Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever face. At Sussex Funeral Services we are here to take the weight off your shoulders, gently and without fuss, so that you can focus on your family and on saying goodbye. We are an independent, family-run firm, and when you call us you will always speak to a real person who has the time to listen.
We look after families across Shoreham-by-Sea and the wider Adur area, offering honest advice, clear pricing and a calm hand to guide you through every step. Whether you want a simple, affordable funeral, a full traditional service, or something more personal, we will help you plan it in your own way and at your own pace.
Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is never a wrong time to reach out. If you have just had a bereavement and are not sure what to do next, please pick up the phone. We will explain everything clearly and take care of the rest.
Shoreham-by-Sea is a town with real character, sitting where the River Adur meets the sea. From the historic houseboats moored along the river to the shingle of Shoreham Beach and the ancient church of St Mary de Haura in the heart of the old town, it is a place that means a great deal to the people who live here. We understand how much these local roots matter, and we take great care to arrange funerals that reflect the life and the community of the person who has died.
As well as Shoreham-by-Sea itself, we regularly help families in the neighbouring areas of Southwick, Lancing and Portslade. If you are just along the coast, you may also want to read about our funeral directors in Southwick, where we offer exactly the same warm, personal care. Wherever you are in the Adur area, distance is never a barrier, and we will come to you at home if that is easier.
When someone dies in the Shoreham-by-Sea area, the death is usually registered with the West Sussex register office. For cremations, the nearest crematoria are Worthing Crematorium on Findon Road and Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton, and we can arrange a service at either. We will guide you through registering the death and choosing where the service will be held, so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.
For many families, a traditional funeral brings a sense of comfort and occasion that feels right. It gives everyone the chance to come together, to remember, and to mark a life with dignity. We arrange traditional services throughout Shoreham-by-Sea, whether that means a church service, a gathering at a crematorium, or a procession that passes places that mattered to your loved one.
Every detail can be as formal or as relaxed as you wish. From the hearse and cars to the order of service, the music and the flowers, we will help you shape a day that honours the person you have lost and feels true to who they were.
A direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option we offer. There is no service to attend, and the cremation is carried out quietly and respectfully at a time we arrange. Many families in Shoreham-by-Sea choose this because they would rather hold their own gathering later, in their own way, or because their loved one wanted something plain and unfussy.
Choosing a direct cremation does not mean going without care. We look after your loved one with the same respect we give every family, and we return the ashes to you so you can remember them however feels right, whether that is scattering them near Shoreham Beach or keeping them close at home.
Not everyone wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts the focus firmly on the person who has died, telling their story in their own words with the music, memories and readings that meant most to them. It can be held at a crematorium, a favourite spot, or a venue of your choosing near Shoreham-by-Sea.
We work with warm, experienced celebrants who take the time to get to know your family and the person you are remembering. Some families choose a full attended bespoke cremation funeral, blending a personal ceremony with the care and structure of a cremation service. Whatever shape it takes, the day will feel personal and heartfelt.
If faith was an important part of your loved one's life, we will make sure their funeral honours it properly and with respect. We arrange Christian services, including those at the historic St Mary de Haura in Shoreham-by-Sea, as well as funerals for families of other faiths and denominations.
We work closely with ministers, priests and faith leaders to make sure every custom and tradition is observed carefully. If you have particular requirements around timing, readings or rituals, please tell us and we will make certain everything is done the way it should be.
For families who feel a strong connection to nature, a woodland or green burial can be a beautiful and gentle way to say goodbye. These natural burials use eco-friendly coffins and simple settings that let the countryside do the remembering, which can bring real comfort to those who love the outdoors.
We also arrange traditional burials in local cemeteries and churchyards around Shoreham-by-Sea and the Adur area. Whether you would like a natural resting place or a family plot, we will talk you through the options clearly and help you choose what feels right.
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 your funeral now, sparing your family difficult decisions and unexpected bills later on. Many people in Shoreham-by-Sea find real reassurance in knowing it is all taken care of.
We will sit down with you, without any pressure, and talk through exactly what you would like. You can plan as much or as little as you wish, and we will keep your plan safe and ready for whenever it is needed.
The small, personal details are often what families remember most about a funeral. We offer a wide choice of coffins and urns, from simple and affordable to more traditional and ornate, as well as natural options for green burials. Whatever your budget, there is something that will feel fitting.
Beyond the coffin, it is the personal touches that make a service truly special. A favourite piece of music, a beloved hobby reflected in the flowers, photographs, or a particular colour everyone is asked to wear. We are always happy to help bring these ideas to life so the day genuinely reflects the person you are honouring.
We believe that at such a difficult time the last thing you need is worry about money or hidden charges. That is why we are open and honest about our prices from the very first conversation. We will give you a clear written breakdown of the costs so you know exactly what is included and can make decisions with confidence.
As an independent, family-run firm, we are not driven by targets or shareholders. Our aim is simply to give the families of Shoreham-by-Sea a caring, dignified funeral at a fair and affordable price. We will never push you towards anything you do not want or cannot comfortably afford.
Choosing a funeral director is a matter of trust. Here is why families across Shoreham-by-Sea and the Adur area turn to Sussex Funeral Services when they need support the most.
Yes, we look after families throughout Shoreham-by-Sea and the surrounding Adur area, including Southwick, Lancing and Portslade. Although we are based in Hove, distance is never a problem and we are happy to visit you at home. Wherever you are, you will receive exactly the same warm and personal care.
The nearest crematoria to Shoreham-by-Sea are Worthing Crematorium on Findon Road and Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton. We can arrange a service at either, depending on what suits your family best. We will talk you through the choices and handle all the bookings for you.
The cost depends on the type of funeral you choose, and a direct cremation is our simplest and most affordable option. We will always give you a clear written breakdown before you decide anything, so there are no surprises. If you are worried about cost, please tell us and we will help you find something that fits your budget.
If someone has died at home or in a nursing home, a doctor will need to confirm the death first, and if it happens in hospital the staff there will guide you. Once that is done, you can call us at any hour and we will take over the practical arrangements. In the Shoreham-by-Sea area the death is usually registered with the West Sussex register office, and we will explain exactly how that works.
Absolutely. Many families choose a celebrant-led funeral or a celebration of life that focuses entirely on the person who has died, with no religious content unless you want it. We work with warm, experienced celebrants who take the time to tell your loved one's story properly. The service can be shaped in whatever way feels right for your family.
Yes, we offer prepaid funeral plans that let you record your wishes and fix the cost of your funeral at today's prices. It is a thoughtful way to spare your family difficult decisions and unexpected bills later on. We will talk everything through with you calmly and without any pressure.
Yes, Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and bank holidays. Bereavement does not keep office hours, and neither do we. Whenever you need us, you will reach a caring person ready to help.
Yes, after a cremation we return the ashes to you so you can remember your loved one in whatever way feels right. Some families choose to scatter them at a meaningful spot such as Shoreham Beach, while others keep them at home or in a special urn. We are always happy to talk through the options and offer gentle advice.
If you have lost someone, or you simply want to talk things through, please reach out at any time. Philip or Sallie are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453. You can also contact our team online, and we will get back to you quickly. There is no pressure and no obligation, just calm, caring guidance from a local family who will treat you as one of their own.