Cremations

Cremation Services

Cremations are a less popular form of funeral in Northern Ireland as there are only two crematoria in the country, in Belfast and Newtownabbey. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their onsite service room – but you can also hold the service in a church, funeral home service room or other venue of your choice prior or after the cremation. 

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will usually be conducted by a 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 or even a family member or a friend. James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

On the day of the funeral, the cortege will travel to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the service room. 

A cremation funeral service varies but usually lasts about 30 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you and the deceased, eulogies, readings and prayers. Mourners will be invited to go up to place flowers or say their individual goodbyes. At the end of the service the coffin is usually lowered this is called the committal, so that mourners can pay their final respects before the cremation.

Cremated remains can be collected following a cremation or by appointment. They can only be collected by the person named on the applicant’s instructions to crematorium form.  Photographic ID is also required.

We can collect these for you and keep them or deliver them to an address of your choosing. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some inspirational ideas you might like to consider are available here.

James Brown & Sons 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?

James Brown & Sons 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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Claire was very friendly and professional . Excellent service all round and accommodating. Everything was done just as we asked .

Stephanie Cahoon

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As a young widow and my husband, Basil, passing very suddenly, a funeral was not something we had ever discussed or planned for. Alison was absolutely amazing and lovingly talked us through every step and gave us all the time we needed to make decisions.…

Charlene Barnes

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Everything about James Brown Directors Partners in Whiteabbey was brilliant. The staff were kind, caring, compassionate, and most importantly, genuinely supportive during a very difficult time. Jean in particular did so much for us, but everyone we dealt with was wonderful — even those we…

Jack

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Our family has organised several funerals with James Brown and they have always been sensitive and professional, the staff go that extra mile to make sure everything is as uncomplicated as possible.. My particular thanks to Ruth, Chloe and Andrew and to our Celebrant Mark…

karen porter

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Claire was very friendly and professional . Excellent service all round and accommodating. Everything was done just as we asked .

Stephanie Cahoon

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Rebecca who went through the whole procedure with us was excellent and very professional. The man i can’t remember name who visited house before mum arrived home was respectful and professional. Andrew was very professional and helpful before and during the funeral. I had a…

Nikki Hitching

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Jean and Paul showed compassion, understanding and patience throughout. Level of support received was excellent.

Jacqueline Chester

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magnificent from start to finish absolutely talked me through everything cost and what will be happening on the day of funeral there was nothing that they couldn't do if we asked would really recommend james brown funeral directors to family and friends

Alison Mccune

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Thoughtful, kind, courteous, efficient.…

Lena Reid

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From my initial telephone call and contact with Ryan to the day of the funeral I can honestly say I was so impressed with the service provided. Our funeral arranger, Jean, was wonderful from our initial contact with her right throughout the process. She was…

Julie Armstrong

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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