Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

Douglas Mercer & Son Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Douglas Mercer & Son Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

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Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

Douglas Mercer & Son Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Latest Reviews

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We received such a professional and personal service from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble. The team were all so friendly, polite, supportive and respectful. The Orders of Service were so professional and a wonderful tribute. We are so thankful to all of…

Nicola Thorne

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We cannot thank Mercer’s Funeral Directors enough for their compassion and professionalism during such a difficult time. From the very beginning, we felt completely supported and cared for as a family. A special thank you to Molly, who was incredibly attentive, patient, and understanding…

Susie Thomas

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Molly, Nick and the team gave us a great service from the first point of contact and every step of our journey. They were always clear and precise with their communication and guided us through this hard time with dignity and respect. Their kindness shone…

martin gurney

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I have to say that I was extremely impressed by Molly and her team at Douglas Mercer & Son. Molly took full control of our funeral arrangements to provide us with the excellent support and guidance throughout. Molly was extremely efficient and very professional helping…

philippe Wrigley

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The team at Mercers were very supportive throughout, making arrangements was straightforward. On the day of the funeral everything was as requested, vehicles and staff very well presented and took care of us all. Would recommend reviewing services on their web site before your first…

Leon Hall

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I found the service was fine but my mother had a prepaid funeral plan and yet I had to pay an extra £560.00. I accepted this but when I advised that we would not need the close family funeral car we were told that they…

Kevin Nye

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The Help and Guidance I received during the funeral arrangement process was excellent especially from Jane. The staff were helpful and supportive on the day of the Funeral, and the funeral service was as I had wished it to be.…

Barbara Jacobs

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The process was handled well and though small in attendance all family felt warmth of the service. Pity about the reverend who seemed very confused over the details I had prepared, but a lovely man. All the paperwork dealt with by my sister was clear…

Kim marie Williams

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We have always found Douglas Mercer to be very professional and kind. Everything was organised efficiently and nothing was too much trouble, would highly recommend.

Pamela Farrance

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I was very impressed with the professional and caring manner with which we were treated my personal thanks to Jane who never turned us away and I always felt an air of calm a huge thanks to Trevor and his colleagues on the day grateful…

Ian stillwell

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

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