Planning a funeral isn’t something most people do very often, so it may feel overwhelming or confusing when the time comes. It can be hard to know where to begin, and you may be unsure of exactly what needs to be done. In this step-by-step guide, we explain what typically happens from the moment someone dies through to the day of the funeral.

Step 1: Get a medical certificate to confirm the cause of death

When someone dies, whether at home or in hospital, a doctor will need to verify the death. They will complete part of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which explains the cause of death, and send it to a Medical Examiner for review. The Medical Examiner will then confirm the certificate and send it to the local Register Office so that the death can be formally registered.

If a death is sudden or unexpected, it may be referred to a Coroner for further investigation. A Coroner’s role is to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, which may include a post-mortem examination or an inquest. If a death is referred to a Coroner, you will be able to liaise with the Coroner’s Office to ask questions or seek guidance.

If a person dies abroad and you want to repatriate them to the UK, you will need the death certificate from the country in which the death took place, along with permission from the Coroner (or equivalent authority) in that country. It can be helpful to find an experienced funeral director who can support, advise and oversee repatriation on your behalf.

Step 2: Contact your chosen Funeral Director

Once a doctor has verified that a person has died, the family can arrange for a Funeral Director to collect the deceased and transport them to their mortuary. If there are no unusual circumstances surrounding the death, collection can take place before a death certificate has been issued. Most funeral directors are available 24/7 and can collect a loved one day or night.

If your loved one dies at home, one thing to consider is how soon you contact a funeral director. There is no rush to have the deceased collected, and many families value having some additional time at home with their loved one. Take as long as you need, contacting your funeral director whenever you feel ready. For some families this may be hours, for others, days.

Choosing the right Funeral Director is important. Many people wait until after someone dies to find a suitable Funeral Director, but we recommend doing some research into local Funeral Directors before their services are needed. A good Funeral Director will talk you through the services they offer, explain costs clearly and answer any questions you may have.

Step 3: Register the Death

Once the Medical Examiner has issued the death certificate, it will be sent to the local Register Office. The Register Office should contact you once the certificate has been received and invite you for a face-to-face appointment to register the death (some register offices also allow appointments to be made online).

The death must be registered within five days of the Register Office receiving the death certificate. If a Coroner is involved, the registration process will be delayed and you won’t be able to register the death until their investigations are complete.

 

Step 4: Inform organisations of the death

Once the death has been registered, it’s time to start informing people and organisations. The government has a useful service called Tell Us Once, which notifies most government organisations of a person’s death in one go, including HMRC, the DVLA, the Passport Office and DWP to name a few.

In addition, you will need to contact the person’s bank(s), mortgage and insurance providers, employer, landlord, pension providers, energy suppliers, subscriptions or memberships, and any other organisations that need to be informed. You’ll also need to notify their GP surgery, dentist and any other healthcare providers.

Many people find the administrative side of bereavement very draining, so it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Try to tackle tasks gradually, perhaps choosing just a couple each day, to help limit the impact on your wellbeing.

Step 5: Deal with the deceased’s estate

Everything owned by a person is known as their ‘estate’. This includes money, property, investments, personal pensions and possessions. If the deceased has a Will in place, they will have named an ‘executor’ who is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the estate. This could be a friend or family member, or a professional such as a solicitor, accountant, bank or probate specialist.

The executor will need to apply for probate, which allows them to manage the estate as set out in the Will. Depending on the assets involved, probate isn’t always required, and in some cases a bank may release funds after receiving a death certificate.

If a person has no will, a close relative will need to apply to become the administrator of the estate. The estate will then be distributed according to a set legal framework. You can find out more about dealing with an estate by visiting Citizens Advice.

Step 6: Arrange the funeral

When you are ready, your Funeral Director will invite you to their premises for a funeral arranging appointment, although this may also take place over the phone. During this appointment, your funeral arranger will guide you through each step of the process, discuss your wishes, explain costs, and help you plan a meaningful goodbye.

Following this initial meeting, your Funeral Director will work closely with you to put all the necessary arrangements in place. This may include handling paperwork, arranging the funeral service, setting up donations, organising notices, preparing Order of Service sheets, and supporting you with anything else you may need.

Some aspects of a funeral, such as flowers and the wake, are considered third-party costs. These are usually arranged by the family and sit outside the role of the Funeral Director.

Step 7: Visiting the deceased in a Chapel of Rest

Not everyone feels the need to visit a person after their death, but for some, it can be a valuable part of the grieving process. Many Funeral Directors have a Chapel of Rest where family and close friends can visit their loved one before the funeral. You can usually choose an open or closed coffin, and visits are often limited to a small number of people at a time.

Dillamore takes care of the deceased at its Old Road premises, allowing families to visit their loved ones as often as they wish. Visits can be arranged at short notice or out of hours, if required (for a small additional fee).

Step 8: The day of the funeral

The funeral will take place on an agreed day and time, with the Funeral Director quietly overseeing arrangements to ensure everything runs smoothly. This allows the family to focus on their grief and on saying goodbye. If a family chooses an unattended direct funeral, the Funeral Director will transport the deceased from the mortuary to the crematorium or graveside for cremation or burial to take place.

Step 9: After the funeral

What happens after the funeral will depend on the type of funeral you have arranged for a loved one. In cremations, the ashes will be available for the family within a week of the funeral. Some families hold on to the ashes, others opt for burial or scattering them. In burials, many families opt for a headstone or memorial over the grave. Your Funeral Director will be able to support you for as long as you need after the funeral.

 

While this guide aims to offer insight into the general funeral process, it’s important to remember that not every funeral will follow a strict, linear timeline. Think of this guide as a way to help gather your thoughts and understand the different tasks involved in arranging a funeral.

If you are recently bereaved, our professional team at Dillamore is here to help. We can provide as much or as little support as you need and are here to make planning a funeral as comfortable as possible. You can call us on 01525 372210 or use our contact form to get in touch.