A memorial service gives you the chance to celebrate someone’s life properly.
Unlike a traditional funeral where everything’s rushed and you’re working to tight crematorium slots, a memorial service lets you breathe. You can plan something that actually feels right.
We’re Welham Jones, based on Crescent Road in Tunbridge Wells. We’ve been helping local families arrange funerals and memorial services since 2015. We’re not part of some big corporate chain, just a family business that knows Tunbridge Wells inside out.
A memorial service happens without the body present. Usually the person’s been cremated already, or sometimes buried quietly with just close family. Then you hold a bigger memorial service later for everyone else.
It gives you time. Time to get your head straight. Time to plan something decent instead of cobbling together a service in a week and a half because the crematorium only has one slot available.
We’ve arranged memorial services in all sorts of places across Tunbridge Wells. Church of King Charles the Martyr on Warwick Road [1] [2]. Village halls in Langton Green. Someone’s back garden in Pembury. Even Dunorlan Park [3] [4] once, which took some organising but worked beautifully.
The point is, you’ve got options.
Most families hold the memorial service about 4-6 weeks after someone dies. That gives you time to let people know, book a venue that matters, sort out photos and music.
But there’s no rule. We have done memorial services three months later. Six months later. A year later on someone’s birthday.
One family wanted to wait until summer so they could have it in their garden. Another waited until their son could fly back from Australia. That’s the beauty of it, you’re not racing against the clock.
Churches work well if your family’s got that connection. St Barnabas [5] on Stanley Road [6]. St Augustine’s Catholic Church [7], which is literally next door to our office [8]. Most local churches will let you hold a memorial service even if the person wasn’t a regular churchgoer.
But plenty of families want somewhere else. The Assembly Hall Theatre [9] [10] if someone loved the arts. Spa Valley Railway [11] [12] for a train fanatic. We once helped arrange a memorial service at a cricket club because the man had spent every Saturday there for 40 years.
Your own home works too. Some of the nicest memorial services we’ve seen have been in people’s gardens across Southborough and Bidborough. Everyone’s relaxed, there’s tea and sandwiches, people can chat properly.
There’s no set formula. That’s the whole point.
Most run for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll typically have some music, a few readings or poems, people standing up to share memories, someone doing a proper eulogy that tells the person’s story.
Photo slideshows work well, we can help sort that out. Gets people smiling, remembering good times.
A celebrant usually runs things, keeps it flowing, but we’ve done memorial services where family members took charge completely. Depends what you’re comfortable with.
If you’re not having a religious service with a vicar or priest, you’ll probably want a celebrant.
Good celebrants are worth their weight in gold. They’ll come round your house, sit with you for a couple of hours, ask questions about your mum or dad or whoever it is. Then they write a service that sounds like them. Captures their personality.
We work with several celebrants across West Kent. They charge around £255 usually, though it varies a bit.
Some celebrants are better than others, honestly. We can recommend people we know do a good job.
Christian memorial services might include hymns, Bible readings, prayers. Catholic families sometimes want a Memorial Mass.
We work with local priests and ministers who understand how to create something that feels personal, not just reading from the standard script.
For other religions, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, we can connect you with appropriate religious leaders. Each faith’s got its own traditions around remembering the dead.
Many families now want something without the religious side. These focus on celebrating the person, who they were, what they did, the people they loved.
Humanist celebrants specialise in this. They create ceremonies that are warm and meaningful without mentioning God or afterlife stuff. British Humanist Association [13] keeps a list of accredited celebrants covering Tunbridge Wells [14].
After 25 years we’ve seen some brilliant memorial services. Here’s what actually works:
Makes a massive difference. String quartet at the Amelia Scott [15] [16]. Jazz band at The Spa Hotel [17] [18]. We once had a full rock band in a village hall in Groombridge for someone who’d been in bands all his life.
Set up a table with photos, bits and pieces that meant something to the person. We’ve seen model trains, fishing tackle, cookbooks, vinyl records. Gives people something to look at and talk about.
Leave books out where people can write down memories. Family end up with this amazing collection of stories they’d never have heard otherwise.
Some families plant a tree together, or release butterflies. Sounds cheesy maybe, but when everyone’s standing there together doing it, it’s actually quite powerful.
Popular venues in Tunbridge Wells get booked up, especially weekends. You want to book 3-4 weeks ahead minimum.
Churches generally have more availability. Secular venues fill up faster.
Costs vary wildly. Church fees are about £270. Community centres might charge £100-£300. Hire out The Assembly Hall and you’re talking proper money, £500 upwards depending what’s included.
Most families do tea and cake or sandwiches after. Or proper reception at a pub or hotel.
The Bedford [19] on High Street [20] does memorial receptions. The Tunbridge Wells Hotel [21] at the Pantiles [22]. Salomons Estate [23] in Southborough [24]. Budget maybe £35 a head for decent food and drinks.
We can sort this out as part of our service, or you can organise it yourself. Whatever works for you.
Printed orders of service give people something to follow and take home. Include photos, poems, the running order.
We charge from £127* for 30 copies, more if you want fancy ones with loads of photos.
Memorial services sometimes include scattering or burying the ashes, though you don’t have to.
Kent and Sussex Crematorium [25] on Benhall Mill Road [26] sells plots for cremated remains. You can add a memorial stone later.
Most churches have gardens of remembrance. Church of King Charles the Martyr does. St John’s. Many of parish churches across the area.
Or keep them at home. Scatter them somewhere that mattered. We’ve got urns and caskets from £95* if you need something decent to keep them in.
Less than a full funeral because you’re not paying for coffin, hearse, crematorium fees.
Our fee for arranging and running a memorial service is £1,795*. That includes coordinating everything, liaising with venues and celebrants, providing staff on the day.
On top of that:
Typical total for a straightforward memorial service in Tunbridge Wells: £2,000-£3,500. Go elaborate and you might hit £5,000-£10,000.
We’ll give you a written estimate upfront. No hidden costs.
When someone contacts our Tunbridge Wells office, you’ll speak with a funeral arranger who actually knows the area.
We’ll come to your house if that’s easier, or you can visit our office on Crescent Road, opposite St Augustine’s Church.
We’ll talk through what you want to create, explain what’s possible, discuss costs. Then we handle the logistics, booking venues, coordinating suppliers, making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
You’re grieving. Last thing you need is chasing round trying to organise everything yourself.
On the day, our funeral director and team will be there. We coordinate with the venue and celebrant. Guide the family. Sort out any last-minute problems that come up.
We’re based in Tunbridge Wells but we cover all of West Kent and South East London.
We regularly arrange memorial services in Southborough, Langton Green, Pembury, Bidborough, Crowborough, Ashurst, Fordcombe, Groombridge, Lower Green, Horsmonden, Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Wadhurst, Heathfield, Lamberhurst.
Each place has its own character. Different venues, different local churches. We know them all.
We’re independent. Family-owned. Simon and Rebecca Welham run the business and personally oversee every funeral and memorial service.
Been part of Tunbridge Wells for over 10 years.
Families tell us they like the straightforward approach. We won’t push expensive options. We’ll tell you honestly what works and what doesn’t.
We’re SAIF members, Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. Professional standards matter to us.
But we’re also just local people who care about doing right by families in the community.
If you’re thinking about a memorial service, just give us a ring. No charge for an initial chat.
Call 01892 300330 or pop into our Tunbridge Wells funeral home at 39 Crescent Road. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Can do evenings or weekends if that suits you better.
We’ll talk through your thoughts, answer questions, give you realistic costs. Then you can think it over, absolutely no pressure.
When you’re ready, we’ll sit down properly and plan everything. Get details about your loved one, discuss the ceremony, confirm arrangements, provide a written estimate.
After that we handle it all. You’ll have a direct contact here who you can phone anytime. We’ll keep you updated as things come together.
No fixed rule. Most families do 4-6 weeks later, but we’ve done them months afterwards. Pick timing that works for you and the people who matter.
Yes, many families do. Small private funeral for close family, then bigger memorial service later for friends and everyone else.
No, you can sort it yourself. But most families find having someone coordinate everything makes life easier when you’re grieving.
Used to be all black. Now it’s more relaxed. Some families say “no black – wear bright colours.” Others still prefer traditional dark clothing. Your call entirely.
Anywhere from 20 to 200 really. Gives you an idea for picking a venue.
*NOTE: Prices as of November 2025
You have several options in Tunbridge Wells. Kent and Sussex Cemetery and most local churches have gardens of remembrance. You can keep ashes at home in an urn (we stock these from £95). Or scatter them somewhere meaningful – though you need permission from landowners or councils. Some families incorporate ash scattering into the memorial service itself.
No, you can sort it yourself. But most families find having someone coordinate everything makes life easier when you’re grieving. We handle venue bookings, liaise with celebrants, arrange orders of service, coordinate catering, and manage everything on the day so you can focus on being with family.
[1] Church of King Charles the Martyr, website https://www.kcmtw.org/
[2] Church of King Charles the Martyr, 3 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BLwNwFtQ52jGnhwx9
[3] Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells councile website, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/community-and-leisure/parks-and-play-areas/dunorlan-park
[4] Dunorlan Park, Pembury Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QN, https://maps.app.goo.gl/yQMcpSfRN9QFmMrJ6
[5] St Barnabas’ Church, website https://www.sbtwells.org/
[6] St Barnabas’ Church, Stanley Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2RH, https://maps.app.goo.gl/K6CFfwCUzNbqe2zUA
[7] St Augustine’s Catholic Church, website http://www.st-augustine.co.uk/
[8] St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY, https://maps.app.goo.gl/CWB5hhyoa4JjjFSf8
[9] Assembly Hall Theatre, website https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/
[10] Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU, https://maps.app.goo.gl/txhNzG3JXFtJf1f66
[11] Spa Valley Railway, website https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/
[12] Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY, https://maps.app.goo.gl/fx1vsunTPHa7YNhf7
[13] British Humanist Association, website https://humanists.uk/
[14] Humanist Ceremonies by Humanists UK, Humanist funeral celebrants in Royal Tunbridge Wells, https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/find-a-celebrant/funerals/royal-tunbridge-wells/
[15] The Amelia Scott, website, https://theamelia.co.uk/get-involved/room-hire-at-the-amelia-scott.html
[16] The Amelia Scott, Civic Way, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS, https://maps.app.goo.gl/RaW828iTp4qcbK3d6
[17] The Spa Hotel, website, https://www.spahotel.co.uk/
[18] The Spa Hotel, Langton Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8XJ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/hLdfiJ48kQ1gFs8s6
[19] The Bedford, website, https://www.thebedfordtw.co.uk/
[20] The Bedford, 2 High St, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX, https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Vc624q53vfLyuVN6
[21] The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, website https://thetunbridgewellshotel.com/
[22] The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, 58 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD, https://maps.app.goo.gl/hUmSS4kHMhAiB2jY6
[23] Salomons Estate, website, https://www.salomons-estate.com/
[24] Salomons Estate, Broomhill Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG, https://maps.app.goo.gl/t2uF9TWFuM3vZkfJ8
[25] Kent and Sussex Crematorium, website, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/
[26] Kent and Sussex Crematorium, Benhall Mill Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/yvZxUfCWbQ8sVdxM9
Address:
39 Crescent Rd
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2LZ
How to find us: Map
Phone: 01892 300330
Email: tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: appointment only
For community deaths outside those hours, we also provide a 24/7 response, 365 days of the year.
