Deaths, funerals and cremations

This section helps to explain the procedures you have to go through. If you need more information or assistance, you can contact any of our offices who will be pleased to help you further. You can also use our online services below.

We also provide a service to help you tell the people who need to know about the death, such as government departments and local council services. You only need to Tell Us Once and we can contact these organisations on your behalf.

The main requirements in England and Wales are that the death is certified by a doctor or coroner, registered by a registrar and the body either buried or cremated.

• You do not have to have a funeral ceremony
• You do not have to use a funeral director
• You do not have to use a minister of religion
• A ceremony does not have to take place in a crematorium or place of worship

There are more options concerning the content of a funeral ceremony and its duration than many people realise. Woodland burial and other green options are increasingly available.

The majority of people choose to make their arrangements through a funeral director, but some people see 'do it yourself' funerals as more personal and less expensive. If this approach appeals, and you have time to research and prepare, do enquire at the cemeteries and crematorium department of your district council for guidance. You could also get information from the Natural Death Centre - see the link below. Some funeral directors are willing to help with such funerals.

Choosing a funeral director

Funeral directors will manage funeral arrangements and give advice and support. Check if the funeral director you choose belongs to a trade association. This requires them to provide full information about their services and prices. Please see the links below.

These factors may influence your choice:

• Location of the firm's premises;
• Range of services provided;
• The way you are treated by the staff;
• Cost;
• Recommendation of those who have used the service; or
• Ownership - a small family business or small firm already known to you or your family.

A simple funeral

Most people would probably require the funeral director to provide the following services as a minimum:

• Make all the necessary arrangements;
• Provide appropriate staff;
• Provide a suitable coffin;
• Transfer the person who has died from the place of death to the funeral director's premises and care for them prior to the funeral;
• Arrange for burial or cremation as appropriate; and
• Provide a hearse to the nearest cemetery or crematorium;

Embalming of the body, viewing of the person who has died, or providing a limousine for mourners are common optional extras.

Online mapping

You can find a range of information about the services we provide by using our online mapping.

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	Related information from NHS Choices Dealing with loss Most people grieve when they lose someone important to them. Grieving can feel unbearable but it's a necessary process. For help and support with grief including dealing with the emotions involved and supporting children, see the Dealing with losspage from NHS Choices. Carers Direct - bereavement support When a person you look after dies, you may be not only losing a loved one, but as a carer you may be losing your sense of purpose when your caring role ends. For details of where you can turn to for help and support, see the Bereavement supportpage in the Carers Direct section of NHS Choices. [Content supplied by NHS Choices]