Sunset through the woods

Arranging a funeral during an already difficult time can be challenging. If you do have to arrange a funeral, knowing what to do and how to handle things can make a big difference. At Distinct Cremations, we do everything we can to make arrangements as stress-free as possible. Explore our step-by-step guide to arrange the funeral you want for your loved one.

Help and guidance for arranging a funeral

We understand how stressful arranging a funeral can be, so below we've collected a few resources and guides to give you an idea of what to expect from arranging a funeral and what the process will look like.

We'll detail the funeral documents you need to get the process started, we'll look at the different types of funerals on offer and we'll answer some frequently asked questions such as how long after a death is a funeral?

And if there's any information you can't find or you have a query of any kind, you can call our caring customer service specialists on 01543 212000 who'll be able to help with any questions you may have.

Get a funeral quote

Who arranges the funeral?

Funerals are typically arranged by the deceased person's closest next of kin or a responsible family member. This individual, often referred to as the "executor" if named in the will, holds the primary responsibility for making the necessary arrangements. If there is no will or appointed executor, the duty usually falls to the closest relative or, in some cases, a close friend.

In recent years, it has become a lot more common for people to pay for a funeral themselves by taking out a prepaid funeral plan. Funeral plans provide the peace of mind that funeral costs are covered when the time comes.

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Arranging for a loved one

If an executor has been named, then they will be responsible for arranging the funeral. Your chosen funeral provider can support you with the funeral arrangement process. At Distinct Cremations, we help you make all the necessary arrangements for the funeral including handling cremation documents and forms.

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Planning for yourself

A funeral plan allows you to specify and pay for a funeral in advance. You can choose exactly what you want from your own funeral and name a nominated representative who will call your chosen funeral company to begin the arrangements when the time comes. Find out more with our guidance on funeral planning.

Arrange a funeral today

Arrange a funeral for your loved one with Distinct Cremations. Our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Call us on 01543 212000 to start arranging a dignified and affordable cremation funeral.

Arrange a funeral

3 important first steps to take when arranging a funeral

If a loved one has died or is near death, you can call a funeral provider to get funeral arrangements in place. But before a funeral can take place there are a number of formalities that need to be completed. These include registering the death and completing legal paperwork. Below are a few steps that need to be taken before a funeral can go ahead.

1. Choose a provider

compare funeral plans

Each funeral provider has different key features and inclusions. We've created a table comparing the best funeral providers to help you review your options. Comparing funeral providers should help you choose the right funeral provider for you.

Compare funeral providers

2. Register the death

registering a death

Registering the death is a legal formality that needs to be completed shortly after someone dies. You will need to get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and contact your local register office. Our guide breaks the process down step-by-step.

How to register a death

3. Complete documents

Woman sitting on sofa smiling while reading documents

There are a number of documents that need to be completed before a funeral can take place including three different cremation forms for a cremation funeral. Our article below will detail which forms you need to complete and how our team can help.

The required funeral documents

What funeral options do you have?

Funerals no longer have to be traditional affairs. In 2024, you and your loved ones have the opportunity to say goodbye in whichever way you please by choosing a type of funeral that suits your family. Traditional funerals remain the most common option, but there are now more fuss-free, cheaper options available such as simple cremations or direct cremations which have risen sharply in popularity in recent years.

Traditional cremation or burial

Coffin Outside With Mourners In Background

A traditional cremation or burial includes a service attended by mourners and a funeral procession with a hearse. Cremation is typically open to as many people as the crematorium can hold. At a burial, mourners gather as the gravesite and the deceased's coffin is placed in the ground.

Unattended direct cremation

direct cremation distinct

A direct cremation is a straightforward option where the deceased is cremated soon after passing, without a formal funeral ceremony. It's a more cost-effective choice, with no viewing of the deceased. This approach prioritises simplicity for those who would like a fuss-free and low-cost funeral.

Attended funeral cremation

Simple Cremation

An attended cremation is similar to a direct cremation, but with the addition of a ceremony at the crematorium. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to be present, offering a more personal touch while still maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a direct cremation.

Other funeral types

There are further options too, including burials, eco burials and woodland funerals. While burials have become less desired in recent years, environmentally friendly alternatives have risen in popularity and availability.

Arranging a funeral in advance

If you're looking at arranging a funeral in advance for yourself or you're anticipating a death in the medium to long term, you may be interested in a funeral plan.

With a funeral plan you can get all the funeral arrangements in place well in advance giving you peace of mind knowing that when the time comes, all you or your family need to do is give us a call and we'll take care of all the arrangements.

Find our services below or alternatively you can view our price list or our CMA standardised price list.

Direct Cremation Plan

From £1,899 or £19.79* per month

Our Direct Cremation Plan is a great choice for those looking for a simple, low-cost unattended cremation without a funeral ceremony.

With our plan, the cremation takes place with no service or mourners present at our high-quality crematoria where dignified care is guaranteed.

View our Direct Cremation Plan * Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,374.80 and includes administration fees..

Funeral Service Plan

From £2,399 or £27.51** per month

Our Funeral Service Plan offers an affordable funeral for those looking for simplicity and to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

With our Funeral Service Plan, you have the choice of a 30 or a 60 minute service. This can be family-led or led by a professional celebrant. The choice is yours.

View our Funeral Service Plan ** Price is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,301.20 and includes admin fees.

Other helpful resources

Below are a few more resources that may help when it comes to arranging a funeral.

Arrange a funeral

What to do if someone dies in Scotland_ wild flowers

At Distinct Cremations, we provide no fuss funerals which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect. Prices start from just £1,299 if you need to arrange a funeral today.

Arrange a funeral

Funeral costs

Cremation costs

If you’re arranging the funeral of a loved one, you’ll need to know exactly how much a funeral costs so that you can make the appropriate arrangements. These can differ depending on a number of factors.

Funeral costs

Plan a memorial service

Group toasting a friend's memory

Planning a memorial service isn't always straightforward. In our guide, we'll provide you with practical information on how to organise a memorial service whether you're pre-planning for yourself or for a loved one close to your heart.

Planning a memorial service

One of the UK’s best value direct cremation services, delivered with a caring and compassionate heart

Not only are our funerals carried out with love and care, but we also offer one of the UK’s best value services.

From your very first phone call, right through to the hand-delivery or scattering of the ashes, you can rest assured that you will be in the most caring and attentive hands with Distinct Cremations.

Our caring team are here 24/7 to support you through the most difficult of times

Rhiannon Pearson

Team Leader

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What our customers say about us

We 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.

4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Aug 2025
very helpful polite and explained everything well.
Anonymous, on Feefo 16 Aug 2025
Distinct Cremations were absolutely wonderful, when my loved one passed. My loved one was treated with the utmost dignity and respect. From start to finish they communicated with me on the whole process, whilst also checking the family were OK. Sarah Miller and the rest of the team were so kind right to the end, and after my loved ones ashes were returned to us by Sophie, who showed us so much kindness, at a very sad time. Thank you all for everything you helped me and my family with.
Ella Rose Ann Clarke, on Feefo 26 Jul 2025
I was really surprised with how professional, kind & reassuring Direct Cremations were. I would highly recommend.
Sara June Smith, on Feefo 24 Jul 2025
This was the perfect intimate family funeral. Everything was well organised and took all the pressure away as I had never had to organise a funeral before. Kerry at Distinct Cremations made sure everything was just right and exactly what we wanted. The team at the crematorium were just as caring and explained how everything would happen. Thank you so much for making a difficult time so much easier.
Anonymous, on Feefo 23 Jul 2025
Truly profesional. I cannot express enough how fantastic the care and compasion and genuine kindness distinct have,, Alice was my regular contact and is such a lovely person I feel like we're friends.. MY brother was treated with care and respect..distinct cremations took care of everything in a lovely chapel and gorgeous gardens, they kept me informed every step of the way, from the very start, to the end, after getting his ashes home in a beautiful presented casket of my choice which I chose from a list I requested from them,PLEASE if your considering this kind of funeral with details of your own choice then look no further, you will not be disappointed, cannot thank Alice and all the tram at distinct enough, and will be arranging mine and my husbands funeral plans with them,
Anthony Victor Johnson, on Feefo 21 Jul 2025
An easy & sensitive experience. Good information from Martin Lewis, Moneysupermaker who recommends this firm & clear info on website. Staff helpful &the product just right for us Many thanks
Anonymous, on Feefo 15 Jul 2025
A+++ Could not recommend there service highly enough After the passing of my father they could not do enough to take care of everything The aftercare was also really caring and considerate
Anonymous, on Feefo 11 Jul 2025
For good and very helpfull
4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Arrange a funeral

Arrange a funeral for your loved one with our care and support. Call us on 01543 212000 and start the process of arranging a funeral straight away.

If your loved one is near to death and you would like more information before making funeral arrangements, you can also download a free guide to our funeral services.

Arrange a funeral

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