A farewell that truly reflects the life lived
At A G Butler & Son, we have been serving families across East London and Essex for over a century.
We know the communities here and the families who have trusted us across generations.
That local knowledge, combined with our meticulous personal attention to every detail, means you are never alone in this.
Whether you know exactly what you want, are following wishes left by your loved one, or have no idea where to start, our experienced arrangers will sit with you for as long as needed, at our office or in your home, to help shape a service that feels right.
How we work together
Here is what you can expect when you come to us:
Your first call – Call us at any time. You will always speak to a member of our team, not a call centre. We will listen, answer any immediate questions, and arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
Your arrangement appointment – We meet with you, at our offices to go through every aspect of the funeral. There is no hurry and no pressure.
We coordinate everything – From the crematorium or cemetery to the officiant, and vehicles, we manage every detail and communication on your behalf.
Written estimate – Before anything is confirmed, you will receive a full written estimate of all costs, including third-party fees.
The day itself – On the day of the funeral, our team will be with you throughout, ensuring everything proceeds with the dignity and care your loved one deserves.
Authority to Act:
The person arranging the funeral must have the family’s authority to make final decisions and provide instructions.
Honouring Wishes:
Whether following a will, a prepaid plan, or starting from scratch, we will help you navigate every choice to create a fitting tribute.
Timing:
While UK funerals typically take place within 10–14 days, there is no legal timeframe; we can expedite or delay arrangements to suit your family’s needs.
Full Coordination:
We manage all communication with cemeteries, crematoria, and officiants, ensuring all legal requirements are met seamlessly.
Transparent Costs:
You will receive a clear, comprehensive written estimate of all charges before the service takes place.
Types of funeral
Every family is different. We offer the full range of funeral types and will explain each option clearly so you can make the choice that is right for you,. We are here to support and guide you, it is entirely your decision as to which type of service you have.
Traditional funeral — cremation or burial
A service attended by family and friends, followed by cremation or burial. We serve a number of local crematoria including the City of London Crematorium, Upminster, and others, as well as cemeteries and churches across East London and Dagenham. The service may be held in the crematorium chapel, in church first, or at another meaningful venue.
Green and woodland burial
Environmentally conscious alternatives are increasingly chosen by families in our area. We offer a range of natural coffins and can advise on local woodland and natural burial sites.
Simple and unattended funeral
For families who prefer a straightforward, dignified farewell without a formal service, we offer simple burial and cremation options. A direct cremation , with no service or mourners present, is also available; a separate memorial can then take place whenever your family is ready.
Types of Service
Choosing the type of service is entirely up to you; many individuals find it important to hold a meaningful, personal service that reflects the life of their loved one. Our experienced staff can advise you on the various types of funeral services available and explain how your specific choice might influence other aspects of the funeral arrangements.
Religious and Multi-Faith Funerals
Every culture and faith holds its own ceremonials when bidding farewell to a loved one. As an independent funeral director deeply rooted in its community, we possess extensive experience and profound respect for the funeral traditions of all religious communities. Whether you are arranging a traditional Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist service, we ensure every detail aligns perfectly with your beliefs.
We alleviate the logistical pressure on your family by working directly with your local place of worship, religious leaders, and community elders. From securing appropriate local venues that accommodate specific rituals to coordinating traditional washing, dressing, or viewing customs, our team handles everything with the utmost dignity. We are here to ensure your faith’s exact requirements are met flawlessly, providing a seamless bridge between your religious community and our dedicated care.
Non-Religious and Alternative Services
A beautiful farewell does not have to follow a traditional religious framework to be profoundly meaningful. If your loved one preferred a non-religious, humanist, or alternative approach, we support in helping to customise the service, centred entirely around their unique personality, passions, and outlook on life.
We collaborate closely with a trusted network of highly experienced, independent celebrants and humanist officiants. Together, we will help you craft a deeply personal ceremony filled with favourite music, secular readings, and shared memories that authentically capture who your loved one was. Whether you envision a quiet, reflective celebration in a crematorium chapel, a green burial surrounded by nature, or a lively tribute at a unique local venue, we will bring your vision to life with warmth and complete respect for their values.
We’ll help you choose the format that feels most appropriate — or guide you if you’re unsure.
Visiting Your Loved One at our Chapel of Rest
You are welcome to arrange a private visit to our chapel of rest to pay your respects before the funeral service. We understand that seeing the person who has passed away is a significant decision. While some find this moment of farewell brings peace, others may find it too upsetting. Please take all the time you need to decide, and feel free to reach out to our staff if you would like support or advice regarding a viewing.
Guidance on clothing, items placed in the coffin, and final care >
When arranging a funeral we will take the time to discuss how you would like your loved one to be dressed. Choosing a favourite outfit—perhaps a cherished suit, a well-loved dress, a uniform, or even a favourite team shirt—can be a meaningful way to honour their personality and the memories you hold dear. Alternatively, we can provide a funeral gowns if you prefer.
To help our dedicated team present your loved one as naturally as possible, we suggest providing any dentures or glasses they typically wore.
You are also most welcome to bring items of personal significance, such as a photograph, a letter, or a favourite flower, to be placed within the coffin. Please be assured that these precious items will remain undisturbed.
For your peace of mind, all jewellery and personal effects are carefully recorded as soon as they are entrusted to our care. We will consult with you to confirm whether you would like these items to remain with your loved one or be returned to you
Families who, for personal or religious reasons, wish to prepare the body are fully welcome to use our facilities. Please speak with a member of our team to discuss this.
Our team is here to walk you through each decision, ensuring your preferences and requests are perfectly looked after.
Timing
There is no legal timeframe within which a funeral must take place in England. Most funerals are typically held within 10–14 days of a death, though we can make arrangements sooner or allow more time to suit your family’s circumstances, including where family members need to travel from abroad.
Funerals are most commonly held Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm, though some crematoriums and cemeteries offer earlier, later, or weekend slots . Please let us know what you have in mind; we will look at all the available times and help organise everything to suit your preferences.
Writing the Eulogy
A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.
Music
Music can be an important and personal element of any funeral or memorial service. You might consider choosing hymns or songs that held special meaning for your loved one, or that resonate with your family’s shared memories.
Our team is happy to advise and source any particular music requests you may have, whether it’s recorded music or live performers; such as professional organist, soloists, or even a Piper to lead and play at the service, ensuring the music is a fitting tribute.
Catering
After the service, many families choose to gather, share memories, and offer support to one another.
We can help you organise a simple reception or something more tailored to your wishes.
Writing the Eulogy
A eulogy is a heartfelt tribute shared during a funeral to honour and celebrate a loved one’s unique journey. It is a gift of remembrance, where personal stories and cherished milestones are woven together to paint a picture of the life they lived. Some people wish to read the eulogy themselves during the service, others prefer a religious leader or celebrant to share these words on their behalf, ensuring your loved one’s legacy is honoured with care and warmth. If you need help crafting or delivering a eulogy, we can offer support or connect you with celebrants or religious leaders.
Let us help you explore the perfect ways to personalise the day
Whether you’re planning ahead, arranging a funeral or simply exploring your options, we’re here to guide you wih professionalism and care. Explore our full range of services
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
