Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever go through, and knowing where to turn in those first hours can feel overwhelming. At Sussex Funeral Services we are an independent, family-run funeral directors based right here in Hove, and we are here to take the weight off your shoulders. From the moment you call us, our job is to listen, to reassure you and to quietly organise everything that needs doing, so you can spend your energy on the people who matter.
We believe a good funeral should never leave a family worrying about money. Our promise is simple and affordable funerals in Hove, arranged with the same care and dignity whether you choose something small and quiet or a fuller service with all the trimmings. There is no upselling here and no pressure, just honest guidance from people who live and work in the same community as you.
Philip and Sallie lead the family here at our home on Portland Road, and they are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whatever time of day or night you need us, a real person who knows Hove will answer the phone and help you take the next step.
Our home is at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, in the heart of the community we serve. If you are close to Hove Lawns, St Ann's Well Gardens, the seafront or the streets around Hove Cemetery on the Old Shoreham Road, we are only a short journey away and always happy for you to pop in for a quiet cup of tea and a chat. Being local means we understand the area, the traffic, the churches and the quiet corners that make a Hove funeral feel personal.
As well as Hove itself, we regularly look after families in neighbouring Portslade and Brighton, and wherever you are we bring the same steady, familiar face to every arrangement. If a loved one lived a little further along the coast, our colleagues who are trusted funeral directors in Portslade can help in exactly the same warm and unhurried way.
For families in Hove, funerals are usually held at Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton or at The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton, and we know both well. Where a burial is preferred, this most often takes place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. A death in the area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall, and we will gently talk you through how and when to do this so nothing feels confusing.
A traditional funeral gives families in Hove the time and space to gather, to grieve together and to say a proper goodbye. Whether you picture a church service, a chapel gathering at one of the local crematoria or a graveside farewell, we will shape the day around the person you are honouring and the wishes of those closest to them.
From the hearse and the order of service through to the music, the readings and the flowers, every detail is arranged with care. Nothing is rushed, and we will always explain your choices in plain English so you feel in control of the day.
A direct cremation is one of the simplest and most affordable choices we offer, and it has become a comfort to many Hove families who want to keep things gentle and unfussy. There is no formal service on the day itself, so it suits those who would rather remember a loved one privately, in their own time and their own way.
Even though it is simple, it is never impersonal. We look after your loved one with the same respect at every stage, and we return their ashes to you so you can hold a celebration of life later, at home, on the seafront or wherever feels right.
Not everyone wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts your loved one's life, character and story at the very centre of the day, with words, music and readings chosen to reflect who they truly were.
We work with warm, experienced celebrants who will meet you, listen to your memories and help craft a service that feels genuine. Whether you call it a celebration of life or simply a fitting goodbye, it will be personal to your family and to Hove.
For families who draw strength from their faith, we are glad to arrange a funeral that honours your traditions and customs. We work respectfully alongside ministers, priests and faith leaders across Hove and Brighton to make sure everything is done properly and with dignity.
Whatever your faith, we will listen carefully to what matters to you, from the order of the service to timings, prayers and any specific requirements, and we will quietly take care of the arrangements behind the scenes.
For those who would prefer a burial, we arrange graveside services with the same warmth and thought as any other funeral. Burials for Hove families usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery, and we handle the arrangements with the local authorities so you do not have to.
If your loved one felt close to nature, we can also talk you through greener and more natural choices, including woodland and environmentally friendly options. We will explain what is available nearby and help you decide what feels right, with no pressure either way.
Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, sparing your family difficult decisions and unexpected worry when the time comes.
Sitting down with us to arrange a plan is calm and completely unhurried. We will talk through your ideas over a cup of tea, note down exactly what you would like and keep everything safely on record, so your family in Hove can simply follow your wishes.
The small, personal details are often what families remember most, and we are always happy to help you make a funeral feel truly your own. From a favourite piece of music to a particular colour theme, a special reading or a much-loved photograph, these touches turn a service into a real reflection of a life.
We offer a thoughtful range of coffins and urns to suit every taste and budget, from simple and understated to something a little more distinctive, and we will guide you gently through the choices without ever rushing you.
We know that worrying about money at such a painful time only adds to the strain, so we keep our costs clear and straightforward from the very start. There are no hidden extras and no surprises, just an honest conversation about what you would like and what it will cost.
You are always welcome to look through our funeral pricing so you can see exactly what is included, and we will happily explain every line. Our aim is to make sure every family in Hove can arrange a warm, dignified farewell they can genuinely afford.
Choosing a funeral director is a personal decision, and families across Hove come to us because we treat every person in our care as if they were one of our own. Here is what you can expect when you place your trust in us.
Our home is at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, close to the seafront, Hove Lawns and St Ann's Well Gardens. You are welcome to call in for a quiet chat and a cup of tea whenever you need to. If it is easier for you, we can also come to your home to make the arrangements.
The very first thing to do is call us on 01273 736469, day or night, and we will guide you calmly through the next steps. We will explain what needs to happen and bring your loved one into our care whenever you are ready. There is no rush and no wrong question, so please do not worry about getting anything right.
A death in the Hove area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to make an appointment first, and we will talk you through exactly what to take with you. If anything feels confusing, we are always here to help you understand it.
Funerals for Hove families are usually held at Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, both in Brighton. Burials most often take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We know these places well and will handle the bookings and paperwork for you.
Costs depend on the type of funeral you choose, from a simple direct cremation to a fuller traditional service. We keep our prices clear and honest, with no hidden extras, and you can look through our pricing at any time. Our aim is always to help you arrange a dignified farewell you can comfortably afford.
Yes, we regularly arrange celebrant-led and non-religious funerals for families in Hove. These services celebrate your loved one's life, character and story rather than following a set religious format. We work with warm, experienced celebrants who will make the day feel genuine and personal.
We do, and many local families find great comfort in planning ahead. A prepaid plan lets you set out your wishes and fix our costs at today's prices, which takes a real burden off your loved ones. We will arrange everything calmly and keep it safely on record for you.
Yes. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is always a real person to answer your call. Whatever time you need us, you will speak to someone who knows Hove and genuinely cares. Please never feel it is too late or too early to ring.
Whenever you are ready, please reach out and we will take it from there. Philip or Sallie are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can call at any hour on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453 and speak to a caring local person straight away. You are also welcome to visit us at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ for a quiet, unhurried chat. There is no pressure and no obligation, only kind and honest help when you need it most.