Death at Home
If the death was expected, contact the appropriate medical professional first. Once that is in place, we can guide you through the next steps.
Menston & Ilkley
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Serving families in Menston, Ilkley and the surrounding communities with compassion, dignity and personal care for over 70 years.
Immediate guidance
What To Do When Someone Dies
At a difficult time, clear next steps can help. You do not need to understand everything before calling us — we are here to guide you.
Death in Hospital
The hospital bereavement team will help with initial formalities. You can then ask for J Waite & Son to assist with the funeral arrangements.
Death in a Care Home
Care-home staff will normally assist with the immediate process. You may nominate J Waite & Son as your chosen funeral director.
Unexpected Death
Unexpected deaths may involve the police and/or coroner. This does not necessarily indicate anything suspicious, and we can explain what usually happens next.
Death Away From Home
If your loved one has died away from the local area, contact us for guidance on bringing them into our care in Menston.
You do not need to understand everything before calling us. We are here to guide you through the next steps.
Our approach
Our Family Supporting Yours
Arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming. J Waite & Son believes in supporting families through the difficult process of saying goodbye — carefully, respectfully and without haste.
Every funeral should reflect and celebrate the individual life of the person who has died. We approach each arrangement with:
- Compassion
- Respect
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
- Personal care
Funeral choices
Funeral Services
There is no single correct way to say goodbye. We offer clear options so families can choose what feels right — without pressure to select an expensive package.
Attended Funeral
A ceremony, event or service for family and friends at the time of burial or cremation.
£2,394
Funeral director’s charges based on the current Standardised Price List. Third-party fees may apply.
Direct Cremation
A simple, respectful cremation without family or friends attending the cremation itself.
£1,300
Simple • Respectful • Unattended
Traditional Burial
A full funeral service and burial, shaped around religious or non-religious wishes.
From £4,500
Final cost depends on requirements and cemetery charges. See our Standardised Price List for clarity.
Why families choose us
Guidance You Can Trust
Independent
A local independent funeral director, not part of a large corporate chain.
Established 1953
More than seven decades serving families in Menston, Ilkley and beyond.
Personal
Every funeral can be arranged around the individual and their family.
Compassionate
Calm support and practical guidance throughout the arrangements.
Over 70 Years of Local Service
From our funeral home at 46 Main Street, Menston, we serve Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale, Guiseley, Otley and the wider Wharfedale community.
Transparent pricing
Funeral Costs
UK funeral directors publish a Standardised Price List so families can understand and compare costs. We keep funeral director charges and third-party fees clearly separate.
| Funeral option | Current price |
|---|---|
| Direct / unattended cremation | £1,300 |
| Attended funeral — funeral director’s charges | £2,394 |
| Traditional burial package | From £4,500 |
| Unattended burial | Price on application |
| Typical local cremation fee (third party) | £1,120 |
| Embalming | £125 |
| Additional mileage | £2.25 per mile |
Prices last reviewed: November 2025. Third-party charges can change — please check with us when making arrangements.
Chapel of Rest
A Quiet Place to Say Goodbye
Families who wish to spend time with their loved one before the funeral can arrange a private viewing by appointment. Viewing during office hours is included at no additional charge on the Standardised Price List.
Personalised funerals
A Funeral That Reflects Their Life
Music, readings, flowers, donations, celebrants or ministers — we help families create a meaningful goodbye shaped around the person who has died.
Our community
Proud to Serve Our Local Community
From our Menston funeral home we serve families across Wharfedale, including Menston, Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale, Guiseley and Otley. We are actively engaged with the Menston and Ilkley communities.
Need Help?
If you need guidance following a bereavement or would like to discuss funeral arrangements, please contact us.