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.

S Smith & Sons 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. 

S Smith & Sons 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?

S Smith & Sons 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

Latest Reviews

Google

From the very outset Sarah was fantastic nothing was to much trouble always there with a cup of tea/coffee, her staff went the extra mile nothing was to much trouble. For a sad day they made it bearable. Celebrant good did all that we asked.…

John Gilmore

Google

We used Smith & sons for our Mother's funeral in 2021 and we're really happy with their service from start to finish. Sarah Smith is excellent at organising funerals She is very down to earth and easy to talk to you as well as being…

Amanda Aphale

Google

My experience dealing with Smith & Sons was one of warmth, reassurance and kindness. Sarah managed the whole process so well, taking the stress out of a very stressful time, keeping in touch regularly and making sure we knew what she needed from us, and…

LouLa Belle

Google

Recently my mother passed away and I decided to use S Smith & Sons as they had dealt with previous Relatives who had passed. I was so Thankful that I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah. She listened to my request and let me ramble…

Evie Wickham

Much Loved

Very respectful and kind. Made great suggestions. However I was often called the wrong name in emails, I had some flowers on the day that were not for my Mum. And my Mum ashes were released incorrectly. The day was organised, Steven was amazing but…

Amanda

Much Loved

All the staff are very kind, understanding and compassionate....Very Happy to Leave My Dear Mother....In their Loving Hands of S.Smith who will care and look after her...God Bless You Mum, Love and Miss You So Much and Will Hopefully see You and Dad Soon....Ian, Paul,…

IAN BRIDLE

Google

Even though I found the early stages of planning the funeral for my mother incredibly hard, Sarah and the team were very understanding, and even let me arrange things via telephone and email, instead of face to face meetings, which I found overwhelming. In my…

Harriet W

Much Loved

From start to Finish they were very professional,polite,considerate From the moment we walked in to the Edenbridge office Sarah was great and made the Family at ease she a credit to her profession

Anita Jones

Much Loved

I have already left one review but happy to do another. Sarah was the perfect person to see for us when making my father-in-laws funeral she made us feel at ease at such a difficult time.…

Jan Cooper

Much Loved

All the team were lovely and friendly and at the same time very professional. As soon as they came to collect my Mum we all felt she, and us, would be looked after with respect. They helped us put together a beautiful funeral service, Sarah…

Mrs N Forbes

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

View funeral notices

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 01732 862 117 visit branch or arrange a home visit