Arranging a Funeral

Losing a loved one and arranging their funeral can be a really overwhelming and difficult task, especially when you’re grieving and still trying to process things. If you need to arrange a funeral, whether it is a cremation or burial, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
Arrange a Cremation

Arranging a Funeral

Losing a loved one and arranging their funeral can be a really overwhelming and difficult task, especially when you’re grieving and still trying to process things. If you need to arrange a funeral, whether it is a cremation or burial, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
Arrange a Cremation

Organise a Funeral

A funeral takes place after a death is registered. If the death of your loved one was expected, you can register the death and start the funeral arrangements straight away, however, if the death was unexpected the case will need to be referred to a coroner first.

See here what you need to do when someone dies.

Arranging a funeral with a Funeral Director

A funeral director can help with planning and organising a funeral and they can complete all the paperwork on your behalf. The funeral director will be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to the legal documentation, the processes and the funeral service.

You then need to decide whether you are going to have a burial or cremation, the funeral details and agree upon the cost. Once everything is agreed upon, the funeral director will bring your loved one into their care and start making the funeral arrangements.

Arranging a funeral with a Funeral Provider

A lot of funerals held in the UK are arranged through funeral directors, but you can also arrange a funeral through a funeral provider like Distinct Cremations. We can arrange a funeral easily and quickly over the phone and our advisors are available 24/7 to make all the arrangements and support you before and on the day of the funeral. We have a number of crematoria and provide low cost and fuss-free direct cremations for a dignified send-off.

At Distinct Cremations, every family has a Personal Advisor who takes care of the arrangements on your behalf. From collecting the deceased to completing the sometimes complex legal paperwork and keeping you updated each step of the way. The completion of the paperwork can be an especially daunting task to do but we have the experience and knowledge to help you.

Arrange a funeral yourself

You also have the option to arrange a funeral yourself. Choosing this option can help you save money and ensure that you have a simpler and more personalised funeral. However, it will take more time and effort to make all the arrangements yourself.

If you choose to organise a funeral yourself, you will have to complete the paperwork and contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to get information, ask for availability and book either a burial or cremation. You will also need to make transportation arrangements, and decisions on the type of coffin, urn, and type of funeral service you would like.

For further information, read our guide how to arrange a cremation without a funeral director.

Arrange a funeral if your loved one had a prepaid funeral plan

If your loved one made arrangements for their funeral and has an existing funeral plan, you can activate it. The costs of the funeral will be covered and your family won’t have to worry about meeting any unexpected bills. Contact the funeral plan provider and they will explain what the plan covers and guide you through the steps. If you are unsure if your loved one has an existing plan or do not know the name of the provider, you can contact the Funeral Planning Authority and fill out an online form (Trace Your Plan) to check whether there is a plan with one of its registered providers.

Arranging a funeral checklist

Whether you are using a funeral director, a funeral provider or you organise a funeral yourself, here is a checklist of processes you need to go through

  • Decide the type of funeral and discuss your ideas and budget. You can choose between a direct cremation, burial, a religious or non religious funeral, an alternative funeral.
  • Complete the paperwork and documentation needed. See all legal documents here
  • Book a date with your local cemetery or crematoria
  • Choose a coffin and urn if you’re having a cremation
  • Arrange transportation of the deceased
  • Book the venue for the funeral service and the person who’ll lead the service
  • Choose music, readings and eulogies for the ceremony
  • If you are having a cremation, decide if you would like the ashes to be returned to you
  • After the funeral, you need to manage the money, debts, possessions, and property of the deceased and inform the deceased’s banks or building societies.
Download this checklist as a PDF

How To Arrange A Funeral

Call us

1

Here for you 24/7

When you are ready - call us on 0808 149 5212 and we’ll collect the deceased from the place of death and bring them into our care

Arrangements

2

Help with the paperwork

As we care for your loved one in our mortuary, your advisor will help you book their cremation and complete all the paperwork

Cremation

3

The Ashes

After the cremation, we’ll scatter the ashes in our garden of remembrance or they can be hand-delivered back to you at no extra cost

Frequently asked questions

Many people struggle to afford a funeral because of the rising funeral costs. If you’re arranging the funeral of a loved one and you think you can’t afford it, check if you’re eligible for Government assistance via a Funeral Expenses Payment in England & Wales or check your eligibility and apply for a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland.

A funeral usually takes place one or two weeks after the death. The time frame depends on a number of factors, including the cemetery or crematoria availability, getting all the forms and paperwork complete, religious belief, the type of funeral and family requirements.

After the death of your loved one, you need to contact the register office and register the death within 5 days in England and Wales and within 8 days in Scotland. You'll need the cremation or burial certificate to start making the funeral arrangements. Using the help of a funeral provider can speed up things as they are professionals and can guide you through the process.