Arranging a funeral involves several important steps
We are so sorry for your loss.
To help you through this difficult time, we’ve compiled a simple guide to help you arrange a funeral.
01
First steps
- Confirm the Death:
- If the person dies in a hospital or care home, the medical staff will typically confirm the death and guide you through the initial steps.
- If the death occurs at home, you should call a doctor or 111 (the non-emergency medical number) to confirm the death. They will provide a medical certificate stating the cause of death.
- Notify the Authorities:
- If the death is unexpected or the cause is unknown, you should call the police. They will determine if the death is suspicious and may involve a coroner.
- Register the Death:
- To register the death, you’ll need to visit the local Register Office. You should do this within five days in England and Wales, and eight days in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the time frame may vary.
- You’ll need to provide the following information: the medical certificate, the person’s full name, date and place of birth, date and place of death, occupation, and details about their spouse or civil partner.
- The Register Office will issue a death certificate after registration
02
Notify the Funeral Home
If your loved one had a funeral plan, contact the funeral home associated. Alternatively you can find details of your local Tribute Funerals home here. They will guide you through the process and help make necessary arrangements. The funeral director will assist in transferring the deceased’s body to the chosen funeral home or mortuary.
03
Discuss Preferences
Meet with the funeral director to discuss your preferences and the wishes of the deceased (if known). This includes decisions regarding burial or cremation, type of service (religious, secular, or non-traditional), location, date, and time of the funeral.
04
Obtain Necessary Documents
Gather important documents such as the death certificate, medical certificate, financial records, insurance policies, and any other relevant paperwork. The funeral director can assist you in obtaining the required paperwork.
If the deceased person had a will, you should contact the person or organisation named as the executor.
If there’s no will, you’ll need to apply for a grant of representation to manage the deceased’s estate. You can do this through a solicitor or directly with the Probate Registry.
You should notify banks, utility companies, government agencies, and any relevant organisations about the death and cancel any subscriptions, services, or benefits in the deceased person’s name.
05
Funeral Service Planning
Planning the funeral service with the funeral director will be straight forward if your loved one had a funeral plan as most of the details will have been specified. Planning will include selecting a coffin or urn, arranging transportation for the deceased, choosing music, readings, and deciding on any special tributes or rituals to include in the service.
06
Notifying Family and Friends
Inform family members, close friends, and relevant individuals about the funeral details. You can do this through personal calls, emails, or by publishing an obituary or death notice in local newspapers or online platforms.
07
Prepare for the Funeral Service
Your funeral director will help you coordinate logistics such as transportation for mourners, parking arrangements, seating arrangements, and any audiovisual equipment required for presentations or displays during the service.
08
Day of the Funeral Service
On the day of the funeral, the funeral director will oversee the proceedings, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They will coordinate the timing of the service, address any last-minute needs or concerns; supporting you throughout.
09
Post-Funeral Tasks
After the funeral service, the funeral director can provide support with tasks such as organising a graveside service, coordinating the scattering of ashes, or arranging for the safekeeping of the urn.
What Now?
Contact your local Tribute Funerals Funeral Directors to begin
arranging your funeral plans today.
