There are a number of ways to organise a funeral in the UK. You can use a national funeral provider, a local funeral director or even organise the funeral yourself. Below we'll go into more detail and provide you with all the information you need to know.
With so many different things to consider, organising a funeral can be a stressful time, whether you're arranging your first funeral or you've organised a few.
But that's what funeral providers are there for. Though you can arrange a funeral yourself, things can get logistically complex and for many people that's the last thing they want when grieving.
Instead, a funeral provider like Distinct Cremations can take that organisational burden away from you. From here we can talk things through together and organise a funeral that suits you and your loved ones.
Call us today on 01543 211997 or read more below on the best ways to organise a funeral in the UK.
Here are a number of resources that will be able to help with your funeral organisation and arrangements.
We understand organising a funeral can be difficult. To help ease things for you, here is a checklist of everything you need to consider when making funeral arrangements.
Want to plan ahead?
You can plan ahead by taking out a prepaid funeral plan. A funeral plan gives you and your family peace of mind knowing that funeral costs and the funeral arrangements are all taken care of in advance. That means no emotional strain or stress of organising a funeral when the time comes. Find out more about our funeral plans.
Before someone dies, getting an understanding of what needs to be done and when, can help to ease the stress and confusion that you may face. Here's a handy checklist that will be of help with the legal requirements and the overall logistics for when the time comes.
Here at Distinct Cremations, we have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know what you need to do when someone dies.
Fill in the paperwork
You can begin to make tentative funeral arrangements before the death if your loved one is receiving end of life care. However, funeral arrangements can't begin in earnest until a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been provided by a doctor. In exceptional cases, the deceased may be referred to the coroner to establish the cause of death.
Register the death
Once the cause of death has been determined, you will then need to register the death within 5 days in England and Wales and within 8 days in Scotland. From here, you'll be issued a cremation or burial certificate to start making the funeral arrangements.
Find a funeral provider
Using the help of a funeral provider like Distinct Cremations, we can liaise with you to organise the cremation funeral that suits you and your loved ones. As we are professionals, we can speed up the organisation of a funeral and we can guide you through every step of the journey.
Funeral timings
With Distinct Cremations, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks to organise the funeral. This includes the collection of the deceased right through to the cremation itself.
We take care of every step of the process, from collection right through to the simple funeral itself, providing peace of mind for you and the ones you love during the most difficult of times.
Call us to begin getting your arrangements in place. We're here 24/7.
Our team care for your loved one at our state of the art mortuary facilities.
The ashes will be personally delivered within 14 days or scattered on your behalf.
We collect and bring your loved one into our care from anywhere in mainland UK.
The cremation will take place at one of our UK crematoriums.
Want more information? We're happy to answer any questions you may have about our no fuss funerals over the phone, or you can request a free guide for details about what we offer.
Want to talk through our options? If you have questions or would like some in-person support we’re just a call away.
Call us on 01543 211997
Need some time to digest the details? You can download a PDF of our guide online or get a printed copy posted out.
Get our guideOnce the funeral has taken place, many people like to have a memorial service, wake or celebration of life. This can take place at any time. Some people like to have it straight after the funeral, whereas others like to have it before or at a much later date.
The option is completely yours, as is the venue. You can have it somewhere traditional like a church hall or you can have it at the deceased's favourite pub. No venue is off limits, nor is the type of atmosphere you're looking for.
You can go for something upbeat, to celebrate the life of a loved one. Or you can go for something a little more low key. The option is entirely yours.
Here are a few things to bear in mind when arranging a memorial service.
Focus on choosing a venue that suits the attendees and would've suited the deceased. No matter whether you want to go for something upbeat or something low key, a memorial service can be a cathartic experience where people come together to share love.
To make a memorial service or wake special, you may like to add a few personal touches. This could be something formal like a eulogy, a guestbook for people to fill in or you may like to have a memorial table with a few mementos and photos of the deceased.
A memorial service can be a celebratory event, however it is a moment to lovingly share with others, while supporting each other after going through a difficult time. Making time and space for comfort can help ease people and perhaps bring them closure.
Continue your funeral organisation with our resources below.
At Distinct Cremations, we provide funerals and direct cremations which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect.
Arrange a funeral
Know you don’t want to go down the traditional route, but not sure what you do want? Get to know the other options out there for your funeral arrangements.
Funeral alternatives
A Distinct Cremations funeral plan gives you peace of mind knowing that funeral costs are covered. Acceptance is guaranteed with no medical questions.
View our funeral plansWe offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
