Cremations

Most popular funerals

Cremations are now the most popular form of funeral. Most people will want a ceremony at the crematorium – using their 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.

Ashdown Funeral Services can help make arrangements for whichever type of service you would like.

What happens at a cremation service?

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. Alternatively, the coffin can be taken to the venue prior to the mourners arriving.

Unless you have asked for extra time for your service, a cremation funeral service usually lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. The service can include a number of hymns or non-religious songs that mean something to you, eulogies and readings. At the end of the service the coffin is usually obscured from view for mourners to 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. At this stage you can think about what you would like to do with the ashes, some ideas you might like to consider are available here.

Ashdown Funeral Services 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.

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Ashes, Caskets, Urns and Keepsakes

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.

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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?

Ashdown Funeral Services 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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I cannot begin to say how impressed and how amazing Kelly at Ashdown in belvedere was when my dad Derek passed away..Friendly,professional, understanding, reassuring & fantastic advice and always there when you needed advice or guidance during these upsetting times..She put a smile on my…

darren ricketts

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We can’t thank Ashdown Funeral Services enough, especially Kelly, for all their kindness and support during such a difficult time. Kelly was incredibly understanding and patient, explaining everything clearly and guiding us step by step through the arrangements. Everything was handled with such care and…

R A

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Kelly was such a comfort throughout the whole process, making a difficult time so much less stressful. Toni and her team on the day of the funeral were amazing, helping everything run seamlessly - I can't thank Ashdowns enough for the help, support and hard…

Maddy

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My family and I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone at the team at Ashdown’s Belvedere. A few months ago (July 2025), my family and I used Ashdown’s services to bury my mother (rest in peace). From the moment we met…

Emmanuel B

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Would just like to thank and highly recommend everyone at Ashdown Funeral Services at Sidcup. Especially Claire for being so supportive and caring, and for going above and beyond with making my dad’s funeral so special for our family. Every request my mum had for…

JAY INNES

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We recently entrusted Ashdown Funeral Services with my dad’s funeral, and I cannot speak highly enough of the care and professionalism they provided throughout. From our first interaction, Claire was simply wonderful—empathetic, kind, thoughtful, and thoroughly professional. She was always incredibly responsive and on top…

Vince Lam

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What an amazing company from start to finish especially your lady in the Belvedere office Kelly she made us feel so comfortable and relaxed at a very very difficult time she literally took the stress away in an instant. Kelly kept in contact with me…

Jenny

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Ashdown Funeral Services provided outstanding support throughout the funeral planning process. Kelly was particularly helpful, handling most of the preparation work with great professionalism. She kept us fully informed about what needed to be done and guided us through securing funding, making a difficult time…

Randolph Horsham

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From collecting my mother from home to the day of her funeral Ashdown’s at Sidcup gave my mother the best care and respect and me complete support. Claire organised the funeral for me, making sure everything was perfect and was always on hand to answer…

Maree Field

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We previously used Ashdown Funeral Services for our father's funeral in 2022 and had no hesitation in using them again for mum. Kelly and her team were outstanding once again taking care of everything with the utmost professionalism and respect.

Pauline

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.

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

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