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

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

Google

Thank you so much to everyone at Doves Maidstone for the genuine care, compassion and dignity they showed to us following the death of my brother. From the moment the team collected him from home they showed such professionalism and genuine care towards Simon. We…

Sally Mainland

Google

Cheryl was professional, caring and compassionate. She explained everything that we needed to know and answered all our questions. Having never gone through the precess before, she made everything seem straightforward and guided us through the whole process most efficiently.

Shelagh Legg

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

Google

I can't recommend doves enough thank you to the Ashford team for everything from planning to funeral. I recently lost my teenage son and had no idea about funeral planning or what to do next. And never organised a funeral before. stepping into doves funeral…

Aisha-Marie Stoica

Google

Exceptional service at a very emotional time, Thank you Haley for your support and kindness & Richard and the team for making the day as easy as it could be…

Kevin Terry

Google

Thank you so much to everyone at Doves for making what was a difficult time for our family as painless as it could be. We were guided through everything without feeling we were being upsold or otherwise. The staff were very professional and on the…

Simon Younger

Google

It was the second time we have used Doves Maidstone and again they were fantastic. From the first contact in the middle of the night informing them of my mums passing, Chris the Funeral Director making sure the day went smoothly and Jackie coordinating everything…

Paul Martin

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