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.

My Funeral Wishes

My Funeral Wishes is a new initiative from Dying Matters and the National Association of Funeral Directors. It's a simple and free, and lets you create a personal funeral plan that reflects you as an individual. Find out more. 

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

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