Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their onsite chapel – but you can also hold the service in a church or other venue of your choice prior to the cremation. 

It is entirely up to you if you want the service to be religious or non-religious. A religious service will be conducted by an ordained minister or clergy from a specific faith or religion whereas a non-religious ceremony can have a civil celebrant or officiant from the humanist society or even a family member or a friend. Doves Funeral Directors can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

 

 

What happens at a cremation service?

On the day of the funeral the cortege will travel to the crematorium. Depending on your preference, mourners may assemble outside awaiting the arrival of the hearse, or may take a seat in the chapel before the coffin is brought in either by pall bearers, selected family and friends or a mixture of both. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

A cremation funeral service varies but usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. Dependant on your local crematorium, you can request extra time for your service. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you and the deceased, eulogies, readings and prayers. Mourners will be invited to go up to place flowers or say their individual goodbyes. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view with a curtain, this is called the committal, so that mourners can pay their final respects before the cremation.

Most crematoriums are able to return a loved one’s ashes one working day after the cremation, and sometimes even the same day. We can collect these for you and keep them or deliver them to an address of your choosing. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some inspirational ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Doves Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

Get a quote

Ashes, Caskets, Urns and KeepsakesCoffin Range

We have a wide range of urns and caskets for this purpose in a variety of styles and materials such as wood, marble and stone.

View more

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

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

Google

From my first contact with Hayley from Doves she was kind and her support & encouragement helped us through the whole process of arranging my husband’s funeral. Hayley gave us all the information we needed and was so patient and nothing was too much trouble…

Carole Sims

Google

Doves we're amazing and really go above and beyond to make such sad days more bearable. Can recommend them as the people to go too. Excellent service by all there staff.…

Lord Keith Kerridge

Google

I can highly recommend Cheryl at Doves, Sevenoaks - she helped and supported us with arranging the funeral and put us in contact with an amazing Celebrant. Cheryl's kindness and compassion was very much appreciated. Matthew and the rest of the team supported us on…

Ruth Taylor

Google

Rose was very, very helpful. Nothing was to big, or too small, to deal with. Toni and the drivers vey good, very helpful, very attentive. Can find no faults at all with the whole team. They were all there if needed. Must not forget the…

Roger Overy

Google

Amanda at Staplehurst is brilliant at her job. She’s so kind and professional and I would recommend her without hesitation.

Catherine Wheldon

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