Occasionally we are asked to offer advice and information on how people can arrange a funeral without the assistance of a funeral director. Almost all aspects of a funeral are relatively straight forward, difficulties can arise because of the emotional strain of being bereaved, the pressure of time, the lack of experience of looking after the body of someone who has died, and a lack of knowledge about the paperwork required.

Arranging and personalising a funeral for the deceased, or in some cases the deceased may have planned their own funeral in advance, can give great emotional comfort. A funeral director is a great source of information, and many will be happy to give advice free of charge within reason. The Natural Death Centre is an organisation that will assist and the internet is also a good source of information.

As members of the Charter for the Bereaved, we recognise the right of any individual to organise a funeral without the use of a funeral director and in response to this right we have set out procedures and requirements to help you with the arrangements.

Register a death

Further information on who can register and what information you need to register a death.

Choosing the type of funeral

The choice of cremation or burial is decided by the person responsible for arranging the funeral. It may be that the deceased has already expressed their wishes in the form of a will or a funeral plan, which may influence the decision. Cultural requirements may also be a factor when deciding between burial and cremation.

Booking the funeral date and time

When arranging a funeral, it is important to consider the following:

• Where will the deceased be held prior to the funeral
• Is the funeral to be a burial or a cremation
• The purchase of a coffin
• Any hazardous implants to be removed
• How will you transport the deceased to the cemetery or crematorium
• When are all the family available to attend
• Submission of all the required paperwork within the specified timeframes
• The type of service you want
• If you require someone to perform the service, if so when are they available
• Contacting a florist if you wish to arrange flowers
• Contacting your local newspaper to arrange an obituary

Once a decision has been made about the funeral type and approximate date and time you would like to book the funeral, contact bereavement services who will advise you of the available dates and times.