How to Choose a Funeral Director on the Isle of Wight
Choosing a funeral director is a very personal decision. When someone dies, there is a lot to think about, and it can be difficult to know what questions to ask or what you should expect from the funeral director you choose.
There isn't one single funeral director that is right for every person. What matters is finding someone you feel comfortable with, who will listen to what you want, explain your options clearly and look after the person who has died with the upmost care and respect.
If you're looking for a funeral director on the Isle of Wight, here are some things we think are worth considering.
Is the funeral director genuinely independent & local?
The Isle of Wight is a community, and choosing a funeral director that is genuinely local can make a difference.
But there's a difference between being local and being locally independent.
Some funeral directors have long established names and a strong presence on the Island, but may now be part of a larger funeral group or have multiple branches or even owners. The name above the door may still be a familiar local one, even when the ownership has changed.
That doesn't necessarily mean they provide a poor service. It's simply something you may want to understand when you're choosing who to look after you and the person who has died.
It's worth asking:
- Who owns the funeral director?
- Is the business independently owned by an individual?
- Does it have multiple branches?
- Will you be dealing with the same people throughout?
- Where will the person who has died be cared for?
- Does the funeral director have its own facilities on the Isle of Wight?
A genuinely local funeral director should know the Island, its crematoriums, churches, cemeteries and the different communities it serves.
They should understand that arranging a funeral in Newport isn't necessarily the same as arranging one in Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor or the West Wight.
At Life Funerals, we are a genuinely independent funeral director based in Newport, providing care and arranging funerals for people across the Isle of Wight.
We believe that being independent means we can focus on what matters to each person, rather than asking you to fit into a particular way of doing things.
If being local and independent matters to you, don't be afraid to ask your funeral director exactly how their business is owned and who will be looking after you.
“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching!”
C.S. Lewis
What does the funeral price actually include?
Funeral prices can be difficult to compare because different funeral directors may include different things within their headline price.
When you are given a quote, ask exactly what is included.
For example:
- Funeral director's services
- Care of the person who has died
- Collection and transportation
- Coffin
- Crematorium or cemetery fees
- Funeral service
- Hearse and other vehicles
- Administration
- Coffin bearers
- Ashes collection
A cheaper headline price doesn't necessarily mean a cheaper funeral, just as a higher price doesn't necessarily mean you will receive more.
The important thing is knowing what you are paying for.
At Life Funerals, we try to make our pricing straightforward, so you can understand what is included before making any decisions, and we try to avoid complicated added extras.
There isn't one standard funeral price on the Isle of Wight. The cost depends on the type of funeral you choose and what is included.
Direct
Cremation
An Isle of Wight, unattended cremation. Including collection and care of the person who has died, help with the paperwork, a basic coffin and all cremation fees.
£1749
Simple
Cremation
A small service with a celebrant before an unattended cremation, with the option to visit the person who has died and the optional use of our decorative coffin cover.
£2765
Bespoke
Service
An attended service with key inclusions such as a coffin with lining, all fees, visits and arrangements, and the option to choose a cremation or burial.
from £3398*
Will the cremation take place on the Isle of Wight?
If you are choosing a funeral director, it is worth asking where the cremation will actually take place.
For some people, keeping everything local is important. You may want to know that the person who has died will remain on the Island and that their cremation will take place here too.
It's a simple question to ask your funeral director:
“Will the cremation take place on the Isle of Wight?”
You can also ask where the person will be cared for before the cremation, whether they will remain on the Island throughout the arrangements, and what happens to their ashes afterwards.
At Life Funerals, we believe people should know exactly what happens to their loved one at every stage.
All our direct cremations take place on the Isle of Wight, with your person cared for locally. There is no need for them to be taken to the mainland for cremation.
If keeping everything local matters to you, ask your funeral director to explain exactly where your loved one will be cared for and where the cremation will take place.
Need immediate support?
Talk to Life. Isle of Wight independent Funeral Directors, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a funeral director on the Isle of Wight
Do you support families across the whole Isle of Wight?
Yes. We provide direct cremation services right across the Isle of Wight, including:
- Newport
- Ryde
- Cowes
- Sandown
- Shanklin
- Ventnor
- Freshwater
- East Cowes
and all surrounding areas.
Should I speak to more than one funeral director?
There's nothing wrong with speaking to more than one funeral director before making a decision.
A funeral director should be happy to explain their services, pricing and approach without putting pressure on you to decide immediately.
You may find it useful to ask the same questions to two or three funeral directors and compare the answers.
About Life Funerals
Your Local Isle of Wight Funeral Director
Life Funerals is an independent funeral director based in Newport on the Isle of Wight.
We arrange funerals for families across the Island, from simple and direct cremations to traditional and completely personalised funerals.
We started Life because we believe funerals can be different.
They don't have to be complicated. They don't have to follow a set formula. And they shouldn't cost more than they need to.
We take the time to listen to what matters to you and explain the choices available, without pressure.
Some families want a traditional funeral with a service and a hearse. Some want something very simple. Others want to create a funeral that is completely personal to the person they have lost.
All of those choices are valid.
We can help with:
- Direct cremation
- Simple cremation
- Traditional funerals
- Personalised funerals
- Religious and non-religious funerals
- Celebrations of life
- Home visits
- Funeral planning
- Care and transportation of the person who has died
- Arrangements across the Isle of Wight
We're based in Newport, but we look after families throughout the Island.
If you're not sure what kind of funeral you want, that's okay too.
You don't need to have all the answers before you speak to us.
We can talk through what has happened, explain the options and help you decide what feels right.
Why choose us?
With over a decade of experience and trusted 5-star Google reviews, we can help guide you through every step of arranging a funeral.
We believe arranging a farewell should feel clear and personal, giving families real choice without unnecessary complexity or pressure.
What to do when someone dies
At Life, we guide families on the first steps after a death with clarity, compassion, and practical support, all on the Isle of Wight. From understanding Medical Certificates and the Medical Examiner review, to registering a death and knowing what happens if the coroner is involved, our step-by-step guide makes things a little easier during a difficult time.
What people say about us
We are proud to support people across the Island during some of life’s most difficult moments. As an independent funeral director, we believe in providing personalised, compassionate care tailored to every person. Here, you can read real testimonials from families who have trusted us to arrange funerals, direct cremations, and meaningful farewells for their loved ones.
Free funeral planning
Only 1% of people arranging a funeral believed they fully knew their loved one’s wishes.
That means 99% of families are left guessing, during one of the hardest weeks of their lives. By registering your wishes now, you ensure your preferences are known and keep control over how you’re remembered.