Arrangements for the funeral usually take place once the death certificate has been signed. It is common for most people to seek the services of a funeral director, however you may also arrange the funeral yourself.
Funeral Directors
The average cost of a funeral director is around £2,500. If you are using a funeral director, you should choose one who is a member of either:
- National Association of Funeral Directors (external link)
- The National Society of Allied and Independent (external link)
Both of these organisations follow codes of practice such as requiring funeral directors to provide clear pricing.
A funeral director offers a long list of services. Some examples of what they do include:
- Handling and submitting all the paperwork and legal documents, including registering the death.
- Dealing with the deceased’s personal affairs and estate.
- The arrangements for the funeral, such as providing a basic coffin, the transportation of the body and organising of a ceremony.
Arranging the funeral yourself
Family and friends of the bereaved may arrange the funeral themselves. To do so, you should get in contact with a local Register Office.
Funeral costs
The costs of arranging a funeral can include:
- Funeral director fees
- Local authority fees [PDF], such as burial or cremation fees
- Cemetery fees [PDF]
- Headstone or plaque
- Newspaper announcement or obituary
- Ceremony at local church or place of worship
- Flowers
- Catering for guests
- Papersheets with hymns
A funeral director should be able to cover several of these costs within their budget.
Information extracted from Perfect Funeral Plans.
