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.

I would like to thank the team for being so courteous and professional in their handling of the service and cremation of my life long partner Trevor.

Joanne Turner

James Brown & Sons provided a beautiful and respectful service. They took time to talk and listen to the family and met all our needs. A lovely funeral home also.

Deborah Stevenson

The service my brother and I received was exceptional from start to finish. They were so respectful and friendly at such a difficult time. My mum had a funeral plan with Choice which made the process so much easier. I can’t remember the man’s name…

Angela L

Recently I buried my father in law and Rebecca made it very easy, she went above and beyond to surprise the family with special touches that brought a smile when we thought there would be none. Andrew also brought peace to the family and took…

Charlene

My father passed away recently and Glynis, Jean, Stephen and all the team made the funeral process so much easier. Their heartfelt compassion and efficiency was second to none and they took all the pressure off our family allowing us to grieve. We cannot thank…

Jackie Nicholl

The team at Brown's were professional sympathetic and helpful throughout this ordeal of arranging a funeral for my husband.They weren't pushy with products and were helpful with all aspects of arranging things. I felt they took control of everything from leasing with the minister regarding…

Marjorie McClelland

Attended a funeral with James Brown this week and it was just beautiful. The celebrant did a great job of having a calm and reassuring expression throughout the service. The staff in charge of the cars and horses were exceptional and professional. They followed everyone's…

Sarah Scott

We are so grateful to James Brown & Sons for their support during an incredibly difficult time. Jean was absolutely amazing — professional, compassionate, and incredibly helpful from start to finish. She made everything feel manageable and gave us so much comfort and reassurance while…

Joel

I was touched by and so grateful for the personal and professional service we had from Brown's in the conduct of our mother's funeral. From the on call team to the attendance at the thanksgiving service, we didn't know what we needed, but the team…

Alex Goss

Deborah was outstanding she was so kind & really helped us with the entire process which was very overwhelming & emotional. I also have to mention David Brown who was so professional & made the day of the funeral easier for us as a family.…

Sarah Graham

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Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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.

Learn more about Choice Funeral Plans