Arranging a Funeral: A Practical UK Guide

We make cards and prints in the UK. There is nothing to sell here beyond a sympathy card, and this guide is written to be useful rather than to sell you one.

Arranging a funeral is mostly admin done at the worst possible time, with prices you have never had to compare before.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. For probate, benefits or tax questions, use GOV.UK or speak to a solicitor.

The order of things

• Get the medical certificate, then register the death - normally within five days in England and Wales, eight in Scotland.
• Ask the registrar for extra certified copies. Banks and pension providers each want their own.
• Check for a will, a prepaid funeral plan, or written wishes before booking anything.
• Then, and only then, contact a funeral director. Nothing has to be decided in the first phone call.

Choosing a funeral director

• Ring three. Ask each for their standardised price list - they are legally required to provide one.
• Check whether they are independent or part of a chain; prices for the same service vary widely.
• A direct cremation with no service is the lowest-cost option and is a legitimate choice, not a lesser one.
• You can supply your own coffin, cars, flowers and order of service. Say so early.

What it typically costs

• An attended cremation usually runs to a few thousand pounds once fees, minister and cars are added.
• Burial costs more, largely because of the plot and grave-digging fees, which vary hugely by council.
• Direct cremation is a fraction of both, with the family holding their own gathering afterwards.
• Ask for the quote in writing, itemised, before you agree to anything.

Help with paying

• Funeral Expenses Payment may be available if you receive certain benefits - check on GOV.UK.
• Some banks release money from the deceased's account directly to the funeral director's invoice before probate.
• Check for a prepaid plan, a death-in-service benefit through work, or life insurance before borrowing.
• A collection at the service, or a donations page, is normal and nobody thinks less of it.

The day itself

• Decide the order of service early - readings, music and who is speaking take the longest to agree.
• Give one non-family person the job of fielding questions on the day.
• Book the wake venue for longer than you think; people don't leave on time.
• Ask someone to keep the cards and flower notes in one bag. Thank-yous come later and nobody remembers.

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How to write it so it lands

• Register first, book second.
• Get three itemised quotes in writing.
• You can decline anything on the list.

Where to shop next

• Funeral etiquette in the UK
• What to do when someone dies
• Flowers, donations or neither
• What to wear to a funeral
• Helping someone in the weeks after
• Condolence gift ideas
• Memorial gift ideas
• Sympathy gifts for a colleague
• What not to say when someone is grieving
• How much to give for a funeral collection
• Funeral songs
• Difficult moments guides
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

How long do you have to arrange a funeral in the UK?

There is no legal deadline for the funeral, but the death must usually be registered within five days in England and Wales, or eight in Scotland.

Do you need a funeral director?

No. Families can arrange a funeral directly with the crematorium or council, though most use a director because it removes a lot of admin.

What is the cheapest funeral option?

Direct cremation, with no service at the crematorium and a gathering arranged separately by the family.

Who pays for a funeral?

The estate pays where there is money in it. Otherwise the person who arranges it is liable, though benefits, prepaid plans and insurance may cover part of the cost.