How to Plan a Funeral in the UK: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
A short, thoughtful read to help you feel more prepared and informed. Reading time approximately 9-10 minutes.
When someone close to you dies, you're thrust into planning mode during the most emotionally difficult time of your life. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of organising a funeral in the UK, from the first hours after death through the final farewell.
The First 24-48 Hours: Immediate Actions
Step 1: Confirm the Death
Where the person died determines your first steps:
If they died at home: Call the GP who has been treating them. If death was expected, the GP will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). If unexpected or the GP is unavailable, call 999.
If they died in hospital or care home: Medical staff will issue the MCCD and arrange for the body to be moved to the hospital mortuary or chapel of rest.
If death was unexpected: The death will be reported to the coroner, who may order a post-mortem. This can delay funeral arrangements by several weeks.
Step 2: Decide on a Funeral Director
While not legally required, most families use a funeral director to manage the logistics. You can call immediately (many operate 24/7), wait to choose, or shop around (costs vary significantly; basic services typically cost £1,200-£2,500, but full funerals average £4,141).
Step 3: Register the Death
You must register the death before the funeral can proceed. This should happen within 5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or 8 days in Scotland. You'll receive death certificates and a certificate for burial or cremation.
Planning the Funeral Service: Key Decisions
Decision 1: Burial or Cremation
Burial considerations include cemetery plots (£1,000-£3,000+), churchyard burials, and natural burial grounds. Cremation considerations include crematorium fees (£700-£1,000) and flexibility in timing memorial services.
Decision 2: Type of Service
Choose between religious services, secular/humanist services led by celebrants, or direct cremation/burial with no service.
Decision 3: Venue and Timing
Venue options include crematoriums, cemetery chapels, places of worship, hotels, or homes. Weekdays are typically cheaper than weekends.
Decision 4: Personalising the Service
Consider music, readings, eulogies, visual elements, dress code, and coffin choices to make the service personal.
Decision 5: After the Service—The Wake
A gathering after the funeral where people can eat, drink, and share memories in a more relaxed setting.
Understanding the Costs
Full UK funeral costs average £4,141, ranging from £1,000 (direct cremation) to £10,000+ (elaborate services). Costs include funeral director services, burial/cremation fees, and optional additions.
Paying for the Funeral
Options include using funds from the deceased's estate, funeral expenses payment for those on benefits, pre-paid funeral plans, personal payment, or payment plans.
Special Circumstances
Be aware of coroner's investigations, repatriation procedures, and body donation to medical science requirements.
Administrative Tasks
Handle immediate tasks like securing property, cancelling appointments, and informing employers. Before the funeral, write eulogies and confirm numbers. After the funeral, thank attendees and begin probate.
Taking Care of Yourself
Remember: you don't have to decide everything immediately, accept help from others, it's okay to feel overwhelmed, there's no perfect funeral, and grief affects everyone differently.
Making It Easier for Your Own Family
Consider writing down your funeral preferences, discussing wishes with family, pre-paying for funeral costs, and organising important documents. Tools like Know When I Go let you document all your preferences in one secure place.
Quick Resources
Finding funeral directors: nafd.org.uk | saif.org.uk
Register a death: gov.uk/register-a-death
Financial support: gov.uk/funeral-payments
Bereavement support: Cruse Bereavement Support (0808 808 1677) | cruse.org.uk