A Guide for Families in South West London & Surrey
Arranging a funeral is never easy, and it can feel even more daunting when faith traditions, cultural customs, or religious practices are involved. At White Rose Modern Funerals, we support families of all beliefs and backgrounds across South West London and Surrey, from our Twickenham office, with care, clarity and respect.
This guide offers a thoughtful overview of funeral customs across a range of faiths. While every family and individual is unique, understanding these traditions can help ensure arrangements feel appropriate, dignified and true to the person who has died.
Please note: these are general guidelines. Individual wishes always come first.
Christian Funeral Customs
Christian funeral practices vary widely between denominations and families. Burial or cremation may be chosen, and services can be religious or more contemporary in style. Many families appreciate prayers, hymns or scripture readings, while others prefer quiet reflection or simple words of remembrance.
White Rose Modern Funerals works closely with churches, vicars and families to create ceremonies that feel personal and meaningful.
Muslim Funeral Customs
Muslim funerals usually take place as soon as possible after death. Burial is preferred, and cremation is not permitted. The body is washed, wrapped in a plain cloth and positioned facing Mecca. Men typically care for male bodies and women for female bodies.
We regularly support Muslim families in Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston and Surrey, ensuring arrangements are handled promptly and respectfully.
Jewish Funeral Customs
In Jewish tradition, burial takes place quickly, often within 24 hours. The Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society) prepares the body, which is wrapped in a simple white shroud. Cremation is generally avoided.
At White Rose Modern Funerals, we liaise sensitively with Jewish families and burial societies to ensure customs are fully honoured.
Hindu Funeral Customs
Hindu funerals typically involve cremation. The body is washed, dressed and positioned carefully, with jewellery and religious items left in place. Families may gather for prayers, and rituals are often led by a priest.
We regularly support Hindu families across South West London and Surrey, helping coordinate crematoria, priests and ceremonial needs.
Sikh Funeral Customs
Sikh funerals usually involve cremation, with prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib. The Five Ks should remain with the body, and expressions of grief tend to be dignified and restrained.
Our team understands the importance of these traditions and works closely with Sikh families to ensure respectful arrangements.
Buddhist Funeral Customs
Buddhist beliefs often emphasise calmness and mindfulness around death. Chanting or quiet reflection may take place, and cremation is common. The body should be treated gently and with respect, as many Buddhists believe the soul may linger for a time after death.
Humanist or Non-religious Funerals
Humanist or non-religious funerals focus on celebrating the life of the person who has died. Services are often led by a celebrant and reflect the individual’s values, personality and relationships.
White Rose Modern Funerals specialises in simple, modern and non-religious funerals, helping families create ceremonies that feel honest and heartfelt.
Other Faiths and Belief Systems
We also regularly support families from Jain, Pagan, Rastafarian, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, Chinese and Japanese traditions. Practices may include cremation or burial, ritual jewellery, chanting, meditation or joyful remembrance.
Whatever the belief system, our approach is always the same: listen first, guide gently, and honour what matters most.
Supporting Families Across South West London & Surrey
From our Twickenham funeral office, White Rose Modern Funerals supports families across:
We are experienced in faith-based, non-religious and modern funeral arrangements, and we take the time to understand each family’s needs.
A Funeral That Feels Right
If you’re unsure how to navigate religious or cultural funeral customs, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help you make informed, compassionate choices, without pressure or unnecessary formality.
Get in touch with White Rose Modern Funerals to talk things through, ask questions, or explore options at your own pace – you can call us on 020 3281 1045.
