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

Dear Rose and Team, A huge thank you to Doves Funeral Directors for the outstanding service, kindness, and compassion shown during such a difficult time. The care, understanding, and professionalism you provided meant so much to us. You made a very emotional time that little…

Jo Barber

Google

So we'll done thank you for all of it and you are the best service to come to

Freddie Ford

Google

I was extremely impressed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by everyone at Doves Funeral Directors. In particular, Jenny was absolutely wonderful. Her kindness, understanding and support made such a difficult time a little easier to bear. She was caring, patient and attentive to…

Julie Lowrie

Google

Excellent care and consideration by all the team

Rajiv Malhotra

Google

Many thanks to Karen, Bill and Toni for the professionalism and great kindness they showed both in the preparation for the funeral and during the event itself. It made a difficult experience much easier and we are very grateful.

Alison Green

Google

I cannot thank doves in Sittingbourne Enough, they made my mum‘s final journey in the final goodbye here the perfect one, Julie is lovely and she helped me arrange my mum‘s funeral as I’ve never arranged a funeral before. I cannot thank her enough will…

claire attrell

Google

Doves Funeral Directors, Swanley and Rose in particular made a difficult time arranging my Father Gary's funeral as smooth as possible. Before the day, Rose was very sympathetic and nothing was too much trouble, co-ordinating the Photos, Order of service, music, flowers, minister and various…

Kenton May

Google

Doves Funeral Directors, Swanley and Rose in particular made a difficult time arranging my Father Gary's funeral as smooth as possible. Before the day, Rose was very sympathetic and nothing was too much trouble, co-ordinating the Photos, Order of service, music, flowers, minister and various…

Kenton May

Google

Rose made the whole experience easier from the moment we met. Her friendly and professional manner was reassuring during a difficult time and I felt my Dad was in good hands. Her advise and care throughout the bereavement was exceptional and understanding. The celebrant she…

S&D Perry

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

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