Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their onsite chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation. 

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society or even a family member or a friend. Doves Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

 

 

What happens at a cremation service?

On the day of the funeral the cortege will travel to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in either by pall bearers, selected family and friends or a mixture of both. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

A cremation funeral service varies but usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. Dependant on your local crematorium, you can request extra time for your service. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you and the deceased, eulogies, readings and prayers. Mourners will be invited to go up to place flowers or say their individual goodbyes. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view with a curtain, this is called the committal, so that mourners can pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. We can collect these for you and keep them or deliver them to an address of your choosing. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some inspirational ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Doves Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Ashes, Caskets, Urns and KeepsakesCoffin Range

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

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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?

Doves 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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Featured Reviews

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I can’t thank Doves Funeral Directors enough for the care, compassion, and support they showed while arranging my dad’s funeral. Karen was truly incredible — so kind, patient, and reassuring throughout. Her support meant more than I can put into words, and I will always…

Jo Harman

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I can't recommend doves enough thank you to the Ashford team for everything from planning to funeral. I recently lost my teenage son and had no idea about funeral planning or what to do next. And never organised a funeral before. stepping into doves funeral…

Aisha-Marie Stoica

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Exceptional service at a very emotional time, Thank you Haley for your support and kindness & Richard and the team for making the day as easy as it could be…

Kevin Terry

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Thank you so much to everyone at Doves for making what was a difficult time for our family as painless as it could be. We were guided through everything without feeling we were being upsold or otherwise. The staff were very professional and on the…

Simon Younger

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It was the second time we have used Doves Maidstone and again they were fantastic. From the first contact in the middle of the night informing them of my mums passing, Chris the Funeral Director making sure the day went smoothly and Jackie coordinating everything…

Paul Martin

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For my mother's funeral, we found Doves Funeral Directors of Orpington friendly, considerate and helpful, explaining the process clearly.

Peter Cogram

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Managed my father's funeral recently. Kind, friendly, helpful & professional people. Contacted me regularly with updates and progress. The day itself went smoothly and as planned. Particular thanks to Rose & Toni. Recommended.…

Mark Pugs

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Doves arranged my husband’s funeral, we felt so looked after and the whole process was fantastic especially during such a difficult time. I couldn’t fault Karen, Toni or Jill it was wonderful celebration of his life.…

Vicki Woodhouse

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We used Doves Funeral Directors in Orpington for my father’s funeral and cannot recommend them highly enough. From our very first meeting, Karen was sympathetic, friendly and deeply respectful. She guided my mother, my two sisters and me through every step with professionalism and genuine…

John Leonard

Google

An excellent service from the time we called to the funeral, I can not say how caring and compassionate the whole team were. Karren in the office was so helpful and nothing was to much trouble. Toni and her team were very professionally in a…

Greg Simner

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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