Planning a Simple Funeral: UK Steps, Costs and Legalities

When someone dies, the wish is often for something simple, respectful and affordable—but turning that into a plan can feel daunting. There are decisions to make quickly, legal steps to follow, and costs that can mount without clear guidance. If you’re hoping to keep things modest without losing dignity, you’re not alone.

A simple funeral is possible with a calm, step‑by‑step approach. Start by deciding what “simple” means to you, set a realistic budget, and choose the type of farewell—whether that’s a brief service, a small gathering, or no ceremony with a direct cremation. Then decide whether to organise it yourself or use a funeral director, and focus on the essentials: care of the person who died, paperwork, a date and place, and a straightforward coffin or urn.

This guide walks you through each stage in plain English: confirming who’s responsible and checking for any wishes or plans, registering the death and completing forms, comparing costs and providers, arranging transport and care, and keeping the ceremony—if you want one—uncomplicated. You’ll also find ways to cut costs responsibly, understand differences across the UK nations, and know what to look for in pre‑paid plans. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist and the confidence to plan a simple funeral that fits your values and budget.

Step 1. Decide what a “simple funeral” looks like for you

“Simple” is personal. When planning a simple funeral, decide what you’re keeping and what you’re leaving out. Focus on dignity, essentials and clear choices. Set your boundaries now so later decisions are easier and costs stay under control.

• Ceremony: Brief service, quiet family moment, or none (direct cremation).
• Disposition: Burial, cremation, or a natural burial ground.
• Tone and extras: Plain coffin, minimal flowers, simple music or reading.

Step 2. Confirm who is responsible and check for any wishes or plans

Before you book anything when planning a simple funeral, confirm who is taking responsibility. If there’s a will, the executor usually leads; if not, a relative or close friend can arrange. If no one is available, the local council or health authority will organise a simple funeral.

Now check for existing wishes or plans to avoid duplicated costs:

• Will and executors: locate the will and any funeral wishes (usually followed).
• Pre‑paid plans/insurance: check for plan documents or life insurance; call the provider first.
• Written wishes: advance care plans, letters, preferred name/pronouns, faith needs.
• Point person: confirm who will sign forms and manage payments.

Step 3. Register the death and get the required paperwork

Registering the death is the gate that unlocks everything else. You cannot arrange a burial or cremation until it’s registered, and you’ll need the death certificate for bookings and memorial details. When planning a simple funeral, do this as soon as possible so you can secure dates and keep decisions calm. Check spellings, the name to be used publicly, and any faith or identity details you want reflected later.

• Register the death: Do this promptly before arranging the funeral; it enables bookings and official permissions.
• Get the death certificate: You’ll use this for funeral arrangements and memorial wording.
• For cremation: A medical certificate may be required and there can be doctor’s fees; ask your provider to itemise these.
• If using a funeral director: They can advise on the paperwork and timings.
• Keep documents safe: Store certificates and any written wishes together for quick access in the next steps.

Step 4. Set a realistic budget and check what help you can get with costs

When planning a simple funeral, set a clear ceiling before you book anything. List the essentials you’re keeping and strip out extras. Separate unavoidable fees (cremation or burial charges, and any doctor’s fees for cremation) from optional items (flowers, upgraded coffin, catering). If there’s a pre‑paid plan, check exactly what it covers—many plans don’t include every cost.

• Budget for essentials: cremation or burial fee, any medical certificate/doctor’s fees for cremation, care and transport, a plain coffin, and a simple ashes container if needed.
• Check available funds: the deceased’s bank can release money to pay the funeral; look for life insurance or a pre‑paid plan; note any wishes in the will or estate.
• Apply for support if eligible: Funeral Expenses Payment (England & Wales), Funeral Support Payment (Scotland), and the NI scheme—apply within 6 months. Children’s Funeral Fund covers under‑18s/stillbirths; Veterans UK may help if there’s a war disablement pension.
• If no funds or organiser: the local council or hospital can arrange a simple Public Health Funeral.
• Keep costs down: request itemised, fixed‑price quotes, compare standard price lists, choose direct cremation or a no‑frills service, and minimise extras.

Step 5. Choose between burial, cremation or direct cremation

This single choice sets the tone, timeline and cost of planning a simple funeral. Think about faith or cultural needs, how you want to say goodbye, and what feels proportionate. Decide early to avoid paying for extras you don’t want.

• Burial: Traditional interment in a cemetery or natural burial ground. Expect separate cemetery fees (grave purchase and preparation) and headstone later if you want one. Good if faith requires burial.
• Cremation (with a service): A short chapel or faith‑based service followed by cremation. Includes a crematorium fee and may include a medical certificate/doctor’s fees for cremation. Ashes can be kept, scattered or buried later.
• Direct cremation (no ceremony): An unattended, dignified cremation with care, paperwork and a simple coffin included. Families often hold a small memorial or celebration of life later, anywhere meaningful. This is usually the most flexible and affordable option while keeping dignity at the centre.

Step 6. Decide whether to arrange it yourself or use a funeral director

When planning a simple funeral, choose between a family‑led, DIY arrangement or appointing a funeral director. The right route depends on time, confidence with paperwork and budget. Both can be dignified—the difference is how much you do yourself and where you want help.

• DIY/family‑led: Suits simple plans or direct cremation; you arrange forms, bookings, transport and care—your council’s cemetery or crematorium team can advise.
• Funeral director: Good if time is short, you want a service, or it’s complex; choose a trade‑association member and insist on itemised costs.
• Middle‑ground: Use a direct cremation provider to handle care, paperwork and cremation; you plan any farewell later, your way.

Step 7. Compare providers and get fixed‑price, itemised quotes

To stay in control when planning a simple funeral, insist on written, fixed‑price, itemised quotes you can compare like‑for‑like. Ask for the provider’s standard price list and check membership of recognised bodies such as the National Association of Funeral Directors or the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.

• Ask for apples‑to‑apples: the same care, coffin, transport, and type of service (or direct cremation).
• What’s included: cremation/burial fee, care of the person, collection, a plain coffin, simple ashes container.
• What’s extra: out‑of‑hours or home collection, larger coffin, medical device removal, delivery of ashes, flowers, venue hire, and any doctor’s fees for cremation (where applicable).
• Timings and place: where the person is cared for, which crematorium/cemetery is used, and expected dates.
• Direct cremation specifics: whether it’s truly unattended, how and when ashes are returned, and any geographic surcharges.
• Payment terms: deposits, due dates, refunds, and what happens if dates change.
• Proof of transparency: a clear itemised estimate now and a final invoice later that matches it.

Step 8. Arrange care of the person who died and transport

Once paperwork is in motion, secure care and transport. If you use a funeral director or a direct cremation provider, they’ll arrange collection from hospital or home (often 24/7), transfer to mortuary facilities and look after the person. Decide whether you want washing/dressing and whether anyone will view; embalming isn’t required and usually isn’t included in a simple funeral. If arranging it yourself, ask your council’s cemeteries or crematorium team about permitted transport and timings.

Step 9. Book the cremation or burial and confirm dates and locations

With the death registered, you can book the committal. If you’re using a funeral director or direct cremation provider, they’ll secure the slot; for DIY, contact the crematorium or your council’s cemetery team. Keep it simple by fixing the core details early and getting everything confirmed in writing.

• Date, time and place: confirm the crematorium or cemetery, and any separate venue for a short service.
• For cremation: ensure any required medical certificate/doctor’s fees are arranged; decide if ashes will be kept, scattered or buried, and who will receive them.
• For direct cremation: note it’s unattended; confirm which crematorium is used and how/when ashes will be delivered or scattered in a garden of remembrance.
• For burial: confirm the burial ground, grave arrangements and interment fee; headstone decisions can wait.
• Names and wording: check the correct name/pronouns for all paperwork and any public references.
• Keep records: file the booking confirmation with the death certificate and your plan, then notify close family.

Step 10. Keep the ceremony simple (or choose no ceremony)

A simple funeral ceremony keeps the focus on a meaningful goodbye, not costly extras. If you’d prefer no ceremony at all, an unattended direct cremation is dignified and lets you hold a small memorial or celebration later, in your own time and place.

• Keep it brief: one reading, one song, a short eulogy or shared moment of silence.
• Pick a modest setting: crematorium chapel, place of worship, village hall, home, or outdoors (with the venue’s agreement).
• Set expectations: everyday dress, no flowers, invite optional donations to a chosen charity.
• No ceremony option: choose direct cremation, then gather later at home, a café or a favourite spot. Ensure the correct name and pronouns are used in any words or print.

Step 11. Choose only the essentials: coffin, urn, transport and flowers

When planning a simple funeral, focus on what’s necessary and skip anything that doesn’t add meaning for you. Ask each provider to confirm in writing what’s included as standard (plain coffin, basic care and transport, simple ashes container for cremation) and what counts as an extra. You’re free to choose your own coffin, keep flowers minimal, and avoid a cortege.

• Coffin: Pick a plain, sustainable option; you can supply your own. Larger sizes may cost more—ask upfront.
• Urn/ashes container: Many services include a simple container. Only buy an urn if you plan to keep or display the ashes.
• Transport: A private ambulance or hearse direct to the crematorium/cemetery is sufficient. Confirm any out‑of‑hours or home‑collection charges.
• Flowers: Optional. Choose one simple spray—or none—and invite charitable donations instead.
• Bearers: Use the provider’s team or ask family/friends if that feels right and is permitted by the venue.

Step 12. Complete the legal forms and permissions for burial or cremation

Once the death is registered, the next legal step in planning a simple funeral is completing the permissions required by the crematorium or cemetery. Your funeral director, direct cremation provider or local council will supply the right forms and explain who must sign them. Take extra care that names, spellings and any preferred pronouns are correct, as these flow through to bookings and memorial details.

• Death certificate: Needed to book a cremation or burial and for memorial wording.
• Application to cremate or bury: Venue-specific forms confirming the date, place and applicant.
• Medical certificate (cremation): Where required, confirm any doctor’s fees and get them itemised.
• Identity details: Full details of the person who died and the applicant’s relationship and contacts.
• Ashes instructions (cremation): State whether ashes are to be kept, delivered or scattered at the garden of remembrance, and who may collect them.
• Burial plot paperwork: New or existing grave, plus cemetery fees (grave preparation is usually included in the burial fee).
• Consents and signatures: Ensure the responsible person (executor or nearest relative) signs; keep copies of everything together with your plan.

Step 13. Decide what should happen to the ashes or the grave

When planning a simple funeral, decide now what happens to the ashes or grave to avoid later stress. Record your wishes on the cremation or burial forms and tell your point person early. Double‑check names and spellings so memorials and paperwork match exactly.

• Ashes: keep at home, ask the crematorium to scatter, or bury later.
• Collection: name who may collect and where the ashes should go.
• Grave: choose new or existing plot; memorial rules, wording and costs can wait.

Step 14. Manage payments, invoices and essential admin

Keeping money matters tidy will save stress and prevent surprises. Treat the written estimate as your anchor, pay only what you’ve agreed, and keep every document together for any benefits claims and the estate.

• Get it in writing: agree a clear, itemised estimate with deposits and due dates.
• Use the deceased’s bank: give the bank the final invoice; they can release funds to pay the funeral even if accounts are frozen.
• Check existing cover: contact any pre‑paid plan or life insurance provider before you pay.
• Claim support on time: apply for Funeral Expenses Payment (or Scotland’s Funeral Support Payment) within 6 months; keep invoices/receipts.
• Match estimate to invoice: query any differences, including cremation/burial fees and any doctor’s fees for cremation.
• File everything: death certificate copies, contracts, quotes, invoices and receipts in one place, noting who paid what for the executor.

Step 15. Handle communications: notices, invitations and practical details

Clear, kind communication keeps costs down and stress low when planning a simple funeral. Nominate one point person to share accurate details, use the correct name and pronouns, and focus on what people really need to know: when, where, how to take part, and any preferences about flowers or donations.

• One point of contact: centralise calls, texts and questions.
• Keep the notice simple: name, date/time/place, dress code, flowers or donations.
• Choose channels wisely: phone/message groups/private post; paid newspaper notice only if helpful.
• Practicalities: parking, access, seating, arrival time; say if children are welcome.
• Remote options: mention livestream/recording if the venue offers it.
• Afterwards: send a brief thank‑you and confirm what happens next with ashes or memorial plans.

Step 16. If there’s no money or no organiser, know your options

If funds are tight or nobody can take charge, you still have clear, dignified routes to a simple funeral. First decide whether there is a willing organiser; if not, the state can step in. If there is an organiser but money is the problem, apply for support early and keep the plan minimal to avoid unexpected bills.

• Public Health Funeral: If there’s no money or no one to arrange it, the local council or hospital can organise a simple funeral.
• Benefits-based help: Funeral Expenses Payment (England & Wales) and Funeral Support Payment (Scotland) are available if certain benefits are received; Northern Ireland has a similar scheme. Apply within 6 months. These payments usually don’t cover all costs.
• Children and veterans: The Children’s Funeral Fund covers funerals for under‑18s and stillbirths (after 24 weeks). Veterans UK may help if there’s a war disablement pension.
• Bank access: A bank can release funds from the deceased’s account to pay the funeral when shown the final invoice.
• Keep it simple: Choose direct cremation or a no‑frills service to stay within budget and reduce stress.

Step 17. Eco‑friendly choices and practical ways to cut costs

Eco choices often save money too. When planning a simple funeral, keep what matters and drop what doesn’t: choose a plain, sustainable coffin, consider natural burial grounds if they fit your values, and keep transport and extras to a minimum. For cremation, using the crematorium’s garden of remembrance for ashes keeps costs and impact low without losing dignity.

• Choose direct cremation: Unattended, dignified, and budget‑friendly—hold a small memorial later at home.
• Skip embalming: It’s not required for most funerals and is usually an added cost.
• Pick a plain, sustainable coffin: You can supply your own; avoid expensive upgrades.
• Keep transport minimal: Go direct to the crematorium or cemetery; no cortege.
• Limit flowers: One simple arrangement, or invite charity donations instead.

Step 18. Key differences across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Across the UK, the basics are the same: you must register the death before booking a burial or cremation, and if there’s no money or organiser, the local council or hospital can arrange a simple funeral. The key differences are in benefits terminology and some paperwork. Plan a little time to check your nation’s guidance so you can budget accurately and use the right forms.

• England: Funeral Expenses Payment is available if you get certain benefits (apply within 6 months and note it rarely covers everything). The Children’s Funeral Fund covers key costs for under‑18s and stillbirths after 24 weeks without a benefits test. Councils can arrange a Public Health Funeral if needed.

• Wales: Funeral Expenses Payment applies here too (time‑limited and usually partial). Your local authority can arrange a simple funeral where there’s no money or organiser.

• Scotland: Support is called Funeral Support Payment (via Social Security Scotland). Paperwork for cremation/burial and processes can differ slightly—your crematorium, council or provider will supply the correct forms. Councils or hospitals can arrange a simple funeral if required.

• Northern Ireland: Help is via Funeral Expenses Payments (NI). Apply promptly and budget for uncovered items. Local councils/health authorities can step in to arrange a simple funeral when necessary.

Step 19. Consider pre‑paid plans and what to check before you buy

Pre‑paid funeral plans can help fix key costs when planning a simple funeral, but many don’t cover everything. Basic plans often exclude flowers, venues and any wake, and you may still pay extra for burial or cremation fees and doctor’s fees for cremation. Alternatives include savings, whole‑of‑life insurance, or leaving funds in your estate.

• What’s included: care, collection, a plain coffin, cremation/burial fees, any doctor’s fees.
• What’s excluded: flowers, venues, catering, larger coffins, ashes delivery.
• Restrictions: location limits, provider choice, timing.
• Payments: instalments, price‑freeze, what happens if death occurs before full payment.
• Changes/cancellation: fees, refunds, how to update wishes and who gets the paperwork.

Step 20. Use a simple checklist: documents, contacts and timelines

A one‑page checklist keeps planning a simple funeral calm and on track. Print it, keep it with the death certificate, and tick items as you go. Confirm names and spellings on every form, file quotes and invoices together, and note who’s responsible for each action and by when.

• Documents: death certificate copies; cremation/burial application; any medical certificate and doctor’s fees (for cremation); written wishes/advance care plan; will/executor details; applicant ID; booking confirmations; itemised estimate and final invoice; ashes instructions or grave details.
• Contacts: point person/executor; funeral director/direct cremation provider; crematorium/cemetery office; registrar; GP/hospital bereavement office; bank/insurer/pre‑paid plan; DWP or Social Security Scotland; local council (Public Health Funeral, if needed); faith leader/celebrant.
• Timelines: register the death promptly (before booking); secure date/time once registered; apply for Funeral Expenses Payment/Funeral Support Payment within 6 months; claim Children’s Funeral Fund as soon as possible; confirm names/pronouns before submitting forms; keep receipts for the estate.

Plan with confidence

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the essentials—register the death, set a budget, choose burial, cremation or direct cremation—and keep the rest simple and honest. With clear roles, written quotes and the right forms, a modest, dignified farewell becomes manageable, affordable and true to the person who died.

If a straightforward, unattended farewell feels right, a direct cremation lets you separate the legal and practical steps from the moment of remembrance—so you can gather later, where and how you choose. For calm, practical help with care, paperwork and cremation across mainland England, Scotland and Wales—day or night—visit Go Direct Cremations. Our team keeps things clear, respectful and cost‑controlled, so you can focus on what matters: saying goodbye in a way that fits your values and your budget. You’ve got this—one simple step at a time.