Arranging a Funeral

Going through the process of arranging a funeral can seem daunting; so many things to think about and arrange whilst at the same time trying to come to terms with the loss of someone you care about.

That's why putting plans in place in advance and arranging your own funeral could help. You get to have your say in how you are remembered, relieving your family from the additional pressure of having to make funeral arrangements when the time comes.

couple walking into the sun

The good thing is that regardless of whether you are arranging a funeral for yourself or for someone you have recently lost, there is a wealth information and support available to you so you don’t have to feel as though you are facing the unknown on your own.

From finding out about what to do when someone dies to choosing a funeral director; planning your service in advance to taking time to compare funeral plans, Over50choices can help.

How to arrange a funeral

If you in the process of arranging a funeral for someone else, the first thing you need to do is check if they have left specific instructions about their funeral, or whether there is a prepaid funeral plan or a life insurance policy that covers some, or all of the funeral costs with a chosen funeral director.

Once you have a Funeral Director on board, they can help you with as much of the arranging as you need. Alternatively you can make your own funeral arrangements with the help of family and friends.

Whether putting plans in place for yourself or for someone else, you need to consider the following:

  • The type of funeral service required – burial, cremation, green
  • Whether it should be a religious or humanist service
  • The location – Church, Cemetery, Crematorium
  • Type of coffin – wood, veneer, willow, bamboo, wicker
  • What the deceased should wear
  • The content of the service - funeral music, readings, poems, eulogies
  • Choice of flowers or donations to a favourite charity
  • Funeral transportation
  • Funeral stationary – attendance or acknowledgement cards, order of service sheets
  • Obituaries in local papers and funeral announcements
  • Any catering requirements for after the service

The type of funeral may limit some of the decisions you make, for example you can’t use a veneered coffin if you are having a green funeral, or the person who has died may only be able to wear certain types of clothing if being cremated but your funeral director will help you with this.

One option which is growing in poularity is a cremation without a funeral. With this alternative to a traditional funeral there is no service so no one in attendance. Whilst this might not be suitable for everyone, it could be helpful to people who are on lower budgets or have no family.

If you are interested in understanding more about this type of alternative funeral, take a look at our direct cremation section.

What is a civil funeral?

A civil funeral is a funeral service conducted by a person other than a member of the clergy. Often referred to as a celebration of life, a civil funeral service is held by a celebrant and includes poems, music, readings and words tailored specifically to the deceased and their family.

HeartHave you lost a loved one?

Arranging a funeral when a loved one has died can be upsetting and stressful.

Arranging your funeral in advance can help as it could remove some of the stress and financial pressure from your family.

To find out more, take a look at our guide to prepaid funeral plans.

Did you find this information helpful?

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