It can be very distressing when someone you love passes away and arranging a funeral is usually the last thing you want to do. Our guide will help you navigate this difficult process.
Sections
Traditional funeral service or cremation?
Humanist and multi-faith funerals
This type of funeral is usually led by a family member, close friend of the deceased or a humanist celebrant.
Unlike traditional funerals, funeral hymns or prayers, are generally not included but there may be readings from loved ones.
According to Dignity Funerals, a humanist funeral service can be held at a cemetery, woodland burial site or a crematorium if you decide on a humanist cremation.
A tribute section can last up to 15 minutes, which includes tributes from family and close friends, before an observed silence and ‘committal’ when the coffin is lowered, or the curtains are closed.
Similar to traditional funerals, a wake takes place after although a memorial ceremony can also be held at a later date to celebrate the life of the person who passed away.
If you’re planning a funeral for someone with specific religious requirements, multi-faith funerals may be a good option.
You can incorporate arrangements for several religions into one funeral, including:
- Buddhism;
- Judaism;
- Hinduism;
- Jehovah’s Witness
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Eco-burials
Burial at sea
What to do after someone passes away
What documents do you need?
When someone passes away, you will need the medical certificate to register the death.
It’s free to register a death but getting a copy of the death certificate will set you back £11 in England and Wales.
According to Money Advice Service, you need the following information for the deceased:
- Medical certificate confirming the cause of death;
- Full name, including any previous names;
- Date and place of birth;
- Occupation;
- Last address;
- Full name, date of birth and occupation of their spouse or civil partner if they were married
It may be helpful to get hold of their birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, National Insurance number, NHS medical card, roof of address, passport and driving licence.
You’ll also need proof of identity to prove who you are.
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How do I plan a funeral?
What needs to be considered for a funeral?
There is a lot of effort that goes into arranging a funeral, including:
- Choosing a coffin;
- Arranging transportation of the body of the deceased to the funeral director’s premises or to your own home (if the death does not need to be referred to the coroner);
- Caring for the deceased until the funeral – funeral directors can take care of this;
- A hearse to transport the body to the burial ground or crematorium;
- Flowers;
- Press notices;
- Embalming;
- A wake after the service, including catering and venue hire
Funeral directors can take care of most of these things and extra services, or you may arrange this yourself.
There are many other additional costs you may overlook post-funeral such as buying the headstone and engraving a message, which can easily cost an extra grand.
Unfortunately, you will need to pay for cleaning and preparation, including fixing it to the grave.
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