SERVING THE immEDIATE COMMUNITY OF WICKFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR OVER 170 YEARS

S. Carter & Son offers personalised funeral services catered to your needs,
guiding you on what to do when a loved one passes. Our funeral directors are here to support you and help you take the next step.
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LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTORS IN ESSEX

Have you recently experienced the loss of a close family member and require professional and sensitive support with funeral arrangements? S. Carter & Son are an independent family owned and run funeral directors and monumental masons,  immediate vicinities of Wickford as well as locations in Essex. With a vast range of services available, from guiding you through the initial first steps to arranging the ceremony including burials, transport and memorials, we will ensure you receive the most dignified and comforting service possible. In case of immediate assistance, our phone is available for calls 24 hours a day.
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Sarah and Dad

WELL ESTABLISHED COMPANY

S. Carter & Son is currently being run by the fourth and fifth generations of the family. Michael Carter took over the running of the business in 1983, after his father passed away. Michael is still very much involved in the day-to-day running of the business. His daughter Sarah, joined the company in 1997. Sarah manages the office, makes funeral arrangements and personally conducts funerals alongside Darren. 
Darren has been with the company for many years and is the Grandson of the late Ernie Wood. Ernie was Wickford’s much loved and respected Gravedigger for over 30 years.  
TO FIND OUT MORE WHY NOT WATCH OUR VIDEO

CLIENT'S TESTIMONIALS

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WE COVER IMMEDIATE VICINITIES OF WICKFORS AS WELL AS LOCATIONS IN ESSEX

PRE-PAID FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Our funeral directors understand your needs and can offer you a well-planned and well-arranged funeral for your loved ones. We have various pre-paid funeral plans for you to choose from. We can ensure that we can help you and your family with the arrangements of the funeral according to the plan you choose. For more information, contact us and discuss your needs with us.

FAQ

  • Is cremation more expensive than burial?

    No. The purchase of a new grave is generally higher than the fee for cremation. However, burials in churchyards are of similar cost to cremation services. There are also further expenses if the family wish to mark the grave with a headstone.

  • Is the coffin cremated with the body?

    Current cremation regulations require that the coffin, including fittings and furnishings, must be suitable for cremation, and be placed in the cremator in the same condition as it was received. Tributes and flowers cannot be included with the coffin during the cremation.

  • Can family and friends carry the coffin?

    Yes. Often family members express the wish to assist our bearers with the carrying.  We are

    happy to allow you to carry the coffin and can arrange for a practice session before the funeral.


    Family bearers who wish to carry with members of our team will be required to sign a risk

    assessment form/and or disclaimer, a brief training exercise is recommended.

  • What is the purpose of embalming?

    Embalming sanitizes and preserves a body. It also makes it possible to lengthen the time

    between death and the funeral. The embalming process can help give an impression of peaceful sleep and wellness, which can be a great

    comfort for grieving families.

  • What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or during the weekend?

    We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is place a call to us

    on 01268 733 108. If you request immediate assistance, our professionals will usually be

    there within the hour. If you wish to spend a short time with the deceased to say goodbye,

    then we will come when the time is right for you.

  • Is it necessary to hold a funeral ceremony?

    Although slightly unusual, it is not essential for there to be any kind of ceremony. In fact, nowadays, we are seeing an increase in our direct cremation service. Should the family choose not to be present, this kind of committal is still carried out with equal respect.

  • What is a green funeral?

    The term ‘green funeral’ is often used to describe funerals that take a less traditional form,

    which seek to minimise impact upon the world’s natural resources. Choices may include a woodland burial, coffins made from materials such as willow, cardboard and the like. You do

    not need to choose a specific type of funeral director, any company should be able to adhere

    to your specific requirements.

  • What is a woodland burial?

    Woodland burial grounds in effect are cemeteries. You will be able to have a full burial or burial of cremated remains, should you wish. Woodland burial sites are privately owned and

    there are strict rules that govern, what is acceptable and not acceptable. With all burials we recommend that you visit the place where you think you would like to lay your loved one to rest. We are able to advise all on the local woodland burial grounds.

  • Are the cremated remains really that of my loved one?

    Yes. All cremations are completed individually in accordance with the Institute of Cemetery

    and Crematorium Management (ICCM) guiding principles for cremation. Each cremation

    service has a unique identification number and label which follows the deceased through the

    whole cremation process.

  • How long after the service does the actual cremation take place?

    Where possible, the cremation usually takes place within a few hours after the service but

    under guidelines drawn up by the ICCM (Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management) always within 72 hours.

  • What is the time scale for a funeral?

    An average time scale for a funeral is two to three

    weeks. However, we always do our best to accommodate whatever your preference, so

    please feel free to discuss any queries you have with us.

  • How many people can you get in a limousine?

    Our limousines ideally seat six people

    although this can be extended to seven people if a passenger sits alongside our driver. If

    you wish for babies or small children to travel in our limousine, we ask that the parent/s

    supply and fit the appropriate child seat. We are able to provide space for foldable

    wheelchairs or pushchairs, in the rear compartment of the vehicle.

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To discuss funeral plans with our funeral directors in Wickford, Essex, you can call us on
Our phone is available for calls 24 hours a day
You can send us your enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact us

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