Funerals

The beauty of human beings is that we are all utterly unique: our likes and dislikes, our quirks and oddities, our passions, and persuasions; each of these help to make up a life loved. A life is not some abstract concept, it is 3D, it is palpable, it has a tangible effect on those around it, and at Welham Jones, we believe in creating funerals which truly honour this.
In our thirty years as family-run local funeral directors, serving families across West Kent and Southeast London, we have mastered the art of creating bespoke funerals that are as unique as the person they are celebrating. However, we’ve also noticed that many families are not aware of all the ways they can tailor their funeral, so we have created this guide to help break down what can be customised, what can’t, and the variety of requests we’ve seen throughout the years to prove that nothing is too great or too grand when it comes to celebrating the life of someone special.

For some families, the moment the curtains close at a funeral can be unexpectedly unsettling. Such a simple act can leave you feeling off balance—suddenly unsure where your loved one has gone, what is happening to them, and when they will be returned to you. The world behind the curtain can feel strangely distant, elusive, separate from your own. It may sound surprising, but in our 30+ years supporting families across the Southeast, we know these thoughts are more common than you might think. That is why we want to help—by dispelling the myths, sharing the facts, and offering some gentle reassurance about what really happens beyond the curtain.

Through 30+ years of working local funeral directors across West Kent and Southeast London, we’ve seen society get progressively better at speaking to loved ones about funerals, meaning that a lot of the mystery and myth surrounding our trade has – thankfully – started to clear. However, one question that we are still often asked is ‘what does a funeral arranger do?’ We sat down with Tunbridge Wells’ funeral arranger Sam O’flynn to find out the responsibilities, trials and triumphs that come with being a funeral arranger.

The funeral cortege – the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony – has long been seen as a purely functional aspect of the service; a way from get from A to B. However, at Welham Jones, we believe that there are a whole host of opportunities that hide between these two little letters, and that the cortege it is an often-overlooked opportunity for loved ones to reminisce one last time. So, what are the popular sights that bring back memories for Tonbridge locals? and how can you customise your cortege?

Planning a funeral, whether for a loved one or for yourself in advance, is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also one that often has to be made quickly, and during a time of great emotional stress. That’s why it’s so important to feel confident that the funeral director you choose is the right fit for your family. As a family-run, independent funeral director with branches across West Kent and South East London, we understand how crucial trust, transparency and compassion are when supporting someone through loss. Here’s how to make sure you’re in safe hands from the very start.

As a local, independent, family-run funeral director, we know the importance of putting an empathetic, compassionate face to a name, and being able to build a rapport with your funeral director. This is why it is our pleasure to introduce Tonbridge locals to Rosanna Hayward, our passionate and committed funeral arranger, overseeing our Tonbridge operations.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to rage on, there is sadly no better news when it comes to funeral costs. SunLife recently released their Cost of Dying Report 2025 and found that it is currently more expensive than ever to die. But what do these statistics really mean? Where is your – or your loved ones’ – money going? And what financing options are available to ease stress in an already emotional time?

As a funeral director serving communities across West Kent and South East London, I’ve witnessed firsthand how music can profoundly shape a farewell. Whether you’re arranging a funeral in Sevenoaks, considering a pre-paid funeral plan in Tonbridge, or simply exploring options in Chislehurst and Bromley, understanding the role of music can be invaluable.

Today, cremation is the most popular choice when it comes to funerals in the UK. As funeral directors operating across West Kent and South East London, Welham Jones Funeral Directors see first hand how it outranks burial even more sharply in this crowded corner of the country where land is at a premium. Yet, surprisingly, just under a 150 years ago, the practice was still illegal. Why was that, and what changed for it to overtake traditional burials?

Choosing a funeral director is an important decision. Organising a funeral for a loved one – or planning your own funeral – is a key milestone event in your life. But how can you tell whether the funeral directors you are considering will treat you with professionalism, respect and empathy, that they will treat your loved one with dignity, and that they will deliver on the day? Our guide will help you make the right choice.