Make a plan
If you can, talking to your loved one about what they would like for their funeral will help take some of the pressure off big decisions. Things it’s worth thinking about are listed on the right.
If you don’t have the opportunity to speak with them, or they don’t want to talk about it, we recommend talking to other family members or close friends who can help you make these choices.
- The venue
- The celebrant – faith specific or non-religious
- Readings
- Music
- Burial or cremation
- Donations
Choose a funeral director
Using a funeral director is not a legal requirement, but most people find their expert advice and support makes organising a funeral an easier process – and it gives you the reassurance your loved one is being looked after.
You can find details of funeral directors at funeral-directory.co.uk or saif.org.uk. If you’re interested in organising the funeral yourself there is helpful information at naturaldeath.org.uk
A good funeral director will help you through the funeral process, explaining the choices available to you and helping you with the funeral planning – from the big things like choosing a celebrant and venue to the smaller things like printing orders of service, and organising flowers.
Your funeral director will also organise the collection of your loved one from where they died. They’ll take care of them while all the funeral arrangements are sorted and until you’re ready to bury them or take their ashes home.
Cover your costs
We all want to give our loved ones the send off they deserve, but it’s important you consider what’s affordable when organising their funeral.
- Get an estimate of costs from the funeral director
- Check whether your loved one has a pre-paid funeral plan
- Find out if your loved one has put money aside – most banks will agree to release money to pay for a funeral before other matters are settled
- See if you’re entitled to a Funeral Expenses Payment
You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if there isn’t enough money to cover necessary costs for organising a funeral, like cremation and burial fees. You can also get up to £1,000 for any other funeral expenses like funeral director fees, flowers and the coffin.
Talk to one of our social workers if you want to find out more about the Funeral Expenses Payment or visit gov.uk.
