Planning a funeral

Planning a funeral can be an upsetting, stressful and potentially costly experience.  Many people die without making their preferences clear – whether they wanted to be buried or cremated, for example – meaning that for those left behind there is the additional worry of whether the arrangements are what the deceased would have wanted. 

With advance planning, arranging a funeral can be inexpensive and relatively stress free. The following links will provide you with information and advice on what to do.

Direct Gov

What to do after a death

This is the official government website for UK citizens. There is useful information on dealing with a death including advice on funeral options, using a funeral director, and how to apply for help covering funeral costs if you are a recipient of tax credits.

Funeral Directors

Most people arrange funerals through a local funeral director.  Details of funeral directors can be found online and in the telephone directory but it is important to ensure that the Director you choose belongs to one of the two UK trade associations for funeral directors:

• National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors: www.saif.org.uk
• National Association of Funeral Directors: www.nafd.org.uk 

There is no obligation to use a funeral director, however - you can organise a funeral yourself if you wish. If this appeals, the Natural Death Centre can provide information and advice: www.naturaldeath.org.uk

REMEMBER: A funeral can be very personal and there are a lot of unique funerals that take place. Brightly coloured hearses, glittery coffins, cardboard coffins you can decorate yourself - these all happen! It just needs planning and in some cases, permissions. You can even have a funeral in your own garden. 

Other useful sources of information and advice on organising a funeral include:

• Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk
• NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/bereavement/Pages/Arrangingafuneral.aspx