How to Arrange a Funeral in the UK: 7-Day Timeline
How do I arrange a funeral in the UK?
Contact funeral directors for quotes (compare at least 3), decide burial or cremation, choose service type, and book date and venue. Most funerals happen 2-3 weeks after death. Funeral director handles logistics—you decide service type, coffin, flowers, music, and other details. Budget £3,500-£4,200 cremation, £4,000-£5,500 burial.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Step 1: Contact Funeral Directors
The first practical step is choosing a funeral director. According to Which?, you don't need to rush this decision—most funeral directors can arrange a funeral within 2-3 weeks, giving you time to compare options.
What to Look For
Transparent Pricing
Ask for a detailed, itemized quote showing all costs upfront. Avoid vague estimates.
Good Reviews
Check Google reviews and recommendations from people you trust.
Availability
Can they accommodate your preferred date and time? Are they flexible?
Clear Communication
Do they explain the process clearly and answer your questions patiently?
Questions to Ask Funeral Directors
- →What's included in your basic funeral package? What costs extra?
- →Can you provide an itemized written quote before I commit?
- →How soon can you arrange the funeral?
- →Do you offer payment plans or help with funeral costs?
- →Can I supply my own coffin or use alternative options?
- →What happens if I want to change arrangements later?
Step 2: Decide on Burial or Cremation
This decision affects cost, location options, and planning. Consider any wishes left by the deceased, your family's preferences, and practical factors.
Burial
Traditional burial in a cemetery or churchyard.
Cost: £4,000-£5,500 (includes plot purchase)
Timeline: Usually 2-3 weeks
Considerations: Need to purchase or have existing burial plot. Ongoing grave maintenance fees may apply.
Cremation
Cremation followed by return of ashes to family.
Cost: £3,500-£4,200 (typically less than burial)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Considerations: Ashes can be scattered, buried, or kept. More flexibility with memorial timing.
Alternative: Direct Cremation
A simple, unattended cremation with no service at the crematorium. Family can hold a memorial service separately. Cost: £1,000-£1,800 (significantly cheaper). According to SunLife's Cost of Dying Report, this is growing in popularity for those wanting a simple, affordable option. See our guide to the cheapest funeral options.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Service
The service can be religious, non-religious (humanist), or a hybrid. It can take place at a church, crematorium, cemetery, or other venue.
Religious Service
Traditional service led by a minister, priest, or religious leader. Usually includes prayers, hymns, and religious readings. Cost: £200-£400 for celebrant fees.
Humanist/Non-Religious Service
Personalized ceremony celebrating the person's life without religious elements. Led by a celebrant who works with the family. Cost: £200-£350 for celebrant fees.
No Service (Direct Cremation)
Cremation without a ceremony. Family can arrange a separate memorial later. Cost: Much lower (£1,000-£1,800 total).
Step 4: Book Date, Time, and Venue
Once you've chosen a funeral director and decided on burial or cremation, you'll need to book the date and venue.
Timeline Considerations
- →Typical wait: 2-3 weeks from death to funeral (allows time for planning)
- →Venue availability: Crematoriums and churches may have limited slots
- →Family schedules: Coordinate with relatives traveling from distance
- →Religious considerations: Some faiths require burial within specific timeframes
Venue Options
Crematorium: Most have chapels for services before cremation. Slots typically 30-45 minutes.
Church or place of worship: For religious services, followed by burial or cremation.
Cemetery chapel: On-site chapel at burial grounds.
Other venues: Hotels, community halls, or outdoor locations (for memorial services).
Step 5: Plan the Details
Once the main arrangements are confirmed, you'll work with the funeral director on the finer details.
Coffin/Casket
Choose material (wood, wicker, cardboard) and style. Simple options: £200-£500. Premium: £1,000-£3,000+.
Flowers
Family flowers, tributes, or request donations instead. Cost: £150-£500 depending on arrangements.
Order of Service
Printed booklets for attendees. Include photo, readings, hymns. Cost: £50-£200 for 50-100 copies.
Music
Choose entrance, exit, and reflection music. Can be recorded or live. Venue may have restrictions.
Transport
Hearse for deceased, limousines for family. Typically included in funeral director package.
Wake/Reception
Gathering after funeral. Can be at home, pub, hotel, or community hall. Budget for venue and catering.
Cost Breakdown
Understanding funeral costs helps you make informed choices and avoid unexpected expenses. For a comprehensive breakdown of typical funeral costs across the UK, see our average funeral costs guide.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Funeral director fees | £1,500-£3,000 |
| Cremation fee | £800-£1,000 |
| OR Burial plot (new purchase) | £1,000-£5,000 |
| Celebrant/minister fee | £200-£400 |
| Flowers | £150-£500 |
| Order of service printing | £50-£200 |
| Wake venue and catering | £400-£1,500 |
| Total (Cremation) | £3,500-£4,200 |
| Total (Burial) | £4,000-£5,500 |
Money-Saving Tip
Comparing quotes from different funeral directors can save you £1,000 or more, according to Citizens Advice. Prices vary significantly even in the same area, so it pays to shop around. For more money-saving strategies, read our guide to reducing funeral costs.
Documents You'll Need
Before arranging the funeral, make sure you have these documents. For more detail on each step after death, see our what to do first guide.
- ✓Medical certificate of cause of death (from doctor or coroner)
- ✓Death certificate (issued by registrar after registering the death)
- ✓Certificate for burial or cremation (green form from registrar)
- ✓Cremation forms (if cremation - completed by two doctors)
- ✓Burial rights (if using an existing family grave)
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