Arranging a funeral
A funeral can be either by burial or by cremation. You can organise it with or without the help of a funeral director, and personalise it as much as you wish. In some cases the deceased may have planned their own funeral in advance.
Bear in mind that you can't finalise the date for the funeral until after the death has been registered. If the death has to be reported to the coroner, the date when the funeral can be held will be affected. Remember to check the deceased's will or other written instructions for special wishes about their funeral or what should happen to their body. (However, the executor doesn't have to follow the instructions about the funeral left in the will.)
If there are no clear wishes it's generally up to the executor/administrator or nearest relative to decide whether the body is to be cremated or buried.
Funerals outside England and Wales
You'll need permission from a coroner in the local district before a body can be moved out of England and Wales, including abroad. The rules are complicated and it's best to get the help of a specialist funeral director (read more on funeral directors below). The coroner will need at least four working days before the body is to be moved and will issue a removal notice (form 104), part of which is sent to the Registrar of Births Deaths & Marriages.
Using a funeral director
Many people choose to use a professional funeral director. This can help at what is generally a stressful time, and will ensure that the remains of the deceased are dealt with in a dignified way.
Detailed planning of the funeral
If you're using a funeral director they will help you with decisions such as.
- where the body should rest before the funeral
- time and place of the funeral (though this can only be finalised once the death is registered)
- type of service (religious or other) and who will conduct it/contribute
- how much to spend on the funeral
- whether to have flowers or instead donate money to a chosen charity
- where to donate flowers after the funeral
- invitations
- notice in the newspapers
Choosing a funeral director
Friends, family, clergy or your doctor may be able to recommend local funeral directors. Most local companies are also listed in the telephone directory.
Most funeral directors are members of one of two trade associations:
- National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
Member firms must provide you with a price list on request and cannot exceed any written estimate they give you without your permission.
