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MAKING THINGS SPECIAL

Taking into account your loved one's personality and passions, we can arrange a unique commemoration and celebration of their life together. The loss of a loved one is always difficult. However, we will do our best to advise you on available options. By considering the following options, this process can be more straightforward for you and your family.

 

SENTIMENTAL ITEMS:

Many bereaved families find great comfort in placing personal items, such as photographs, letters, and soft toys, in the Coffin with their loved ones. We place no restrictions on what may be placed in a Coffin or the Chapel of Rest whilst your loved one is in our care. However, there are rules set by Crematoriums and items made of metal or glass may be restricted. Where appropriate, we will advise on what can be kept and what must be removed. You can even have a Memory Board placed in the Chapel, featuring numerous photos of the deceased that represent a life filled with memories. You can also take this to the funeral and the gathering that follows the service.

 

COFFIN OR CASKET:

We supply a wide range of Coffins and Caskets, from the simplest to the truly elaborate. We appreciate that choosing a Coffin may be a painful and upsetting decision for some people. However, we believe it would be inappropriate for us to make a decision on your behalf. We will always show you the lowest-priced option first. Then, we will provide you with our brochure to help you make a selection if you wish to proceed further. Our coffins range from the traditional style in both veneer and hardwoods. We also have a range of Cardboard coffins with various printed designs.

Additionally, Willow, Wicker, and Bamboo are now available in a variety of styles and designs. Alternatively, why not opt for a plain, simple, white coffin and decorate it yourself? This can be a very personal and fitting family tribute to someone much loved.

 

MUSIC:

Many people ask for specific pieces of music during the service. The theme chosen can be anything from traditional funeral music to favourite pop songs. There is no 'norm' to music; tell us what you want, and we'll make it happen. 

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CARRYING AND TRANSPORTING THE COFFIN:

We will always supply bearers to carry the Coffin. Alternatively, you may wish to choose your bearers. We encourage family participation in this aspect of the funeral. Do not worry; we will always ensure that your private Bearers receive some instruction before the actual service. Depending on your preference, the vehicle could be a regular hearse, a horse-drawn carriage, or a motorcycle hearse. When arranging this detail, please let us know your thoughts.

 

CLOTHING:

What your loved one wears on the day of the funeral is entirely up to you. We can provide robes if you wish, but we find that whoever is organising the funeral often likes their loved one to wear something special or sentimental. You may want your loved one to wear something formal, something they are comfortable in, or even their favourite football team's strip. We are happy to dress your loved one in the outfit of your choice.

 

EULOGY AND TRIBUTE:

A friend or relative may wish to say a few words during the service. This speech or collection of thoughts is called a Eulogy or tribute. You can prepare this, or choose a favourite poem or piece of reading material. Letters, poetry, and other contributions can also add a personal and meaningful element to the eulogy. Please ask to see our advice leaflet for more information. Alternatively, provide our staff with enough information and time, and we will even help prepare the eulogy for you should you find it difficult to put the words together.

 

OBITUARY NOTICES:

The Obituary notice is an opportunity to publicly announce the death of your loved one and the official funeral details, and pay tribute to them by including a few chosen words that you feel are appropriate. It is also an opportunity to display details, such as where people can send donations or flowers. We will be happy to create and arrange the Obituary notices if you wish. We can also collate all the obituary notices on your behalf and illustrate them in one album.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS:

We offer several photographic services to help you capture a more lasting vision of the service day. We can digitally photograph the floral tributes and prepare them in an album, along with pictures of your loved one. You may wish to have the place of service photographed, including the Hearse, Coffin, and any other relevant images. These can be placed in a booklet, or you might want to provide an album of your choice. We can also put all the photos on a CD or create a DVD presentation if you wish.

 

FLOWERS:

We have a qualified Florist with experience in all aspects of floristry. We have a detailed brochure to help you make your tribute selections. Alternatively, our Florist is happy to create a home visit to discuss in detail what you may require. Whatever you decide, you can be assured of high-quality, beautiful, fresh flowers at a competitive price. In addition to flowers, we can offer a wide range of helium foil and latex balloons. Providing a balloon release as an integral part of the funeral service is becoming prevalent.

 

ANYTHING ELSE?

This is just a very brief indication of what we can provide. However, whatever your requirements, we WILL be able to help.

FUNERAL HOME LOCATIONS

We have three funerals home, two in Portsmouth and another in Havant.

Just call us for immediate assistance

SOUTHSEA

105 Winter Road

Southsea

PO4 8DS

023 9273 8922

PORTSMOUTH

319 Copnor Road,

Portsmouth,
PO3 5EG

023 9266 5795

HAVANT

25-29 Park Parade 

Leigh Park

PO9 5AA

023 9247 7190

OPENING HOURS:

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Even though our funeral homes have scheduled hours of service, our telephones are answered by a member of the Searson family twenty-four hours of EVERY day.

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Portsmouth and Havant

9.00 am - 4.30 pm

Monday - Friday

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Southsea

By appointment

National Association of Funeral Directors
British Institute of Funeral Directors
FLOWERS AT JASMINES IN HAVANT

© All Rights Reserved - The Searson Family Funeral Service - 2025

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