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.

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Memorial Masonry

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

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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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Latest Reviews

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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

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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

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We employed doves funeral directors to manage our queen mums funeral, and this company and its hole Team has done us proud, from start to finish. I'm very thankful and grateful to the hole Team, there work is outstanding !, well beyond outstanding actually. They…

sy Car

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In the run up to my mothers death, the gentle yet experienced guidance was exactly what one requires at such an emotional time. Throughout the entire process we were treated respectfully but also with assurity. The day before the funeral I receievd a reassuring call…

Lindsey Kitchin

Google

Amanda at Doves in Staplehurst was so kind, supportive and helpful to us. She explained everything very clearly and answered all of our questions. She was available to us, despite it being over the Christmas and New Year period, at any time when we needed…

Laura Wade

Google

Highly recommend the Ashford branch in beaver Lane so friendly and helpful as soon as you arrive

Shane Wirt

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Rose was great, really friendly and helpful making sure everything was explained clearly. The funeral crew were brilliant.…

Jackie Boddy

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Excellent service service from the whole team, particularly Toni, Nathan and Rose. Very happy to recommend.

Keith Bambrough

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Absolutely recommend Dived in larkfield . Jennie makes a really difficult time so calm with so much care . Amazing…

Bev Relf

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

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