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.

William H Painter 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. 

William H Painter 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?

William H Painter 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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Latest Reviews

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Excellent and respectful service form Emma in office to yardley cementary when I have been to other funerals they have never had the reprect that we have received from yourselves and we would certainly recommend Painters

Maureen Regan

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The team at Painters provided exceptional service and professionalism during a very difficult time. Donna, James, Emma, and Peter showed empathy, kindness, and respect throughout the funeral arrangements for my late father in law. Their care and attention to detail were outstanding, and they helped…

Ron

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David Ford - Erdington. Very professional and made everything go smoothly and calmly with the Order of Service booklet and the actual Funeral service. All the team on the day were great at every moment. Thank you. Mom would have been proud.

Wendy Davies

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We were very well looked after by Julie Kilby in the Sutton Coldfield branch and by Katie Halford on the day of the funeral. Both were extremely professional, warm hearted, empathetic and supportive. We would have no hesitation in recommending WHP to friends and family.

Ian Smith

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Helen and her team were amazing from the very start of the process to the very end. I have never met such a caring team of people, from the undertakers that came out early hours of the morning to the drivers of the limos and…

Alan Yau

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David Ford & Guy the stone mason have been fantastic with my Mum & myself, on behalf of my siblings, in organising a wonderful gravestone for my late father who passed in April 2025. It is a beautiful commemoration of his life & my Mum…

Jane Woodhall

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At what was such a difficult time, David Ford was exceptionally professional and compassionate throughout the entire process. He provided outstanding service with genuine empathy and great attention to detail. Communication was consistent and thoughtful, from plans to visit my Dad in his place of…

Tracy Perry

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As a family we were so grateful for all the care and guidance given following the death of our Mother. Thank you to Karan and team for the professional, caring and helpful way you dealt with the funeral plans we chose, we all did our…

Linda Williams

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Very professional and helpful. Emma the funeral director at Dovehouse has a lovely manner and eased us through a difficult process.

LORRAINE COLLINS

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This was my first experience of having to organise a funeral and I can honestly say that Suzie made the whole process so much easier. We met with Suzie and she guided us through some difficult questions with compassion and understanding. If we had any…

Mandy Bashford

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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