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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Featured Reviews

Google

Karen was amazing from start to finish. She put us completely at ease during such a difficult time and supported us every step of the way. The funeral for my mum was absolutely amazing and everything was handled with such care, compassion and professionalism. We…

Louise Forrester

Google

Doves in Maidstone couldn't have been more helpful throughout the entire process. From my first meeting with Jackie I knew I was in good hands, we had an unusual situation and her guidance and support ultimately led to a fitting service for our much loved…

Mark Tassell

Google

Obviously booking a funeral for a loved one is not something any of would want to do. So finding Doves was such a relief for my sister and I. We attended an appointment with Karen who explained everything very clearly to us before we chose…

Melanie Robinson

Google

They made a very sad and difficult situation as easy to arrange as possible. The funeral was very professional and done with consideration and care. Highly recommended

Karen Grieves

Google

Organising my dads funeral was the hardest thing I’ve had to do but rose and the team made is so much easier we’re very welcoming and made everything run smoothly

Terri Walkling

Google

Excellent - very very friendly yet professional service!

Jackie Soper

Google

Karen has been an absolute blessing. Helping in every way she possibly could. She was really efficient & compassionately supporting my family through the worst few days of our lives. So pleased with all the effort from everyone at Doves from start to finish, they…

julie salter

Google

Karen was the lead person helping me and she was wonderfully understanding and attentive, but any staff member I spoke to, including the receptionist, was supportive and kind. My deepest thanks to everyone.

Carolyn Allemand

Google

Jenny Ollive was brilliant, obviously cares about families and making sure everything went smoothly. She was very kind and understanding and kept in touch regularly. She guided me through a difficult process. Thank you Jenny…

sara spice

Google

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

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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