funeral plan for a parent

Losing a parent is one of the most emotional and difficult experiences in life. Planning a parent’s funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also navigating grief.

However, with careful planning and support, you can ensure that the funeral reflects your parent’s wishes and provides comfort to everyone involved. This guide offers practical steps and advice to help ease the process and ensure that their memory is honoured with dignity.

Talk about your parent's wishes early

It can be hard to initiate conversations about death, but planning a funeral for a parent early can provide clarity and peace of mind. Whether your parent prefers a burial, cremation, a traditional service, or a more personal celebration of life, knowing their preferences allows you to plan the funeral they would want.

If they are open to it, discussing a parent’s funeral plans can also help simplify the process by making financial and practical decisions in advance.

Tips for how to start the conversation:

  • Pick a calm moment, when you and your parent can speak without distractions.
  • Frame the discussion around honouring their wishes and taking care of future arrangements.
  • Reassure them that it’s about giving them control over their final farewell.

What to talk about:

  • Their preferences for burial or cremation.
  • The type of service they’d like (religious, non-religious, celebration of life).
  • Any specific music, readings, or personal elements they’d want included.

Gather essential documents and information

Before you begin planning a parent’s funeral, it's crucial to gather the necessary documents. Having these documents in order helps streamline decisions when the time comes and ensures that all legal and financial matters are addressed.

Key documents to gather:

  • Their will
  • Death certificate
  • Insurance policies
  • Any pre-arranged funeral plans
  • Property deeds
  • Bank account information

Getting organised early can relieve significant stress during an already challenging time. For more information, read our guide to funeral documents.

Documents


Choose a funeral provider

Documents

After gathering the necessary documents, the next step is choosing a funeral provider. They will guide you through key decisions such as burial, cremation, the type of service, and any additional arrangements when planning a funeral for your parent.

What to consider when choosing a funeral provider:

  • Services offered: Does the provider offer the type of service you’re looking for (traditional or direct cremation)?
  • Costs: Compare prices to make sure the service fits within your budget.
  • Funeral options: Ensure they offer the flexibility to personalise the funeral according to your parent’s wishes.
  • Care: Look for a provider that prioritises respect and dignity in how they care for your loved one.

Here at Distinct Cremations, we offer:

  • Collection by private ambulance and preparation for cremation at our mortuary facilities.
  • Essential funeral director services, including help with all legal and cremation paperwork.
  • A coffin and respectful cremation at one of our own crematoriums.
  • Ashes personally delivered back to the family within 14 days or respectfully scattered at the crematorium.

Explore our funeral plans today.

Decide on the type of funeral

There are several types of funerals to consider, each providing a different way to say goodbye to your parent:

  • Direct cremation (with the option for a memorial service at a later date)
  • Traditional religious service
  • Celebration of life
  • Cremation

The right choice depends on your parent’s personal beliefs, your family’s budget, and any prepaid plans they may have set up. Direct cremation is an increasingly popular choice, providing flexibility for families to hold a memorial at a time and place that works best. In 2023, 20% of all funerals were a direct cremation, compared to just 3% in 2019 *.

With a prepaid funeral plan, your parent’s wishes can be clearly stated, and costs can be locked in, protecting your family from rising expenses.

* SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

Documents



Consider funeral details

Documents

Personalising the service can make it a true reflection of your parent’s life and personality. For some, this might mean having a simple funeral service followed by a more informal celebration of life held separately. Others might prefer a small, intimate gathering with family and close friends, where details like hymns, meaningful readings, or favourite poems take centre stage.

If your parent valued simplicity, you could opt for a basic service, keeping the focus on celebrating their life in a less traditional setting, such as a memorial at a favourite spot later on. This approach allows you to focus on what’s most meaningful for your parent, creating a service that truly reflects who they were.

Organise the memorial service

A memorial service allows family and friends to gather, share memories, and support each other. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair, simple receptions can include catered meals, buffets, or a gathering at someone’s home. Direct cremations, in particular, offer complete flexibility for memorials, allowing you to celebrate your parent’s life at a time and place that suits their wishes and your family’s needs.

You may want to think about holding the service in a location that was meaningful to your parent. This could be a favourite park, a beloved holiday spot, or even their own garden. You could also incorporate an activity they enjoyed, such as planting a tree, playing their favourite music, or having guests share personal stories.

If your parent is still with you, consider having a conversation with them about what kind of memorial service they would want. Knowing their wishes can help ensure that the event is a true reflection of their personality and values, giving both you and your family peace of mind.

Memorial



Consider funeral costs

Funeral costs can vary depending on factors such as burial or cremation, the type of service, and additional expenses like transportation or flowers. On average, funeral expenses can add up quickly. For an idea of what you might expect to pay for a funeral, below is a snapshot of average funeral costs in 2023**:

Funeral type Average cost
Burial £5,077
Cremation £3,795
Direct cremation £1,498

Prepaid funeral plans are priced slightly differently, and help you manage these costs by locking in today’s prices, sparing your family from unexpected expenses when the time comes.

** SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

Set up a funeral plan for peace of mind

Distinct Cremations team

Setting up a prepaid funeral plan can offer peace of mind for both you and your parent.

These plans ensure that their wishes are respected and that everything, from the service to the financial arrangements, is handled ahead of time.

This allows your family to focus on remembering your parent, rather than worrying about the details and costs of the funeral. Whether your parent prefers a traditional or simple send off, a funeral plan can be customised to suit their wishes and your family’s needs.

Discover how a funeral plan can bring reassurance and support to you and your loved one.

View our funeral plans

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

Not only are our low cost 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 of the ashes, you can rest assured that you will be in the most caring and attentive hands with Distinct Cremations.


Each and every unattended and attended service that my team carry out is treated with the same level of dignity and respect.

Alex Moore

Operations Manager

Rhiannon
Alex Moore
steven customer service

Look after yourself during the planning process

Planning a funeral for a parent can take a significant emotional toll. Remember to take care of your own well-being throughout the process. Delegate tasks to other family members when possible, and don’t hesitate to lean on the support of professionals, whether that’s the funeral provider or a grief counsellor. It’s important to give yourself time to process your emotions and to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Download our free checklist

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.

Download our checklist below or speak to our expert team on 01543 211997 today.

Download free checklist

Other helpful resources

Below are a few more resources that may help when it comes to anticipating a death.

Taking out a funeral plan for someone else

Man and grandfather together

If you're responsible for making arrangements for a loved one, you may wonder if you can set up their funeral plan. Learn how you can take steps to ensure their wishes are honoured and the process is simplified for your family.

Funeral plan for someone else

What is a funeral plan and how do they work?

Couple reviewing finances for funeral plans

A funeral plan allows you to organise and pay for a funeral in advance, helping to lock in costs and reduce financial burden when the time comes. Find out how funeral plans work and what options are available.

How do funeral plans work?

Funeral plans for a loved one

Sue bench with funeral plan guide

Pre-planning now ensures your final farewell is carried out according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected from the emotional and financial burden of arranging a funeral during such a challenging time.

View our funeral plans

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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Margaret McCluskey, on Google 12 Nov 2024
The people at Distinct Cremations were all so kind and very helpful. They always had answers for all of my questions. I received my partners ashes when they were promised with a half hours notice before they were actually delivered, which was nice.
Rory Mullins, on Google 9 Nov 2024
I recently lost my sister and Distinct Cremations were fantastic. I dealt with one lady all the time and she provided great support and updated me all the time. Cannot praise her enough.
Geraldine , on Trustpilot 7 Nov 2024
Very easy to set up, clear and concise instructions, good choice of plans. Recommended by my niece who was very pleased with her experience.
Paul Exley, on Trustpilot 7 Nov 2024
I chose Distinct Cremations over the others as they came across as the most sincere, honest and professional. Dealing with the Distinct team is very reassuring and nothing is too much trouble; they want to ensure that the customer is totally satisfied and comfortable with every stage in the process. I am wholly confident and delighted with the whole process and recommend Distinct Cremations without hesitation.
Pat Wenham, on Google 7 Nov 2024
Very friendly and helpful
Jacqueline Bruntz , on Trustpilot 6 Nov 2024
On line plan set up was very easy to navigate. Low cost money payment plan and follow up service is second to none. I highly recommend this company.
Gary Danks, on Trustpilot 5 Nov 2024
Great service. Helpful and very understanding staff . All arrangements done with a simple phone call . Very happy!
Nick Wheeler, on Google 4 Nov 2024
Very professional company to deal with. While the cost was less than others charge, I found the level of customer service was not reduced in any way. The respectful and courteous advice, at was was a sad time, was greatfully appreciated.
4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Read all our reviews

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