Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation.

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society.

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the 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.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

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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?

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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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Latest Reviews

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I am especially grateful to the funeral director Stuart Drake, who talked me through everything I need to do. I was feeling very overwhelmed in the days immediately after my dad died and having his step-by-step guidance on the paperwork and various things that needed…

Kate Whitehead

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Stuart helped me so much with arrangements from start to finish.Kept in touch throughout and advised were needed. On the Day of funeral Mark contacted me and everything was conducted with such dignity and grace. Everyone was very professional and kind. Would highly recommend. Thank…

susan parrock

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Our family have used Drakes twice in the last13 years. I am pleased to say our recent experience was as good as the first time. Stuart and his team helped use through the process with calm and sureness. Stuart listened to what we wanted, gave…

Paul Bradshaw

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I couldn't fault Drakes in the way they managed my fathers funeral and how they dealt with the family. They were considerate, caring, respectful and truly understanding. Their help and guidance through this most difficult of times was appreciated greatly by my mother and the…

Brian Mullen

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A big thank you to Stuart and his team for making the wettest day so far this year into a positive experience for us! His attention to detail was outstanding, and made what could have been a terrible day due to the weather into a…

Ali Walker

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I wanted to say a huge thanks to Drakes for taking care of my mum. Both Stuart and Charlie have been professional and helpful from start to finish. Mums wicker casket was absolutely beautiful. The communication from them has been great. The service has been…

Sue Emma Gibson

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I’ve used Drake’s several times over the years and they are outstanding. Always very professional,friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble and Stuart was a huge help and supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Drake’s.

Gill Smart

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Very nice service lovely people. Thankyou very much

Julie Waye

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This is my second time using Drakes following the death of my mother. I have nothing but praise and respect how I and my family were treated from the first telephone conversation until the end of the service.

Nick Bradley

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Thank you for your patience with us and for ensuring that all our wishes were carried out as we hoped

Susan and family

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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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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