Arranging a funeral while grieving can feel overwhelming: there are forms to complete, deadlines to meet, costs to manage and choices to make. In the UK you’ll need to register the death within five days (eight in Scotland), decide on burial, cremation or an unattended direct cremation, and coordinate arrangements at short notice.
This practical guide breaks the process into clear, manageable steps. Use the printable checklist to keep track of what’s done and what’s next. We explain the legal basics, who to call, essential paperwork, typical timeframes, how to set a budget, and the options that can reduce stress and cost, including direct cremation.
You’ll find a step-by-step plan from the first phone calls through to the day itself and what happens afterwards, plus tips for special situations, financial help and planning your own wishes. A downloadable PDF checklist is included. When you’re ready, start with the immediate legal tasks: getting the medical certificate and registering the death.
Step 1. Get the medical certificate and register the death (UK rules at a glance)
The first task in any funeral planning checklist UK is to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and register the death. You must register within five days in England and Wales, and within eight days in Scotland; Northern Ireland uses the District Registration Office. If the coroner (or procurator fiscal) is involved, funeral arrangements may be delayed.
- Obtain the MCCD: If the death is referred to a coroner/procurator fiscal, they may send this directly to the registrar.
- Register the death: At a Register Office (England & Wales), with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland), or the District Registration Office (Northern Ireland).
- Take documents if you can: MCCD plus any NHS card, birth certificate, driving licence or passport.
- Expect essential paperwork: The registrar will issue documents needed to proceed with burial or cremation.
- Notify government once: Use the Tell Us Once service (where available) to inform key departments efficiently.
Step 2. Check for wishes, a will, a pre-paid plan or life insurance
Before you book anything, check for wishes and how costs will be covered. Look for a will or separate letter of wishes, and any prepaid funeral plan (these can name a specific funeral director). Search files and recent bank statements for life insurance or policy numbers. Note any preferences for burial/cremation, celebrant, music or donations. If the funeral will be paid from the estate, probate may be needed, though banks can release money for funeral invoices with the death certificate.
Step 3. Set a budget and confirm how the funeral will be paid for
Set a clear ceiling early to avoid stress and overspend. As a guide, the average UK funeral was £4,706 in 2024, though a no‑frills direct cremation is typically far lower. Decide who will pay, what’s essential, and get written, itemised estimates before booking anything.
- Confirm funding sources: prepaid plan (check what’s included), life insurance, estate or bank release with death certificate and funeral invoice, family contributions.
- Agree billing: who the funeral director invoices and any deposit dates.
- Itemise costs: separate disbursements (crematorium/burial fees, celebrant) from optional extras.
- Trim spend: choose direct cremation, a simple coffin, DIY flowers/catering, minimal transport.
- Using estate funds: keep receipts; delay non‑essentials until funds are confirmed.
- Short on funds? See Step 19 for support and money‑saving options.
Step 4. Choose cremation, burial or a direct cremation
Decide early between cremation, burial or a simple direct cremation. Follow any written wishes; otherwise balance budget, timing, faith and how you’ll remember them. Cremation is most common in the UK, while burial provides a grave to visit. Direct cremation separates the cremation from any ceremony so you can hold a memorial later.
- Cremation: around 79% of funerals; service beforehand; ashes returned with a Certificate of Cremation; paperwork usually handled by the funeral director.
- Direct cremation: unattended and no service; usually the lowest-cost option; families often arrange a later celebration of life.
- Burial: churchyard, cemetery, green site or private land (with required paperwork); service then graveside committal; consider memorial and upkeep fees.
Step 5. Choose a funeral director or arrange it yourself
Choosing a trusted funeral director can remove admin and stress. If a funeral plan names one, start there. Otherwise compare itemised quotes, check NAFD/SAIF membership and that they support your wishes (including direct cremation). You can also legally self‑arrange, but it’s hands‑on.
- What a director handles: transfer and care, paperwork, booking crematorium/burial, vehicles, pallbearers, notices, donations, ashes.
- Questions to ask: availability, itemised price incl disbursements, inclusions/exclusions, simple options, viewing, ashes return.
- If self‑arranging: buy a coffin, book crematorium/burial, complete forms, arrange transport/care; seek family‑led funeral guidance.
Step 6. Arrange care and transfer of the person who has died
Once you’ve chosen the route, arrange transfer and care of the person who has died. A funeral director (or Go Direct Cremations for direct cremation) can collect 24/7 to a professional mortuary. Hospitals and care homes usually manage release; coroner/procurator fiscal cases may pause movement until authorised.
- Provide essential details: location and access, any pacemaker or infection risks, and preferred timing.
- Choose care: washing and dressing in chosen clothes; ask about viewing (often excluded with direct cremation).
- Agree what happens next: who holds jewellery/personal effects, and whether ashes are delivered or scattered in a garden of remembrance.
Step 7. Complete the required paperwork (cremation or burial)
Once the death is registered, you’ll need to complete the legal authorisations for a cremation or burial. A funeral director will usually prepare and lodge these for you; if you’re self‑arranging, ask the crematorium or cemetery/local council for the right forms. Coroner or procurator fiscal cases follow a different process and their documentation can replace some standard forms.
- Registrar’s certificate: Obtain the certificate for burial or cremation and give it to the crematorium/cemetery (or your funeral director).
- For cremation: Complete the application, state your ashes wishes, and provide medical details (you’ll be asked about implants such as pacemakers). Coroner paperwork may replace some forms.
- For burial: Confirm grave/plot availability and who can authorise the interment, and follow the site’s rules and fees.
Step 8. Choose the date, place and format for the funeral
With the paperwork underway, choose a date, place and format that honour their wishes. Many UK funerals happen within about two weeks, but coroner investigations or venue availability can push this back. For unattended direct cremation, the provider arranges the cremation date and you choose any memorial or wake later.
- Date: Allow time to register the death and complete forms.
- Place: Church/faith venue, crematorium chapel, cemetery/graveside or green burial ground.
- Format: Religious, humanist, civil or family‑led; simple or full service.
Step 9. Select a coffin, urn and any personal items
Your choices here set the tone, cost and environmental impact. Most plans include a simple coffin and basic ashes container, and you can upgrade if you wish. Eco options such as wicker, cardboard or sustainably sourced wood are widely available, and you can buy via the funeral director or directly from makers.
- Coffin: Ask what’s included, compare simple versus eco options, and check lead times. Larger sizes may cost more.
- Urn or ashes container: A simple container is often included; you can choose a decorative urn or scattering tube later, or request scattering in a garden of remembrance.
- Personal items: Clothing, letters or small photos are usually fine—confirm rules with the crematorium/funeral director, remove valuables, and tell them about any implants (e.g., pacemakers).
Step 10. Arrange transport and pallbearers
Transport sets the tone and timing for the day. For an attended funeral, book a hearse and, if needed, limousines; confirm pick‑ups, route and timing with the venue. To save money, use your own cars and ask guests to travel direct. For unattended direct cremation, your provider handles private transfer and no pallbearers are required.
- Choose bearers: family/friends or professionals via your funeral director.
- Check access: steps or narrow doors; follow the director’s advice on safe handling.
Step 11. Choose who will lead the service (celebrant, faith leader or family)
As part of your funeral planning checklist, choose who will set the tone and guide mourners. If your loved one had a faith, a minister may be best. For a non‑religious ceremony, a humanist or civil celebrant can create a personal service. With direct cremation, appoint a leader for a later memorial.
- Minister — follows faith rites and prayers.
- Humanist — non‑religious, life‑centred, bespoke script.
- Civil — blends secular with optional faith elements.
Step 12. Plan the service content: music, readings and eulogies
With your officiant confirmed, shape the funeral service content with care. Keep it simple, personal and achievable on the day, aligning with any faith traditions or venue rules.
- Running order: entry music, welcome, readings/tributes, reflection/committal, exit.
- Music: meaningful hymns/songs; check formats and any restrictions; supply lyrics if singing.
- Readings/prayers: choose a small number; name readers; provide clean printouts.
- Eulogies: agree who speaks; keep concise; appoint a backup; gather memories.
- Visuals/keepsakes: photo or memory table (if allowed); simple order of service; donation details.
For a direct cremation, use the same choices later at a memorial, wake or celebration of life.
Step 13. Invite guests and share the details (obituary, notices, order of service)
Once the date and venue are set, start letting people know. Choose a mix of phone calls, emails and private messages so news reaches close family first. If you wish, ask your funeral director to place a death notice or online notice and confirm any donations preference there. For direct cremation, announce the death now and share memorial or wake details when ready.
- Include in invites: full name, date/time, venue/address, directions/parking, dress code, donation/flowers wishes, RSVP contact.
- Order of service: keep it brief and clear; match the running order, music and readings.
- Data check: confirm spellings, roles and accessibility needs before printing or posting.
Step 14. Decide on flowers, charitable donations and tributes
This is where you set the tone for how people honour your loved one. Many families now choose “donations in lieu of flowers” to a chosen charity, while keeping flowers simple and meaningful. Your funeral director can collect and forward donations, or you can set up an online page. For direct cremation, share donation wishes now and plan tributes for a later memorial.
- Set your preference: “Family flowers only; donations to [charity]” in notices.
- Use your director: They can manage donation collections and records.
- Choose florals wisely: A single spray or seasonal flowers keeps costs down.
- Personal tributes: Photo table, memory book, favourite scarf or colours.
- Confirm logistics: Delivery time/place for flowers; how donations are handled.
Step 15. Plan the wake or celebration of life
A wake or celebration of life gives people time to share memories in a more relaxed setting. Hold it straight after the service, or—if you choose a direct cremation—pick a later date that works for family and friends. Keep it simple: a community hall, sports club, pub, hotel or your home, with a light buffet and drinks, is usually enough.
- Set the tone and purpose: reflective, celebratory, or informal.
- Fix the basics: date/time, guest estimate, host/MC.
- Choose a venue: capacity, accessibility, parking, costs.
- Catering plan: DIY/bring‑a‑plate, local caterer, or pub menu.
- Personal touches: music playlist, photo slideshow, memory book.
- Practicalities: donations point, signage, clean‑up and waste.
Step 16. Prepare on-the-day roles, access and materials
Clear roles, solid access plans and a small kit of materials make the day calmer. Nominate one coordinator and brief everyone the day before. Build in travel buffers and consider accessibility at the venue and graveside. For a direct cremation, apply the same prep to any memorial or wake.
- Coordinator/timekeeper: schedule, contacts, supplier numbers.
- Ushers/pallbearers brief: routes, order, safety.
- Readers/speakers: printed scripts; backup.
- Music/AV: test files; device and leads.
- Materials: orders, tissues, donations point.
- Access/parking: reserved spaces, step‑free routes.
Step 17. Decide what happens to the ashes or grave
Take a moment to choose a lasting, meaningful option and note any permissions needed. After cremation, ashes are returned to the next of kin (with a Certificate of Cremation) or, with direct cremation, can be scattered in a garden of remembrance or personally delivered for you to decide later.
- Ashes choices: keep at home, scatter somewhere meaningful (with permission), or inter in a cemetery/crematorium plot.
- Permissions and rules: check local regulations for scattering and any crematorium/cemetery conditions.
- Memorials: confirm what memorials are allowed and any fees; many churchyards require family to maintain headstones.
- Record it: write down locations/arrangements so family can visit and remember.
Step 18. After the funeral: collect ashes, settle invoices and start paperwork
After the service, a few practical tasks help close things off and start estate administration. If it was a cremation, arrange to collect the ashes or confirm scattering. Keep receipts, and begin any insurance claims or probate.
- Collect ashes: Certificate of Cremation; note any wishes.
- Settle invoices: funeral director and disbursements; keep copies.
- Access funds: banks may release for funeral with documents.
- Start estate admin: probate, notify banks, pensions, utilities.
Step 19. If funds are tight: financial help and money-saving tips
If money is a worry, there is support and there are sensible ways to lower costs without losing dignity. Be open about your budget from the start and prioritise essentials. Many families follow a funeral planning checklist UK and choose a simple or unattended option now, then host a personal memorial later when ready.
- Check benefits: Funeral Expenses Payment (England & Wales), Funeral Support Payment (Scotland), and NI Funeral Expenses Payments (eligibility applies).
- Ask the bank: Many banks/building societies can release funds for funeral invoices with the death certificate.
- Consider direct cremation: Unattended, lower cost; hold a celebration of life later.
- Trim extras: Simple coffin, minimal transport, DIY flowers/catering, fewer print items.
- Itemised quotes: Compare like‑for‑like; avoid packages you don’t need.
- Charity help: Down to Earth can advise on costs and options.
- If no funds/no one to arrange: The council or hospital may provide a Public Health Funeral.
Step 20. Special situations: coroner cases, organ donation or repatriation
Some situations change timelines and paperwork. Stay calm, keep notes of who said what and when, and let your funeral director coordinate—specialist providers like Go Direct Cremations handle complex cases routinely.
- Coroner/procurator fiscal: If a death is sudden or unexplained, they may investigate and issue paperwork directly to the registrar. You can’t proceed until they release the person. Expect possible delay to the funeral date.
- Organ donation: Tell hospital staff immediately if donation was wished for. Donation can sit alongside cremation or burial; arrangements are time‑sensitive, so follow clinical guidance.
- Repatriation (overseas): Moving someone to or from the UK needs extra documents and clearances. Use an experienced team to manage transport, permissions and timescales.
Step 21. Planning ahead for your own funeral and sharing your wishes
Planning ahead spares your family tough decisions and ensures your funeral reflects your values. Decide what you want—burial, cremation or direct cremation; music; donations—write it clearly and keep it with your important papers. Use a simple funeral planning checklist UK to record choices and contacts, and tell executors where everything is kept.
- Record it properly: Advance care plan and letter of wishes.
- Note funding: Pre‑paid plan or life insurance; check coverage.
- In your Will: Funeral wishes aren’t legally binding—store separately.
Step 22. Download your printable funeral planning checklist (PDF)
Ready to stay organised? Download our printable funeral planning checklist UK (PDF). It mirrors the steps above, with clear tick boxes and space for key contacts, dates and costs. Print at home or share a copy with family, your celebrant or funeral director to keep everyone aligned.
- Legal tasks and deadlines: MCCD, registration, forms.
- Wishes and paperwork: will, plans, insurance.
- Budget and payments: quotes, disbursements, invoices.
- Service planning: venue, leader, music, readings.
- Aftercare: ashes/grave decisions and next admin.
Next steps
You’ve now got a clear, step-by-step plan you can follow at your own pace. Use the printable checklist to track progress, keep notes of calls and costs, and share copies with anyone helping. When in doubt, come back to the essentials: register the death, confirm wishes and budget, then book only what you truly need.
If you want a simple, dignified option without the stress of arranging a ceremony right now, consider an unattended direct cremation. We handle the formalities, care, cremation, and return or scattering of ashes, with transparent pricing and 24/7 support across mainland England, Scotland and Wales. When you’re ready, we’re here to help: Go Direct Cremations.
