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.

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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

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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 advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,301.20 and includes administration fees.

Other helpful resources

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

Arrange a funeral

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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 £1,199 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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steven customer service

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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Anonymous, on Feefo 28 Mar 2025
The team have been amazing during dealing with the death of two family members in a very short period of time . We dealt mainly with Yasmin who has been do helpful and understanding during our time of loss. As result of the service provided during this time further family members have decided to proceed with booking such services for themselves for the future.
Lisa Matthews, on Feefo 22 Mar 2025
Very helpful with difficult decisions. No pressure sales as with other funeral services I approached. Also very good price in comparison with others.
Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Mar 2025
From my first interaction requesting a guide to my conversation with Sophie, I cannot fault the service I've received. All my questions have been answered in a way that I can understand what I am being offered and what I have asked for. All processes and procedures have been explained and I have been given ample time to research other possible companies and I haven't felt pressurised or been given the 'hard sale'. On the service i have received so far I would highly recommend them to family and friends
Anonymous, on Feefo 10 Mar 2025
Bought a policy online which was quick and simple to do and then received a courtesy call from Distinct Cremations to make sure that I was happy with my purchase. Very professional.
Debbie Burchell, on Feefo 8 Mar 2025
I had no idea where to go when my mum passed away. We had discussed that she wanted to be cremated, but that was it. My partner saw Distinct Cremations on our local Crematorium website, as they work with them. I didn't want loads of fuss, or to go into an office. Just a lovely personal service. Distinct Cremations went above and beyond in every area. I picked my options on the website, nice and simple, to get an idea of my quote. Then had a lovely discussion on the phone with Dan. We talked about all the options I wanted and he was so thougthful, sincere and genuinely supportive, I was really nicely surprised. It was really simple to put the order through and to pay for. Since then I have had a singluar, regular contact called Grace who looked after me every step of the way. The professionalism and compassion of the staff at Distinct Cremations is second to none. I was informed at every step with what was going to happen. They regularly checked in with me, to make sure I was doing ok. The service and celebrant Carol Porter was incredible. Everything happened exactly as planned. I couldn't have wanted anything better. The ashes were delivered to me at home, I had the standard box for them to be delivered in. The gentleman who delivered them was really kind and compassionate also. They came in a really nice blue box. Thank you for making one of the worst times of my life as easy as it could have been. I would highly recommend Distinct Cremations to everyone. I would definitely use them again myself.
Anonymous, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I purchased a cremation plan for my wife and myself. It was very easy to do and so far everything is fine. Just hope I don"t need to use it for a while. Bob
Yvette Glover, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I am so grateful to the two people who looked after me during the process of organising the cremation. They were really caring and nothing seemed too much trouble. A huge thank you to Daniel and especially Maxine.
David Peter Lee, on Feefo 6 Mar 2025
Excellent company and great customer service and follow up.
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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