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A hand resting on a polished wooden coffin during a funeral service.

Cremation Services, Personalised Care, Southampton

Affordable cremation options by Mears Family Funerals, Southampton. Guidance on legal forms for cremation services. Local crematoriums covered.

Call now for cremation service advice.

Mears Family Funerals

Compassionate Service

Mears Family Funerals

Family-Run Business

Mears Family Funerals

Years Of Experience

Understanding The History Of Cremation

Cremation was first introduced in the nineteenth century as an answer to the problem of cemeteries using up valuable land, and it quickly became an accepted practice. Since the 1940s, the number of people choosing cremation has steadily increased, and today around 70 per cent of the UK population selects this option. Families often see cremation as a practical and flexible choice, with costs usually lower than burials. It also allows for a range of memorial options afterwards, such as scattering ashes or keeping them in a casket. For many, it offers a balance between tradition, affordability, and personal preference.

A close-up of a pink coffin with a floral arrangement.

The Cremation Process Explained

Cremation involves several important steps that must be followed carefully. Before a cremation can take place, the cause of death must be confirmed and the necessary paperwork completed. We support families in choosing from several local crematoria, including Southampton Crematorium, Test Valley Crematorium, and Wessex Vale Crematorium, each offering non-denominational facilities suitable for a variety of service styles. Services can take place entirely at the crematorium or begin at another location beforehand. We also guide families through the rules governing items placed in the cremator, such as the removal of pacemakers and restrictions on man-made fibres. Where needed, additional time can often be arranged at the venue for a more personal farewell.

Funeral Packages Price List

Environmental And Practical Considerations Of Cremation

There are important regulations surrounding cremation to safeguard both the environment and public health. Modern crematoria are fitted with filters to reduce emissions, which has contributed to rising costs. A levy has also been introduced to help fund these systems. Families must also be aware of the rules relating to items included in the cremation. Pacemakers must be removed before the process, and clothing or objects made of certain man-made fibres may not be permitted, as they can release pollutants. These restrictions are explained clearly so that families can make informed decisions while ensuring the ceremony remains respectful and dignified.

A coffin with a flower arrangement in a morgue

Choices For Ashes For Cremation

Once the cremation is complete, we provide guidance as families decide what to do with the ashes. Options vary depending on personal preference and family tradition. Some choose to keep the ashes in a memorial urn or casket at home, while others scatter them in a location that holds meaning, such as a garden, woodland, or special place connected to the person's life. Burial of the ashes in a family plot or memorial garden is also a common choice. Each option allows families to create a lasting and meaningful tribute, offering comfort in knowing the final resting place reflects the wishes of the individual. Contact us now to discuss cremation arrangements tailored to your needs.

Steve and his team were very respectful and highly professional, looking after our family. They made the process straightforward, taking the stress away from us. Communication was excellent even up to the day of the funeral. Our family can't thank him enough.

Compassionate Cremation Services With Dignity

Ensure Respectful And Seamless Cremation Arrangements. Speak With Our Specialists Now To Understand Your Options.

A coffin being loaded into the back of a hearse.
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