When a loved one dies it can be a very stressful and emotional time. The last thing you want to think about will be how to arrange a funeral. Knowing what to do will make it a little bit easier, hence the reason for this step-by-step funeral planning guide.
We’ll share some advice on getting started, choosing a funeral director, getting help with the cost, planning the wake, and more.
Start Planning
Before you start making plans, answer the following questions:
- Have any funeral instructions been left in the Will?
- Is there a funeral plan or savings to pay for the funeral?
- If not, how do you plan to pay for the funeral?
Quite often, people leave instructions in their will or with their funeral plan provider. They might also have talked it through with someone close.
Often, it helps if you speak with family members and close friends about planning the funeral. Some might not be able to help, while others may want to be more involved. Having their support can make things feel less overwhelming.
You also have the option of hiring a funeral director. They will help you organise everything and take you through the process, step-by-step.
Choosing a Funeral Director
When you’re arranging a funeral, one of the things you have to decide is whether you want to organise it yourself or use a funeral director. Many people choose to leave the arrangements to a funeral director because they’ll take care of the deceased, the proceedings, and the organisation of any parties. In addition, they can give general guidance and support.
If your loved one had a funeral plan or Will, they may have already chosen a funeral director. A funeral director can help with the following:
- Collection and care of the person who has died
- Planning and overseeing the proceedings
- Guidance and support with choices available to you
- Organisation and coordination of other parties involved in the funeral
Choose a Burial or Cremation
The most common types of funeral are cremations, burials, and direct cremations. Prices vary considerably between different options. The most expensive tends to be a burial, while a direct cremation is usually the most affordable.
If your loved one asked for a specific type of service in their Will or Funeral Plan you might be worried that you can’t afford it. Don’t worry. Choose one that suits your budget instead.
Work Out How Much the Funeral Will Cost
In 2021, the average cost of a funeral in the UK was £4,056. This is quite expensive and doesn’t take into account optional extras such as flowers, transport, or a memorial. The basic funeral costs should cover:
- Funeral director’s fees
- Doctor’s fees
- Clergy or officiate fees
- The coffin
Who pays for the funeral?
If the deceased took out a funeral plan, the cost of their funeral may be covered. There might also be a life insurance policy in place which could help cover the cost of the funeral. Alternatively, they might have put aside some money in their estate to cover it.
If none of these apply, a relative or friend usually pays for the funeral. If this happens, they might be able to get the costs back from the estate if there’s enough to cover it.
Getting help with funeral costs
There are a few ways you can get help with funeral costs:
- Ask the funeral director for advice as they may have options or accept benefits
- Charities like The Bereavement Trust may be able to help
- You might be eligible for government funeral support
- Your local council may also be able to help with a Public Health Funeral
Arrange the Funeral Service
Before you make any firm arrangements, check if your loved one has any wishes. They may have left instructions in their Will or Funeral Plan. For example, they might want people to dress in colourful clothes or sing certain songs.
Choose the type of funeral service
There are many types of funeral service to choose from, for example:
- Traditional church ceremony
- Traditional cremation
- Green and woodland funeral
- Humanist and civic funeral
- Burial at sea
There are many different aspects you can change within the service in order to make it more personal, for example:
- Choose the music to go out to
- Funeral flowers and arrangements
- Write a personal eulogy
- Poems for the funeral
You also have the option of choosing a Direct Cremation which is a funeral without a service.
Plan the Wake
After the funeral there is usually a reception or a wake. This is an opportunity for friends and family of the person who has died to get together and mourn the passing or celebrate the life of their loved one. You can hold a wake in all kinds of venues, such as your home, a village hall, social club, hotel, or pub.
Final Thoughts
None of us like or want to think about our own funeral, but planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones at a difficult time.
