Burials

Traditional or informal

Funeral services can be as formal or informal as you would like – and it’s entirely up to you as to how religious the service is depending on your beliefs and the wishes of your loved one.

Doves Funeral Directors can organise the funeral and a burial at your chosen cemetery, graveyard or burial ground and purchase a grave on your behalf where necessary. Most burial grounds have a chapel or room where the service can take place, but you may decide you want the service to take place in a particular church or other venue that has meaning for you. 

If you already have a family burial plot we may be able to arrange for it to be reopened before the burial. If you would like burial plots which are next to each other, you’ll need to talk to the local authority about the possibility of purchasing or reserving multiple plots and again, we can help you with this.

What happens at a burial?

On the day of the funeral, depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside the burial ground awaiting the arrival of the cortege with hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

A funeral service usually lasts around 20 to 60 minutes and can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings.

Following the funeral service (should you choose to have one) the committal service usually takes place at the graveside with the minister, clergy or other non-religious officiant conducting the service. This can be tailored to your requests with readings, songs and prayers. 

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

Get a quote

Memorial Masonry

We offer a masonry service for new pieces, additional inscriptions or renovations to existing memorials.

View masonry

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.

View pricing

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.

View plans

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.

Contact us

Featured Reviews

Google

We have rated Doves Funeral Directors in Maidstone 5/5. On our first visit to the shop we were met by Laura who expertly guided us through all the stages of organising Mum’s funeral and she was always ready to help if we had queries along…

June Watson

Google

From my first contact with Hayley from Doves she was kind and her support & encouragement helped us through the whole process of arranging my husband’s funeral. Hayley gave us all the information we needed and was so patient and nothing was too much trouble…

Carole Sims

Google

Doves we're amazing and really go above and beyond to make such sad days more bearable. Can recommend them as the people to go too. Excellent service by all there staff.…

Lord Keith Kerridge

Google

I can highly recommend Cheryl at Doves, Sevenoaks - she helped and supported us with arranging the funeral and put us in contact with an amazing Celebrant. Cheryl's kindness and compassion was very much appreciated. Matthew and the rest of the team supported us on…

Ruth Taylor

Google

Rose was very, very helpful. Nothing was to big, or too small, to deal with. Toni and the drivers vey good, very helpful, very attentive. Can find no faults at all with the whole team. They were all there if needed. Must not forget the…

Roger Overy

Google

Amanda at Staplehurst is brilliant at her job. She’s so kind and professional and I would recommend her without hesitation.

Catherine Wheldon

Google

Doves conducted both my parents funerals and were wonderful in each case. I dealt directly with them for my Mother's recent funeral and they couldn't have been more helpful. They took the time to explain things and answer my questions, recommended a florist and celebrant…

Lesley French

Google

My Mother in Law passed away in June this year. We chose Doves Funeral Directors to take care of Eve. They provided all the required information we needed to allow us to give Eve a truly cared for funeral. We would like to thank all…

Richard Drake

Google

Doves conducted both my parents funerals and were wonderful in each case. I dealt directly with them for my Mother's recent funeral and they couldn't have been more helpful. They took the time to explain things and answer my questions, recommended a florist and celebrant…

Lesley French

Google

Professional, freindly and affordable, highly recommended for funeral services in Maidstone.

Sam Wittwer

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.

Learn more about Choice Funeral Plans

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01233 643 000 visit branch or arrange a home visit