cremation & burial services
An attended funeral offers an opportunity to say goodbye but also to remember the happy memories and positive experiences you shared with the deceased. Whether it is a traditional religious ceremony or a modern celebration of life, at Head & Wheble, our devoted team will help you plan a dignified funeral that is a fitting tribute of their life.
Cremation Funerals
This is our leading cremation funeral service offered in Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch. Cremation funerals provide families with a dignified and flexible way to honour and remember their loved ones. As an alternative to a traditional burial, cremation allows for personalised ceremonies, ranging from simple gatherings to fully bespoke memorial services, accommodating a wide variety of beliefs, wishes, and circumstances. The process is managed with care and professionalism, supporting families through their bereavement and ensuring the memory of the deceased is respected at every step.
Burial Funerals
A burial funeral is a time-honoured tradition that offers families a meaningful way to say farewell to a loved one. Rooted in centuries of custom, burial services allow mourners to gather, reflect, and celebrate a life lived, surrounded by the support of family and friends. Whether chosen for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, burial funerals provide the opportunity for a final resting place that can be visited and cared for over generations. Each service can be tailored to reflect the unique wishes and values of the deceased and their family, ensuring a dignified and respectful tribute that honours cherished memories.
The main three burial grounds in England & Wales are:
Council owned cemeteries,
Church of England churchyards
Privately owned woodland burial grounds
Most venues offer a service chapel within the grounds of the cemetery prior to the burial. Funeral venues with no burial grounds or reception areas will require mourners to travel between the different locations. It is important to disclose all the information prior to the funeral service to the mourners attending so they can plan accordingly. Our cortege will assist on the day of the funeral to transfer immediate family and selected friends to all the venues where necessary.
Graveside Service
A graveside service provides families with a straightforward, personal way to say goodbye at the burial site. It allows mourners to gather, share memories, and pay respects in a peaceful setting, offering comfort and a lasting place to visit and remember.
Who leads the service?
There are various individuals who may lead a funeral service, each bringing their own approach and style to the proceedings:
celebrant
A celebrant is a professional who specialises in creating personalised funeral ceremonies. They often work closely with the family to ensure the service reflects the life, beliefs, and wishes of the deceased, whether religious or non-religious in nature.
Minister
A minister is typically associated with a particular faith or denomination and will conduct a funeral service in line with religious traditions and teachings. Ministers often include prayers, hymns, and readings as part of the ceremony
humanist
A humanist celebrant leads non-religious funerals, focusing on celebrating the life of the individual without reference to religious beliefs. These services often feature personal tributes, music, and readings that reflect the personality and values of the deceased.
family led
In some instances, family members or close friends may choose to lead the service themselves. This approach allows for a highly personal and intimate tribute, enabling loved ones to share memories and stories directly.
Roman Catholic
A priests leads funeral rites that follow the Church’s liturgy, offering prayers, scripture readings, blessings, and the celebration of the Requiem Mass, with a strong focus on prayers for the soul of the departed. Their presence brings comfort and continuity, drawing on centuries of tradition and ritual.
Church of England
An Anglican priest or minister presides over the funeral, blending formal liturgy with personal reflections. The service typically includes traditional prayers, hymns, a eulogy or address, and readings from the Bible, offering support and spiritual assurance to the bereaved within the framework of Anglican faith.
Free Church
Ministers including those from Methodist, United Reformed, Congregational, and other nonconformist backgrounds—lead services that reflect the distinct ethos of their congregations. These ceremonies are often personal and participative, featuring prayers, hymns, and eulogies, with a focus on comfort, hope, and the enduring bonds of love and community.
Over the years we have built a good relationship with every type of funeral officiant. Depending on the deceased and families religious or non-religious beliefs. This is discussed during the funeral arrangement, and we will often contact and arrange a funeral officiant as part of our service. You may already know who you would like to hold the service. If you don’t we can discuss this with you and appoint the correct officiant for you.
funeral director
While funeral directors primarily organise and manage the practical aspects of the service, they can also step in to lead the ceremony if requested, especially in cases where no religious or celebrant leader is present.
The choice of who leads the funeral service is a deeply personal decision and can be influenced by the wishes of the deceased, family preferences, and the type of ceremony desired.
What to include during the Service?
music
Music can set the tone for the service, whether it’s a favourite song of the deceased, a classical piece, or any track that evokes meaningful memories. It may be played as people gather, during moments of reflection, or at the close of the ceremony.
live music
Live performances, such as a singer, choir, or instrumentalist, can bring a personal touch to the service. This might include hymns, songs, or instrumental pieces that were significant to the deceased or their loved ones.
memory pictiures
Displaying photographs or a slideshow allows attendees to reflect on different moments from the person’s life. These images can help celebrate their story and provide comfort to those present.
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech given by a family member, friend, or celebrant that shares memories, achievements, and the character of the person who has died. It serves as a central tribute and personal reflection.
Themed Tribute with Music
A themed tribute may involve music and readings that follow a particular motif or aspect of the deceased’s life, such as their passions, career, or a cause close to their heart, adding a unique and meaningful element to the service.
poems
Poetry can offer comfort and express emotions that are difficult to put into words. Selected poems might be read by loved ones or the person leading the service, providing moments of reflection and solace.
hymns
Hymns are traditional songs of praise often included in religious funerals. Singing together can foster a sense of unity and collective remembrance.
Biblical Teachings
Readings from the Bible or other religious texts are typically included in services led by a minister, offering spiritual comfort, guidance, and hope during a time of loss.
What is a pre-paid funeral plan?
A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family. A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.
Flowers
Floral tributes may be delivered to our premises on the morning of the funeral.
If required, a list of flowers received can be made and given to the family. Advice on the selection of floral tributes is available from our staff, enlisting the guidance of a local florist, at moderate charges incorporated in our account, so no payment is necessary at the time of selection.
If required, a list of flowers received can be made and given to the family. Advice on the selection of floral tributes is available from our staff, enlisting the guidance of a local florist, at moderate charges incorporated in our account, so no payment is necessary at the time of selection.
What happens after the Service?
Following the service, attendees typically gather for a committal or burial if this forms part of the arrangements, or they may proceed directly to a crematorium for a final farewell. Afterwards, it is customary for family and friends to come together for a reception or wake, offering an opportunity to share memories, express condolences, and celebrate the life of the person who has passed away. This gathering can take place at a family home, community hall, or another venue of significance, with refreshments often provided to those in attendance. The tone of the post-service gathering may range from formal to informal, reflecting the wishes of the deceased or their loved ones, and may include further tributes, music, or readings as people continue to come to terms with their loss.
Additional Funeral Services
Online Obituaries
ncluded in our services we provide online obituaries of the deceased through our Much-Loved Portal. Once we have created the obituary an email will be sent to the person organising the funeral to take ownership of the page to modify. Modifications include add pictures, poems or even lighting a digital candle. The obituary can be shared to social media platform to gain awareness and online donations.
Private Chapels Of Rest
Our Private Chapels of Rest are quiet and peaceful with tasteful furnishings so that the deceased will rest in tranquillity until the day of the Funeral Service. Often relatives and friends can find considerable comfort in being able to visit the deceased to pay their last respects. We can arrange visits at any time, during the day or evening, at weekends or on public holidays, whichever is convenient to the mourners.
Newspaper Notices
Advice on the compilation of death notices, obituary notices and acknowledgements to be placed in local and national newspapers. Some organisations will only accept notices given by Funeral Directors or agents. We can be responsible for the insertions and the charges recorded in our account.
Limousine And Chauffer Services
Our Limousine chauffeur services provide comfortable seating for SIX PERSONS per limousine. For larger groups we can offer multiple vehicles to accommodate for as many people as you require. The seating arrangements are two rows of three. Collections can be organised from train stations, airports, bus stations and various other locations specified.
On the day of the funeral there are different arrangements than can be made and from different destinations all wishing to travel to the funeral venue.
We have put together a list of different scenarios for your consideration.
1
Hearse and Limousine(s) cortege to agreed designated address then onto funeral venue
2
Hearse direct to funeral venue – Limousine to collect mourners from designated address and meet at funeral venue.
3
Limousine to meet Hearse Cortege on route to funeral venue after collection from designated address.
4
Mourners meet at our funeral home. Hearse & Limousine Cortege to start from there.
On arrival at a designated address, we are aware they may be additional cars wanting to follow in convoy. We have assigned car flags to keep people together but is never guaranteed the following cars will be able to stay with us whilst driving to the funeral venue. Directions on Satellite Navigation are always recommended so everyone arrives on time.
Suitable transport can be arranged for mourners who are disabled and, in a wheelchair, wishing to attend the funeral. An agreed destination will need to be confirmed prior to collection from an assigned home, nursing home or address to the funeral service and reception (If applicable).
Donations
We accept online donations, cheques (made payable to the chosen charity) and cash donations which we forward onto the charity once the funeral has taken place. We will agree with you during the arrangement if you have a chosen charity you would like to support. We also provide a list of charitable donations received and the total raised.
Vehicle Fleet
Our vehicle fleet comprises of:
Traditional Black Hearse
Mercedes Hearse
Limousine
Silver Mercedes Private Ambulance
Black Mercedes Executive Saloon
Mercedes Executive Estate
Alternative Hearse Transportation Vehicles:
Horse & Carriage
Silver Hearse & Limousine
Multi-Coloured Hearse
Electric Fleet
Motorbike Hearse Side Carraige (Trike also available)
Steam Engine Hearse
Land Rover
Fire Engine
Silver Hearse & Limousine
Multi-Coloured Hearse
Electric Fleet
Motorbike Hearse Side Carraige (Trike also available)
Steam Engine Hearse
Land Rover
Fire Engine
Catering & Accommodation
Following the funeral on the day many families would like to organise a reception or wake to offer the opportunity to socialise and remember the deceased with stories that weren’t shared during the funeral service. This occasion offers the mourners to share their memories usually with accompanied by food and drink. There are many venues across BCP that can accommodate funeral receptions offering packages to tailor to your needs. We can advise you on the right cater or venue based on your numbers and budget.
Family and friends of the deceased may be travelling from oversees or from areas of the United Kingdom to attend the funeral service and may wish to stay overnight as it can often to be too far travel all in one day. We can help arrange accommodation or suggest convenient venues for this purpose.
Additional Information
Funeral of more than one deceased
When arranging a funeral for more than one deceased, we offer sensitive and comprehensive support tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual. Our experienced team will work closely with you to coordinate the ceremony, ensuring that the wishes and beliefs of each deceased are honoured. We can liaise with appropriate officiants or ministers, manage logistical details, and provide guidance throughout, maintaining dignity and respect for every individual involved. Whether you require a joint service or personalised tributes for each person, we are dedicated to creating a meaningful, comforting occasion in accordance with your needs. Arrangements can be made for both cremation and burial in this instance.
Private Committals
A private committal is a burial or cremation ceremony attended only by close family members and selected friends, rather than the wider public or congregation. This intimate gathering typically takes place either before or after the main funeral service and is marked by a quiet, personal atmosphere—free from the pressures of a larger crowd or formal proceedings.
Choosing a private committal can be deeply beneficial for families who seek a moment of peace and reflection away from public attention. It allows loved ones to say their final farewells in a setting where emotions can be expressed freely and privacy is preserved. For many, this quieter occasion feels more manageable, offering time to grieve together, share memories, and find comfort in each other’s presence. Families may find it easier to honour unique wishes or rituals in a small group, and the experience often fosters a sense of closeness and support at a particularly sensitive time.
Family Coffin Bearers
Family and friends often request to carry the coffin at the funeral venue. Please notify us prior to the funeral so we are aware and know the number of people wishing to carry as we still may need to provide professional Coffin Bearers from our team. Sometimes this can’t be helped and you will decide on the day which also okay. At the funeral venue our team will give a briefing to ensure that you are prepared and we will be on hand to help at all times.
Day & Night Service
Although we have allocated funeral home opening hours. We operate 24 hours day and night and we are prepared to answer your call and assist you whenever you are ready to call us. In the event when someone has passed away this can be more urgent and we will discuss with you, your immediate options guiding you through the initial next step following a death.
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