How to plan a funeral

How to plan a funeral? Planning a funeral can be overwhelming and knowing who you need to contact can be very confusing. There can be so many things to arrange before a funeral can even take place which, if you have never experienced them, can be daunting. The guide below covers the key elements to planning a funeral for your loved one. It should help to simplify the process and make things easier at a time of tremendous grief.

Remember to accept help from those close to you as this will often ease the process even more for you. If you choose to work with a funeral director they can often help guide you through this difficult time. Funeral directors often have Bereavement Guides available which explain the process in more detail. Alternatively, you can visit the Death & Bereavement page of the Gov UK website

Registering a death

The first thing you will need to do before a funeral can take place is register your loved one’s death. Any family member can register the death for you as long as they have the correct documents. If there has been a post-mortem then the coroner will advise you of when you can collect the relevant documents from them to register the death. The death can be registered at your local registry office. If you are at all unsure of anything then you can speak directly with the registry office or coroner and they will help you.

Plan a funeral with Funeral Directors

Most people choose to hire a funeral director as they are experienced professionals and can help you to prepare every aspect of the funeral. A funeral director will help to take care of the following;

• Choosing a coffin
• Choosing a plaque to go onto the coffin
• Preparing your loved one in clothing of your choice
• Liaising with the church/crematorium regarding the service
• Arranging for the ashes to be returned to you if you choose a cremation
• Funeral Cars
• Advising you on every and any aspect of the funeral

Funeral directors are sympathetic and understanding of your grief. Using a funeral director will alleviate much of the stress around planning a funeral.

Burial or Cremation

You may already have known what your loved one’s wishes were in terms of burial or cremation. Once you have made this decision it will be easier to plan the rest of the ceremony.

Funeral Ceremony

Choosing the type of ceremony is completely your choice. You can work directly with your funeral directors to arrange either a religious or non-religious ceremony. They will also assist you with booking and confirm the date that the funeral will take place.

Funeral Flowers

Many people now ask that there only be family flowers at a funeral but ask that if people want to make a gesture than a donation of some kind is normally welcomed. You can choose the flowers you prefer and arrange for them to be delivered directly to the funeral directors on that day.

Funeral Service

Each and every service will be different depending upon yours and the beliefs of your loved one. You may want music played that holds happy memories for your family or you may prefer traditional hymns. The service is your chance to personalise the proceedings in a way that suits your loved one and your family.

Funeral Stationery

Many people now choose to have personalised funeral stationery including funeral orders of service, memorial cards and much more. Again these can be as personalised as you wish and are a lasting keepsake of your loved one.