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

Google

Doves funeral went above and beyond and done a fantastic service for my mum . Jennie from the larkfield branch was of great help in putting everything together for us and making mums day memorable The white horses and carriage was amazing Thank you to…

Jason Pratt

Google

So glad we acted upon the recommendation to use Doves to organise our Mums funeral. At such a distressing time they provided an effortless, efficient and professional service. A big thank you to Rose for her compassion, advice and kindness throughout the whole process, and…

Wayne Masters

Google

Doves at Maidstone have been so very supportive throughout the funeral organisation, for our Mum, Dorothy Doreen. Mum was our world and Doves made the process so very special. Jackie in the office and Chris, the funeral director guided us through a very emotional time.…

Ann Gibb

Google

A massive thank you to Karen at Doves in Orpington. At a time that no one expects to happen, Karen was there from day one. The whole process was made easier knowing she was there when needed. From beginning to the very end Karen made…

Ian Boorman

Google

Jackie in the Maidstone branch went above and beyond to accommodate our requests for a truly personalised funeral. From the beginning, Jackie welcomed us with kindness and compassion, explaining and advising on every step of the process so we could organise a memorable day for…

Gina Hopkins

Google

Thank you to Rose at Doves, for supporting us through a very difficult time in providing a wonderful send off for our Mum.

Victoria W

Google

During such a difficult time for our family, your team provided not only professional service but also genuine compassion and care. Every detail was handled with sensitivity and respect, which brought us great comfort. We were especially grateful for Jackie Barlow, who was incredibly supportive…

Maria Skinner

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Karen was very friendly and made us feel at ease with excellent information and suggestions, Bill and his team were very professional and waited after the funeral patiently. The coffin we chose was presented lovely and the Pastor Jill Hardy pretend a lovely service. Doves…

William Johns

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Thank you to Doves and Rose our funeral arranger and Doves staff at the Crematorium on the day of my mother's funeral . I would also like to thank Rose , in particular, for her support up to the day assisting me through the process…

Roger weale

Google

Jennie in larkfield branch was amazing from start to finish. She was considerate, caring and professional at all times, really taking some of the strain of a difficult time away. She kept us well informed with every step and was in general very lovely. An…

Beckie Turner

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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Call 01233 643 000 visit branch or arrange a home visit