Last updated April 2022
Covid 19 restrictions on funerals
At midnight on the 24th March 2022 the Coronavirus Act 2020 came to an end, which means that any restrictions previously applied to funerals have been lifted. Most restrictions had already been eased prior to that date.
The process of registering a death has reverted to in person appointments (rather than telephone appointments as was the case during Covid restrictions). We are finding that it now takes longer to get an appointment unfortunately, so please do not delay requesting an appointment once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued.
At points during the Covid-19 Pandemic, there were restrictions on funerals, particularly in terms of how many can attend a funeral (at one point there was a limit of 30 people). These restrictions were largely lifted from July 2021.
Each venue will have their own legacy policies – for example, hymn books may not be provided or the wearing of face coverings recommended. Please contact us or the specific venue for more detailed guidance if needed.
Burial funerals without a church service may need to be graveside only due to some cemetery chapels remaining closed, this is a legacy of the Covid restrictions, but may also be due to a lack of resources.
So from our perspective, funerals are running normally, with large attendances allowed. However, we have seen a general shift towards smaller, more intimate ceremonies as some families continue to opt for a more simple, informal style despite the ending of Covid restrictions.
We will work with you to help you achieve the right funeral for your family, whether an unattended funeral (Direct Cremation), an attended simple funeral with no formal service (No Fuss Pre-10am Cremation) or you would like a service led for you by a celebrant or minister with additional personal touch points (Personalised Cremation).
We do also offer a unique choice at GreenAcres Chiltern or Clandon Wood for a cremation funeral – when you feel a need for private, unhurried time (read more about this option here).
We have provided a list of venues suitable for a funeral reception here.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR FUNERAL SERVICES
Funeral choices available
Cremation funerals:
Direct Cremation
- This is a funeral without a service (the funeral of choice for David Bowie), we just organise the cremation and the return of the ashes.
- Cost £950 + 3rd party costs
No Fuss Pre-10am Cremation
- When a direct cremation feels too remote and you wish to be at the chapel but do not want a formal service. Listen to music, share memories – we can advise. This service is held at either Mortlake, Putney Vale or Kingston Crematorium as they all offer a discounted rate pre-10am.
- Cost: £1,550 + 3rd party costs
Personalised Cremation Funeral during lockdown
- Service can be minister or celebrant led to help structure a service that will make the most of the time available. Options for transport, coffins, flowers help to personalise the touches that are important to you – or just keep things really simple. Crematorium service time is typically 20 – 30 minutes depending on the crematorium.
- Cost: £1,950 + 3rd party costs and options
Alternative Cremation Venue
- This is an entirely different experience for a funeral – at either GreenAcres Chiltern (Beaconsfield) or Clandon Wood (near Guildford). The service takes place in a beautiful Woodland Hall surrounded by forest or a glass-walled Pavilion in a meadow, you have up to an hour of time. There is no conveyor belt that you find at the crematorium, it will feel like your own private space.
- Cost, £2,250 + 3rd party costs and options
Burial funerals
Direct to graveside
- With most cemetery chapels closed, the service is held direct at graveside.
- Cost £1,950 + 3rd party fees + options
Church + graveside
- Churches can accommodate a large funeral service, with the committal taking place at the cemetery graveside.
- Cost £2,250 + 3rd party fees + options