Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about arranging a funeral in Croydon. Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors have supported families for over 150 years and are here to guide you every step of the way. If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to call us on our freephone number: 0800 0789 636
If your loved one expressed a preference, it’s best to honour their wishes. If not, the choice is yours — and there’s no need to feel pressured. Consider what feels most meaningful for your family.
If your loved one enjoyed nature, a natural or woodland burial might feel fitting. If you wish to visit a grave regularly, a burial may be best. If you live further away or prefer simplicity, cremation can be a thoughtful option.
In Croydon, burials typically cost around £4,000, while cremations are usually about £3,000. Our team can guide you through both options with clarity and care.
By law, all deaths in the UK must be registered within five days. The person closest to the deceased has the legal responsibility to do this. Once registered, you’ll receive an official Death Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages — a document required for legal and estate matters.
Find out more: How to Register a Death
You’ll need a medical certificate showing the cause of death. If available, also bring:
- Birth certificate
- Council Tax bill
- Driving licence
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- NHS medical card
- Passport
- Proof of address
You’ll also need to tell the registrar:
- The deceased’s full name, birth date, birthplace, and last address
- Their occupation and any previous names
- Spouse or civil partner’s details
- Whether they were receiving a State Pension or other benefits
Find out more: How to Register a Death
At the crematorium, mourners gather as the cortege arrives. The family follows the conductor and coffin into the chapel, where the service begins.
At the end, the coffin is either hidden from view or remains visible as guests leave. Family members may witness the cremation if they wish. The ashes are then carefully processed and placed into your chosen container.
You can choose to scatter, inter, or keep the ashes — and our team can advise on all available options.
Find out more: Direct Cremations
An eco-friendly funeral (also called a green or woodland funeral) minimises environmental impact by using biodegradable coffins and natural burial sites. These burials allow your loved one to become part of the landscape without disturbing nature.
Rowland Brothers partner with JC Atkinson, an award-winning supplier of sustainable coffins, to provide environmentally responsible options. Contact us to learn more about arranging a green funeral in Croydon.
Find out more: Eco Friendly Funerals
A pre-paid funeral plan gives peace of mind by arranging and paying for your funeral in advance — at today’s prices. This protects against rising costs and ensures your wishes are followed exactly.
You can make regular instalments, making funeral planning more affordable while easing the future burden on your family.
Find out more: Our Funeral Plans
We accept payment by cash, cheque, or all major debit and credit cards. If you’d like to pre-pay for a funeral, visit our Pre-Paid Funerals page or speak with our team to learn more about flexible payment options.
In some cases, next of kin may receive help with funeral costs from the Social Fund, if eligible. Claims must be made within three months of death.
You can contact Social Security on freephone 0800 666 555 or visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau for more information about state grants or death benefits.
On average, funerals take place 10–14 days after the death. Some faiths require funerals within 24 hours, while cases involving a coroner may take longer.
Visit our Advice and Guidance page for more information about what to do when a loved one dies.
Rowland Brothers International provide a worldwide repatriation service, helping to return your loved one home or arrange funerals abroad. We are recognised specialists in repatriation, trusted by families around the globe.
Yes. We are honoured to serve families from all faiths, cultures, and traditions. Whether you wish for a religious, civil, or non-religious service, we ensure your beliefs and customs are respected throughout the arrangements.
A Funeral Director manages every aspect of a funeral, handling over 130 individual tasks — from organising paperwork and transport to coordinating with clergy, crematoria, and cemeteries.
Also known as undertakers, our directors at Rowland Brothers provide compassionate guidance and ensure every detail reflects your family’s wishes.
Yes. Our trained staff offer ongoing bereavement support, including one-to-one sessions and group meetings. We can also connect you with specialist agencies or counsellors who provide sensitive, professional help.
Find more on our Bereavement Support website or speak with our team for personal guidance.
We provide a wide range of memorials and headstones in traditional and contemporary designs, crafted from high-quality materials and fully customisable with engraving. Options include headstones, kerb sets, vases, children’s memorials, and garden memorials.
If you’d like something unique, our masons can create a bespoke memorial to reflect your loved one’s life. Contact us to discuss your ideas.
Need Funeral Advice or Guidance?
We welcome you to visit us in one of our branches, and you can contact us via phone or email to discuss any of the choice or decisions you need to make. You can also leave us a message using our contact form below and we’ll be able to get back to you via email as soon as possible.
Call us: 01883 623 067
Email us: info@rowlandbrothers.com
