like an overwhelming process at a very emotional time. 

Over our 30 years supporting families throughout West Kent and Southeast London, we have seen more and more families wanting to personalise their send-off in ways that are as unique as their loved ones – and we have seen them getting more and more creative with it, too. But within that, one ancient form of customisation has been lost – the flowers. Here, we delve into the tradition of flowers at funerals, what each one symbolises, and how you can combine them to convey a quiet message to your loved one.

Losing a loved one is hard. But when a loved one loses a loved one, the hard part is knowing how to act. Do they want to talk? Or fondly reminisce in silence? Do you say, “I’m so sorry,” when you both know all the apologies in the world cannot bring them back? Should you bring them a casserole? And is it even possible to bake a heartful of love and support into a freezer meal?
Everyone grieves differently, but recent data from Theos Think Tank (2023) gives us helpful insights into the most common ways people seek support during bereavement. If you are supporting someone in West Kent or Southeast London, this research – and our guidance – may help you feel more confident in your compassion.