Thoughtful Planning and Continuous Support

We are here to guide you through the process seamlessly, offering complete peace of mind from your first phone call until the arrangements are fully complete.

A Service Shaped Entirely Around Your Family

A meaningful funeral is defined simply by what brings comfort to those left behind and respects the life being celebrated. Whether your loved one left behind clear instructions—such as an entry in a will, a pre-arranged funeral plan, or a casual chat—or you find yourself starting completely from the beginning, our team is here to support you. We will gently walk you through every available choice to create a completely personal farewell.

Important Information

  • We provide expert direction and compassionate support, handling all documentation and statutory requirements on your behalf.
  • The nominated lead organiser should hold the family’s collective authority to make final decisions and provide our team with instructions.
  • There is no legal deadline for holding a funeral in the UK.
  • We offer an end-to-end service, overseeing all communication with cemeteries, crematoria and officiants to ensure a flawless service.
  • We guarantee total transparency by providing a clear, itemised written estimate of all expected fees before any final service takes place.

Authority to Act:

The person arranging the funeral must have the family’s authority to make final decisions and provide instructions.

Honouring Wishes:

Whether following a will, a prepaid plan, or starting from scratch, we will help you navigate every choice to create a fitting tribute.

Timing:

While UK funerals typically take place within 10–14 days, there is no legal timeframe; we can expedite or delay arrangements to suit your family’s needs.

Full Coordination:

We manage all communication with cemeteries, crematoria, and officiants, ensuring all legal requirements are met seamlessly.

Transparent Costs:

You will receive a clear, comprehensive written estimate of all charges before the service takes place.

Type of Funeral

There is no set template you must follow, the final choice rests entirely with you and your family as you look to create a fitting farewell.

Traditional Cremation Service:

This involves a complete funeral service attended by mourners at a crematorium chapel. The day frequently incorporates a traditional hearse procession, a private viewing at our chapel of rest, and a post-funeral reception. Local crematoria chapels can be utilised for the full ceremony or a short committal service following a prior service elsewhere. Standard time allocations apply, but extensions are available upon request. Every cremation is handled individually and respectfully. The ashes are securely stored in a designated container within the chapel facility until collection or interment is arranged.

Traditional Burial:

Burial options allow you to hold a ceremony at a place of worship or alternative venue prior to interment, or a focused service right by the grave. Interments can utilise an existing family plot (subject to checking the original documentation) or a newly purchased grave. Local councils generally offer a selection of grave types and cemetery locations, making a prior visit highly recommended. All associated costs, including plot purchases, grave reopening fees, and headstone removal, are completely itemised during your arrangement meeting. These fees vary by district, with non-resident charges often being considerably higher. Alternative options like eco-friendly woodland burials, vaults, or maritime burials at sea are also available.

Direct Cremation (Unattended):

Our direct cremation service provides a respectful, unattended cremation conducted locally without a service or congregation present. Your loved one is transferred into our care by our experienced staff. Our team takes care of all essential logistics, safely arranging the cremation and returning the ashes directly to your family. We hold this quiet option to our highest standards of honesty, respect, and meticulous professional care.

Selecting a Ceremony Style

Designing a service is entirely your choice. Our experienced team are on hand to advise you on different ceremony structures and outline how your choices affect the broader scheduling of the day.

Religious Ceremonies:

We recognise and respect that every faith carries its own customs and heritage when honouring a life. Backed by decades of multi-faith experience, our family team coordinates seamlessly with your local religious leaders to ensure all traditional requirements are met. Alternatively, we can introduce you to an appropriate, trusted faith representative while managing all logistics and communication with your chosen house of worship.

Non-Religious Options:

For a service without religious elements, a dedicated civil celebrant can help you craft a meaningful farewell. By meeting with you ahead of the funeral, they build a bespoke tribute around the personal milestones and unique character of your loved one, overseeing the entire flow of the service to ensure everything flows exactly as your family intended. To support your choices, we can connect you with trusted celebrants who specialise in creating highly personalised celebrations of life. We can also manage all scheduling and venue logistics directly with the celebrant.

Finding the Right Format for Your Family

Our team is here to help you select a ceremony style that feels completely fitting. If you are feeling uncertain about how to begin, we will gently guide you through every choice at your own pace.

Visiting Your Loved One in the Chapel of Rest

Spending quiet time with a loved one before the funeral can be a meaningful part of saying goodbye. However, making the choice to view the deceased is a deeply personal one. For many, it brings a sense of comfort and closure, while others may find it overwhelming. There is no right or wrong choice. If you are struggling with your decision, our team is always here to offer guidance.

When arranging a funeral we will take the time to discuss how you would like your loved one to be dressed. Choosing a favourite outfit—perhaps a cherished suit, a well-loved dress, a uniform, or even a favourite team shirt—can be a meaningful way to honour their personality and the memories you hold dear. Alternatively, we can provide a funeral gowns if you prefer.

To help our dedicated team present your loved one as naturally as possible, we suggest providing any dentures or glasses they typically wore.

You are also most welcome to bring items of personal significance, such as a photograph, a letter, or a favourite flower, to be placed within the coffin. Please be assured that these precious items will remain undisturbed.

For your peace of mind, all jewellery and personal effects are carefully recorded as soon as they are entrusted to our care. We will consult with you to confirm whether you would like these items to remain with your loved one or be returned to you.

Should you choose to personally prepare your loved one, whether for personal or religious reasons, you are welcome to utilise our professional facilities. We would be honoured to assist and guide you.

Our team will walk you gently through what to expect and tailor to your wishes.

Personalising your service 

Every life is unique, and we believe a funeral should be a true reflection of the individual it honours. We offer a comprehensive range of services to help you personalise the day, celebrate cherished memories, and create a lasting tribute that resonates with family and friends.

Whether it is through selecting a meaningful venue beyond traditional chapels, curating a bespoke playlist of favourite music, or designing a personalised coffin that reflects a lifelong passion, we are here to help you explore the many ways to make the service unique.

Writing the Eulogy

A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.

Music

Music can be an important and personal element of any funeral or memorial service. You might consider choosing hymns or songs that held special meaning for your loved one, or that resonate with your family’s shared memories.

Our team is happy to advise and source any particular music requests you may have, whether it’s recorded music or live performers; such as professional organist, soloists, or even a Piper to lead and play at the service, ensuring the music is a fitting tribute.

Catering

After the service, many families choose to gather, share memories, and offer support to one another.

We can help you organise a simple reception or something more tailored to your wishes.

Writing the Eulogy

A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.

Customising the Funeral Arrangement

Every life is unique. We believe a funeral service should beautifully reflect the personality and values of the person who has passed. We offer a full suite of services to help you tailor the ceremony, celebrate precious moments, and create a fitting legacy for loved ones.

Words from the
Families We’ve Helped

I highly recommend H L Hawes & Son
They were so kind and caring and supportive to my family, though this difficult time. I would personally like to thank all the staff but give a special thanks to Richard for everything he did for us . We wanted Dad to have a lovely send off and that's what he got
The team is lovely
Special thanks to Brett who guided the family during a difficult time and was on hand to deal with all requests & queries. He made the process seamless. We had a traditional Hindu funeral and they accommodated all our needs. Thank you
We would like to take the time to Thank You
Thank You all for the very professional and amazing way looked after the final stages for my cousin’s funeral and memorial service. Your attention was wonderful. From the funeral home to the celebrant and the printer of the Order of Service . Nothing was left out .
Sensitive and professional, also with other traditions/religions (e.g. Sikhism)
We cannot thank Richard, Marc and the team enough. Came highly recommended, would highly recommend.
H L Hawes recently conducted the funeral of my late father.
They were so helpful throughout the whole process, and provided such a professional service before and on the day. I especially want to thank Lorraine, for all her patience, understanding, and support. You were amazing. Thank you all for ensuring my father had such a good send off.
We used H L Hawes to handle my Mum's funeral. The friendly team led by Brett gave us a such a perfect day.
They were so efficient and sympathetic throughout the weeks leading up to the event and that made it so much easier for us. They thought of everything – and it all went off so smoothly without a hitch. It was all just as Mum would have wanted, full of dignity and respect. I have no hesitation in recommending them for outstanding service .
We used H L Hawes & Son for my little sister funeral. They was so professional, polite, understanding and respectful.
Their communication and organisation was so amazing. I cannot thank Brett and team enough and forever grateful for giving my sister an amazing send off.
Thank you to Brett and Richard for helping the family to organise our Mum's funeral.
Obviously this is a very emotional time and they were both on hand, with nothing too much trouble, enabling us to rightly celebrate our Mum's life with dignity but not at all stuffy. Mum would have been proud.

Community Voice

Supporting Families Beyond the Funeral
At West & Coe, care doesn’t stop at the service. Learn about our continued support for grieving families — from local groups to helpful resources you can access anytime.
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New Podcast: Planning Ahead with Confidence
In this episode, we speak with our funeral planning team about the benefits of preparing your wishes in advance — and how it can ease the burden on loved ones.
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Honouring a Life, Your Way
From dove releases to bespoke floral arrangements, discover how families are adding meaningful personal touches to create unique and heartfelt farewells.
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Local Matters: Backing Dagenham FC
We’re proud to sponsor Dagenham Football Club this season — one of the many ways we stay connected to the communities we serve.
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