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.

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?

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.

Contact us

Featured Reviews

Google

Kelly's support and professionalism in organising the funeral.for my brother was exceptional. She discussed and put in place every single detail so that the family did not need to worry and had a stress free day. Thank you.so.much for your care and help Kelly…

Bindi

Google

We cannot thank Kelly enough for the care, compassion, and professionalism she showed while helping us arrange my sister’s funeral. From the very beginning, she guided us through every step with such kindness and understanding, making an incredibly difficult time feel a little more manageable.…

Sophie Burke

Google

Claire and Toni and all the team at Ashdowns Blackfen made an extremely difficult time easier to deal with. Always at the end of a telephone if needed. I cannot express my gratitude enough. My mum had the most perfect send off.

Diane Burnham

Google

Kelly and the team at Ashdowns were brilliant and the family would like to thank them all for the care, attention and respect at such a difficult time in our lives.

Sam Coulstock

Google

Kelly and her team were fantastic from the minute we asked them to look after mum to the funeral we couldn’t have asked for more help and compassion You treated her with dignity and respect and that brought us great comfort We Thankyou for helping…

Chris Thornborrow

Google

Kelly was absolutely amazing in assisting me with arranging my mums funeral. Her attention to detail was second to none, and no request was declined. At an extremely difficult time for me Kelly was a calm presence determined to give my mum the send off…

Kim Francis

Google

Kelly was an amazing support emotionally and practically on arranging the funeral for my husband. Her attention to detail and getting things right was excellent. Her respect for John in the chapel of rest was outstanding as was her care for us as a family.…

Lesley Finney

Google

Claire at Ashdowns in Blacken is an absolute diamond. She has helped me with both my parents funerals, with the most recent being last week. The service from Claire from start to finish was amazing, Claire is so friendly and helpful & always on the…

Julie Smith

Google

Ashdown Funeral Services Review January 2026 My Father passed away in November 2010. My Mother also wished to use Ashdown Funeral Services, when the time came. Unfortunately, Mum passed in November 2025. Now, we heard that Edward and Rachel Micallef, who were running Ashdown’s, and…

chris green

Google

The most warming service at such a difficult time for our family. Claire and family and the whole team looked after us with such care from start to finish. Everything was smooth from the organising to running the funeral day and nothing felt like a…

N N

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

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

muchloved

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

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 020 8294 2115 visit branch or arrange a home visit