When someone you love passes away, it can be hard to know where to start. There’s so much to think about at a time when you’re least prepared to think about anything. At Franklin & Hawkins Funeral Directors, we believe every family deserves time, space and personal guidance to make the right choices for them.
There isn’t one “right” way to say goodbye. Every situation is different, and we’re here to guide you through each step with care, clarity and compassion.
Personal guidance for every situation
Every family’s circumstances are unique, and there are many different paths depending on where your loved one passed away. We’ll explain the steps needed in your situation, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed or pressured.
What happens after the cremation
Once the cremation has taken place, the ashes can be returned to you personally or collected when you’re ready. From there, families often choose to:
- Scatter them in a meaningful local place, such as a park, woodland or private garden (with permission)
- Keep them at home in a keepsake urn or memory box
- Inter them in a cemetery or memorial garden
- Hold a small gathering to celebrate their loved one’s life
There’s no right or wrong way, only what feels right for you. We’re always here to offer gentle advice on local memorial options or permissions in Solihull and surrounding Warwickshire areas.
Why families choose Franklin & Hawkins
We’re proud to serve families across Solihull and Coventry, providing local care rooted in trust, transparency and compassion. When your loved one is with us, they stay in our care throughout.
Our role is simple: to lighten your emotional and practical load. We take care of every detail quietly in the background, while making sure you always feel informed, supported and reassured.
A simpler choice: direct cremation
Many families across Solihull are choosing direct cremation because it allows them to keep things simple, dignified, and flexible. An unattended cremation takes place without a formal service at the crematorium, meaning you can plan a farewell that feels right for you, at home, in your garden, or even weeks later when you’re ready.
With our Local and Respectful Direct Cremation service, every detail is taken care of by our team. We handle the paperwork, transfer your loved one into our care and manage the cremation locally, with professionalism and dignity.
You can also read Understanding Direct Cremation: A Practical Choice That Still Shows You Care for a closer look at how this option can be both simple and deeply personal.
FAQs
Can we still have a service or ceremony after a direct cremation?
Yes, absolutely. A direct cremation simply means there’s no service at the crematorium itself, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a ceremony. In fact, many families prefer to hold a memorial later, once they’ve had a little more time.
Some choose a small gathering at home, others organise a celebration of life at a local venue in Solihull. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, it’s about creating a moment that feels right for your family.
What happens to my loved one?
Your loved one stays in our care throughout the entire process. From the moment we bring them into our care, our professional local team look after them as if they were part of our own family.
We prepare and oversee everything personally, using a trusted local crematorium. Families find peace of mind in knowing everything happens nearby, and that nothing is handed over to large national providers. We can explain the process at any stage if you’d like to understand exactly how it all works.
What happens after the ashes are returned?
There’s no set rule or time frame for what to do next, it’s completely up to you. Some families find comfort in keeping the ashes at home for a while, others feel ready to scatter them somewhere special soon after.
You might choose to inter the ashes in a memorial garden, create a keepsake piece, or even hold a small scattering ceremony in a favourite local spot. We’re happy to advise on what’s possible around Solihull, including any permissions you might need for parks or private land.
Is direct cremation only chosen for cost reasons?
Not at all. While affordability can be part of the decision, most families tell us they choose direct cremation because it feels simple, calm and personal. It gives them the time and space to say goodbye in their own way, without the pressure of a traditional funeral.
For some, it reflects their loved one’s wishes, something private, dignified and without fuss. For others, it’s about creating a more relaxed, meaningful moment later, surrounded by the people who mattered most.
Can Franklin & Hawkins take care of everything for us?
Yes, that’s exactly what we’re here for. From collecting your loved one to completing paperwork, arranging the cremation, and returning the ashes, we manage every detail so you don’t have to.
You won’t need to speak to multiple organisations or chase forms, we’ll handle all communication with the crematorium. Our goal is to make things as easy and gentle as possible for you.
If you’d like to talk things through, you can contact our team at any time for guidance, support, or just a calm conversation about what feels right for your family.
