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.

Ashdown Funeral Services 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. 

Ashdown Funeral Services 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?

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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From the moment we walked into Ashdowns to discuss arranging my mum's funeral I knew we were in the right place. Claire was amazing, she listened to us and from the first discussion we were on the same page on what we wanted for my…

Lorraine Deane

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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

Much Loved

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

Google

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

Much Loved

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

Much Loved

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

Google

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

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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