Funeral planning

Must be done within 5 days in England and Wales (8 days in Scotland). Contact the local registrar to book an appointment. You will receive the death certificate and the Tell Us Once reference number.

Free (certificates cost £11 each — order several)

You do not have to use a funeral director — you can arrange everything yourself — but most people do. Get at least two quotes. The funeral director will collect the body, help with paperwork, and coordinate the service.

Check whether the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan. Look through paperwork, bank statements (for premium payments), or ask family members. If there is one, contact the plan provider — it may cover most or all of the costs.

The will may contain specific requests about burial vs cremation, location, music, or other preferences. These are wishes, not legally binding instructions, but most families try to honour them.

This is the biggest decision and affects cost, venue, and timing. Cremation is more common in the UK (around 77%) and is typically less expensive than burial.

Church, crematorium, cemetery chapel, or a non-religious venue. The funeral director can advise on availability. Popular crematoria may have limited slots — book early.

Funerals in the UK typically take place 1 to 3 weeks after the death. The timing depends on venue availability, coroner involvement, and family logistics. The funeral director coordinates this.

Let people know about the death and the funeral arrangements. Consider a death notice in a local newspaper. The funeral director can help arrange this.

Newspaper notices: £50–£300

Notify HR. Check for death in service benefits (lump sum, typically 2–4x salary), outstanding salary, holiday pay, and workplace pension. Some employers also contribute to funeral costs.

Decide on readings, music, eulogies, and order of service. The officiant (vicar, celebrant, or humanist) will help structure this. Consider what the deceased would have wanted.

Officiant: £150–£300

Decide on the coffin arrangement and whether to have additional displays. Some families request donations to charity instead of flowers.

£50–£500+

The funeral director provides a hearse. You may also want a limousine for close family. Some people choose alternative vehicles — horse-drawn carriage, motorcycle hearse, or a personal vehicle.

Hearse: included in most packages. Limousine: £200–£400

The funeral director will show you options. You are not obliged to buy from them — you can source a coffin independently (often cheaper). Cardboard and wicker coffins are available for eco-friendly funerals.

£300–£3,000+

A printed booklet or card for attendees. Include the order of the ceremony, hymns/songs, readings, and a brief biography or tribute.

£50–£200

A gathering after the service — at home, a pub, a hotel, or a community hall. Arrange food and drink. Some families prefer a simple tea and cake; others have a full meal.

£200–£2,000+

Thank attendees, those who sent flowers or donations, and anyone who helped with arrangements.

£20–£50

For burial: a headstone can be placed after the ground has settled (usually 6–12 months). For cremation: options include a memorial plaque, garden of remembrance, or scattering of ashes.

Headstone: £500–£3,000+. Memorial plaque: £100–£500

Funeral costs are a priority debt of the estate — they are paid before almost all other debts. If the estate has funds, the funeral director can be paid from those. Some banks will release funds specifically for the funeral before probate.