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.

Alfred Smith 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. 

Alfred Smith 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.

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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?

Alfred Smith 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.

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Latest Reviews

Google

Wonderful experience from start to finish. You feel as if you are talking to life long friends. Incredibly understanding and kind. Would recommend them to anyone needing their services. Jackie and Gill in southwark were both fantastic can’t fault either of these ladies. Thanking for…

Lisa Frampton

Google

Gill & Katie were stars, they were a great help from start to finish. I would happily recommend Alfred Smith to family & friends.

Beardy McMetalFace

Google

I and my partner recently arranged my mother's funeral with Alfred Smith Funeral Directors and really could not be more pleased and grateful for the service I received. Gill was so lovely and kind and explained everything clearly to us and didn't pressure us into…

Rebecca Finch

Much Loved

All I can say is a Great Big thank you to Jackie Bobby and the team. Jackie was fantastic she did everything for me made it really easy as I had never done anything like this Before but she was really great, I would tell…

Danny Daniels

Google

I recently had a funeral with Smiths for my brother Ron and the service I received was fantastic. Jackie in particular I can't thank enough. She was extremely helpful, every question I asked she was able to answer. On the day of the funeral Bobby…

Danny Daniels

Much Loved

Jackie, the lady we dealt with at the Great Suffolk Street branch explained everything to us at the start. She could answer all our questions and was so natural she made us feel very much at ease under the circumstances. On the day of the…

Daniel Hewetson

Much Loved

When I entered Alfred Smith funeral director, after the untimely death of my son, I felt a little rushed. I think there was a need by the person to be at another branch. However, apart from this, the service was exemplary. Courteous, kind and respectful…

Diane White

Much Loved

Very kind, understanding and attentive throughout. They made a difficult occasion easier to bear. The whole team from Jackie in the office to hearse and following car drivers were sensitive and professional. Steve, the humanist celebrant, did an excellent job at leading the service.…

Helen Green

Much Loved

Alfred Smith were given to us by our loved one who had organised a funeral plan during his life. We didn't know them previously but must say that we are very happy with the service we received. Their approach was very human and down to…

Lisa Willoughby

Google

We would like to thank Smiths and in particular "Jackie" for her kindness and help with the organising of the funeral for our dear friend (father, brother & cousin). Her friendly approach made this difficult time that bit easier. Smiths have dealt with the family…

Bernadette Pozan

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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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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Call 020 7928 5377 visit branch or arrange a home visit