Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

WH Putnam Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with 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.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

WH Putnam Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and burial arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

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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?

WH Putnam 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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Featured Reviews

Google

The lovely staff at Putnam - Cassie, Lee and Sophie - did a wonderful job looking after us, while organising our parents' funerals in July 2024 and February 2026. They patiently explained everything to us and never rushed us to get the final arrangements confirmed.…

Michelle

Google

A huge thank you to WH Putnam Funeral Directors! They guided us so sensitively & competently through the very sad & difficult period of losing both our Mum & Dad. I am very grateful to them & would highly recommend. Thank you from the bottom…

Anne - Marie Twomey Russell

Google

Thanks to cassie, sophie for going through the process of organising my mums funeral ( agnes copplestone ) and to lee on thr day the serrvice was held , especially having mums relations coming down from her home town from ellon nr aberdeen , its…

Andrew Copplestone

Google

I want to thank paula lee and the whole team for helping me lay my father to rest without tou guys i dont know what i wpuld of done , i want to thankyou for bringing my dad all the way from croydon to be…

diamond sapphire mendez

Google

Excellent. Very professional and made the whole sad experience very easy.

Philip Burdock

Google

Lee and his team at Putmans provided a first class Funeral for my Dad . From beginning to end it was so professional, and we felt very comforted that Dad was being looked after with such respect and care. Thank you 🙏…

Helen Smyth

Google

Sophie in the Harrow branch was lovely; she took time to explain the process, charges and all aspects of the funeral and managed to arrange a date that suited us.

Mary Ulicsak

Google

Dear Paula Lee and team. Thank you for arranging my mother s funeral, you did an amazing job from start to finish. The whole funeral was very special as a family we can’t thank you all enough for executing the funeral to such an amazingly…

Nicholas Darling

Google

I can’t express enough how amazing Putnam funeral directors were! Every fine detail was covered they were so very professional- caring- considerate- nothing was a problem- they went the extra mile- I would highly recommend them 100000% Once again thank you Putnams for giving my…

serena Jebb

Much Loved

3 months before we used Putnams for my dad, we used a different funeral directors ( a very large company) for my mum- it was horrendous I’m still fighting with them- When we used Putnams omg they were amazing- so very professional so very caring…

Serena jebb

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

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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Call 020 8204 3252 visit branch or arrange a home visit