Arranging a funeral

What to do first

Do not make final funeral arrangements until you are sure that the death does not have to be reported to the coroner, since this may affect the date when the funeral can be held.

Find out if there is a will, since this may give requests about the funeral arrangements.

If you arrange a funeral, you are responsible for paying the bill so first check where the money will come from and if it here will be enough.

There are few legal controls governing the disposal of a body in the United Kingdom. The only requirement is that the death is certified and registered and the body properly taken care of, by either burial or cremation.

Burial is virtually free of regulations; individuals can be buried in almost anything and almost anywhere. All that is required is a death certificate signed by a doctor and a certificate for burial from the registrar of deaths.

Arranging a funeral without a funeral director

It is possible for family and friends to organise a funeral themselves without the aid of a funeral director, contact Cemeteries (details in the right hand column) for advice and guidance on how to proceed. The Natural Death Centre has published advice on arranging a funeral without a funeral director.

Choosing a funeral director

Many people choose to entrust the organisation of a funeral to a professional funeral director. They do so partly for reasons of convenience, at what is generally a stressful time, but also to ensure that the remains of the deceased are disposed of with dignity and propriety.

Your first task is to decide which funeral director to use.

Friends, family, clergy or your doctor may be able to suggest reputable local funeral directors. Failing that, most local firms will be listed in Yellow Pages. Remember that their charges can vary considerably. You may wish to contact or visit more than one firm.

Most funeral directors are members of one of two trade associations: the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directorss (SAIF). Both have codes of practice which require the provision of a price list on request and will not exceed any written estimate given to you without your permission.

Check when the funeral director’s bill will have to be paid. If you are not satisfied with the service you get, or the prices you are asked to pay, you should contact an advice centre such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards. If the funeral director is a member of NAFD or SAIF, you also have the option of using their conciliation services. All, in addition, offer independent arbitration or you can put your dispute before the courts.

The funeral director will need the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form) or an Order for Burial, or a Certificate for Cremation giving permission for the body to be buried, or an application for cremation to be made. However, it is not necessary to delay contact with your chosen funeral director, who will be able to advise you on local conditions which may affect the time and day ofthe funeral.

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