Personalise a funeral

Coffins

We offer a very wide range of coffins and our coffin brochure can be downloaded. We are very aware of our duty with regards to the environment and all our timber coffins are accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council. (FSC)

Stationary

We provide high quality orders of service, professionally designed and made locally. You can choose your cover design from the options shown in our catalogue or we can tailor to your own design. These are available in black and white or colour. If you would like a personal picture to be added to the service sheet, you can either provide it digitally or we can scan a photograph at our office. You do not have to worry about the actual content of the service sheet; the person taking the funeral service will provide the order of the service. Once the service sheet has been designed, we will provide a proof for you and any changes, if required can be made. Order of service brochure can be downloaded.

Flowers

We have a large selection of floral tributes available ranging from a single red rose to a large 6ft coffin spray or you may like a unique design befitting your loved ones hobbies or interests. Floral tributes can be ordered from ourselves or you may want to speak with our florist about something more individual. Alternatively you may wish to use a family friend or florist of your choice. Flower brochure can be downloaded.

Donations

We make no extra charge for taking care of donations. Donations can be sent direct to ourselves or placed in the donation box at the funeral, in the form of cheques or cash; we also have an online obituary page for each person and this can be linked to a chosen charity and donations can be made direct via this (Much loved make a small charge for this). We are not able to take donations via credit card. The donation account will remain open for 4-5 weeks after the funeral, giving everyone plenty of time to make a donation. Everyone who makes a donation and provides their names and address will be sent a receipt and added to our list. Once the account is closed, we will send you a full list of who donated, along with the full amount raised. We will send the cheques to the nominated charity on your behalf and ask that they acknowledge receipt to yourself; alternatively, you may wish to deliver them in person. Donations can be gift aided please (download a gift aid form).

The Eulogy

The eulogy is a testimonial to the life of the deceased celebrating their life, recounting their life’s experiences. The eulogy may be said by either the Funeral Celebrant, family or friends. When writing a eulogy here are some of the things you may like to include nickname, school days, work and qualifications, family, hobbies and interests and maybe some funny stories. You will need to speak with the celebrant who will lead the service as to how long you can speak for, crematoriums work to a strict time scale, this can be extended if desired. Giving a eulogy can be very difficult and it is advisable to type out what you are going to say, if you then feel too emotional to say it, it can then be said on your behalf.

Music

One way to reflect the life of the deceased is through music. This can include live music such as jazz bands, bagpipes, string quartets etc. Music is normally provided at the crematoriums or through ourselves via the Obitus music system, this can include family recordings. Favourite pieces of music can be played as the coffin enters the chapel, during the service and also as the congregation leaves the chapel.

Catering

We can arrange with local hotels or public houses for refreshments after the funeral service or we can arrange for outside catering to be provided at a private venue or your own home. Whatever your requirements, we are here to help.

To view the menu of catering options, click here.

Memorials

We are pleased to offer an extensive range of memorials, Each memorial is individually made and personally designed and complies with the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) Code of Practice.

There are many different types of stone, shapes and designs available and we will be more than happy to discuss with you, your individual requirements.

Please view Spencerwix for more examples of memorial options.

Green Funerals

Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service are fully committed to minimise our impact on the environment. We have an extensive range of ‘Eco’ coffins and caskets including: Fast-growing English natural willow, British Woollen Coffins, supported on a strong recycled cardboard frame, Sea grass Coffins (Asia), Banana Coffins made from the leaves of the banana plant, 100% completely natural and biodegradable.

The nearest natural burial grounds are:

• Combs Cemetery
• Farnham greenwood burial ground - near Aldeburgh
• Oakfield Wood - Culford
• Oakfield Wood - Wrabness
• Colney Wood – Norwich

Bereavement Support

Friends in Bereavement Support Group

Our commitment for helping bereaved families does not cease once the funeral has taken place. We have been running the 'Friends in Bereavement Support Group' since 2008. ‘Friends in Bereavement’ is free of charge and is for anyone who has suffered a bereavement, it does not matter if we did not carry out the funeral, you will be most welcome. We meet every fourth Friday of the month at the Salvation Army Hall, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket between 2pm and 4pm.

Please give us a call before attending, as we may be on an outing and we wouldn't like to miss you.

Our groups are not counselling sessions, they enable you to meet and talk with other people who may be going through a similar situation. The groups are very friendly and informal.

We organise outings, holidays, speakers and a Christmas meal.

Resources

When losing someone you love, you don't have to face it alone. A wide range of local services and organisations are ready to offer practical guidance, bereavement counselling, and emotional support — helping you find comfort, answers, and a path forward during this difficult time.

We've compiled a list of helpful services and organisations.

Funeral FAQs

How many copies of the death certificate will I need?

The amount of death certificates will vary for each individual. You will need to take into consideration how many bank accounts, pensions, insurances etc. If required you can obtain further copies at a later date.

Can family members or friends carry the coffin?

Family or friends can carry the coffin and full instructions will be given. We always provide an adequate number of bearers to give support and just in case someone is too emotional or has a change of mind.

Can the funeral cortege go via a favourite route or place of interest?

The funeral cortege can go a specific route or via a special place of interest, just let us know at the time of making the funeral arrangements.

Can a family member or friend take part in the funeral service?

Family or friends are welcome to take part in the service. This may be a reading, poem or tribute/eulogy; it is advisable to discuss the content and length with the celebrant who will be leading the ceremony. It is also advisable to print the words out just in case the person is too emotional on the day, it can then be read on their behalf.

Can I put keepsakes in the coffin?

Yes. Pictures, teddies and jewellery can all be placed in the coffin, if the funeral is to be a cremation, no glass or shoes can be left in the coffin.

How many people can fit in each limousine?

Seven family and friends can fit in each limousine.

What options are there for the cremated remains?

Cremated remains can be scattered in the Garden of rest at the crematorium, they can be buried in a new or family grave at the crematorium, cemetery or churchyard. They can be scattered at a favourite place (permission should be given by the land owner). Alternatively we have different keepsakes available for keeping at home.

How can I guarantee they are my loved ones cremated remains?

The crematoriums have thorough operating policies; everything is clearly labelled throughout the cremation process. Most crematoriums have open days and are happy to show members of the public how they operate.