Advice Funeral Planning How to Plan a Funeral

How to Plan a Funeral

Q: How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

The average cost of a simple attended funeral in the UK is £3,828 (2025). A direct cremation costs around £1,628, an attended cremation is £3,518, an attended burial is £4,758, and a traditional burial with a full send-off averages £5,440. Costs vary by region, by more than £1,000 in some cases. Green and natural funerals are often 40–60% cheaper than traditional options.

Q: How long after someone dies is the funeral?

In the UK, most funerals take place within two to three weeks of the death. The timing depends on how quickly the death is registered, the availability of the venue and funeral director, and whether a coroner is involved. If a coroner investigates, there may be additional delays while the case is resolved.

Q: Do I have to use a funeral director?

No. It's legal to arrange a funeral yourself in the UK without a funeral director. You can transport the person who died, organise the service, and book the crematorium or cemetery directly. However, most families find the support of a professional funeral director helpful, especially during a difficult time. If you do use one, look for a member of the NAFD or SAIF.

Q: What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service. There are no mourners, no flowers, and no hearse. The cremation takes place at a time chosen by the crematorium, and the ashes are returned to the family afterwards. It's the most affordable option, costing around £1,628 on average. Around 21% of UK families now choose direct cremation.

Q: What eco-friendly funeral options are available in the UK?

Eco-friendly options include natural burial (in a woodland or meadow using a biodegradable coffin), eco coffins made from wicker, cardboard, bamboo, or seagrass, and home funerals. Scotland legalised water cremation (resomation) in March 2026, the first UK nation to do so. Water cremation uses up to 90% less energy than traditional cremation. There are over 360 natural burial sites in the UK.

Q: Can you livestream a funeral?

Yes. Many crematoria and funeral homes now offer livestreaming so guests who can't attend in person can watch the service remotely. Some offer basic webcam coverage from £150, while professional multi-camera services start from around £650. Recordings are usually available online for up to 12 months afterwards.

Q: What financial help is available for funeral costs?

If you're on certain means-tested benefits, you may be able to claim Funeral Expenses Payment, which covers burial or cremation fees plus up to £1,000 for other costs. You must claim within 6 months. If you were married to or in a civil partnership with the person who died, you can claim Bereavement Support Payment, up to £3,500 as a lump sum plus £350 per month for 18 months. Claim within 3 months for the full amount.

Q: What should I include in funeral wishes in my will?

You can include whether you'd prefer burial or cremation, the type of service you want (religious, non-religious, or celebration of life), music and readings, who you'd like to conduct the service, where you'd like the funeral to be held, and what should happen to your ashes. While funeral wishes in a will aren't legally binding, they give your family clear guidance and reduce the pressure of making decisions during grief.

How to plan a funeral

Written by Eliza Elliott, Legacy Adviser at Octopus Legacy. Last updated: March 2026.

Planning a funeral is something most people have never done before — and have to figure out while grieving. This guide breaks down what happens week by week, so you know what to expect and what decisions you'll need to make.

If you're planning your own funeral in advance, you can write your funeral wishes in your will. It's one of the simplest ways to take pressure off the people you love. Write your will with Octopus Legacy.

The first week

Spend time with family and friends

When someone dies, the people around you matter more than the paperwork. Lean on your family and friends. Share memories. Grieve together. Ask for help when you need it — people want to support you, even if they don't always know how.

If you need guidance on the practical steps in those first few days, read our guide to what to do in the first week after a death.

Check the will for funeral wishes

Before making any decisions, check whether the person who died left instructions. Their will may include:

Specific funeral wishes (burial, cremation, type of service)
Details of a pre-paid funeral plan
Life insurance information that could help cover costs
A letter of wishes with more personal requests

If you're not sure whether there's a will, read our guide on how to find a will.

Choose a funeral director

Choosing a funeral director is one of the first big decisions. The most important thing is finding someone you feel comfortable with. They'll guide you through everything — but it's your loved one's farewell, so it should reflect what they (and you) wanted.

Things to consider:

Personal recommendations — ask friends, family, or your GP
Memberships — look for directors who belong to the NAFD or SAIF, which require transparent pricing and a code of practice
Location — a local director will know the area's crematoriums, cemeteries, and venues
Price — always ask for a written, itemised quote. Costs vary widely

You don't have to use a funeral director. It's legal to arrange everything yourself. But most families find professional support helpful during a difficult time. Read our guide on how to choose a funeral director.

Decide on the type of funeral

There are more options than most people realise. Here's a quick overview of costs and formats:

Funeral type	Average cost (2025)	Key features
Direct cremation	£1,628	No service, no mourners. Simple and affordable. Chosen by 21% of families
Attended cremation	£3,518	Most popular option (53%). Service at a crematorium
Attended burial	£4,758	Traditional graveside service. Costs vary by region
Traditional burial with send-off	£5,440	Full funeral with wake, flowers, and hearse
Natural burial	£2,000–£3,500	Biodegradable coffin, woodland or meadow site. 360+ UK sites
Celebration of life	Varies	Non-religious, personal tribute. Any venue, any format

Costs from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025.

Eco-friendly and alternative funerals

Green funerals are now mainstream in the UK. If the person who died cared about the environment — or if you want a simpler, lower-cost option — here's what's available:

Natural burial — a biodegradable coffin or shroud in a woodland, meadow, or orchard. No embalming. A tree or wildflower plaque instead of a headstone. There are over 360 natural burial sites across the UK.
Eco coffins — wicker (willow), cardboard, bamboo, or seagrass coffins. Often cheaper than traditional options and fully biodegradable. Cardboard coffins can be personalised with printed designs or hand-drawn artwork.
Water cremation (resomation) — uses alkaline hydrolysis instead of flame. Up to 90% less energy and no direct carbon emissions. Scotland legalised water cremation in March 2026, the first UK nation to do so. It's not yet available in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Home funerals — you can care for the person at home and arrange the funeral yourself. No embalming required. It's legal and more families are choosing it.

Post a death notice

A death notice announces the death and shares funeral details. You can publish one in a local newspaper, online, or through social media. Keep it simple: the person's name, date of death, age, and funeral arrangements.

The first consultation with your funeral director

Your first meeting with the funeral director is where the planning really starts. It usually takes one to two hours. You can visit them or ask them to come to your home.

Here are the key decisions you'll work through together:

Visiting the person who died

You can visit your loved one at the funeral home before the funeral. This is sometimes called a "viewing" or "visitation." There's no right or wrong answer — some people find it comforting, others prefer not to. Let the funeral director know early so they can prepare.

You can also bring them home if you'd prefer. Talk to the funeral director about what's involved.

Cremation or burial?

This can be a difficult decision. Consider:

The person's wishes (religious, cultural, or personal)
Cost — cremation is generally cheaper than burial
Whether you want a grave to visit or prefer to scatter ashes
Environmental impact — natural burial and eco options are worth considering

Take your time. There's no pressure to decide on the spot.

Choosing a coffin or urn

Your funeral director will show you options with prices. You can also source your own — from a willow casket to a personalised cardboard coffin. If you see something you like online, most funeral directors are happy to order it for you.

Clothing

Many families use this as a moment to go through their loved one's wardrobe and share memories. The person can be dressed in whatever you choose. Just remember that clothing and jewellery won't be returned after burial or cremation — ask the funeral director to set aside anything you want to keep.

Embalming

Embalming preserves the body for longer and is often recommended when the person is being repatriated from abroad or when there's a long gap before the funeral. It's not required by law. If you're choosing a natural burial, check whether the site accepts embalmed bodies — many don't.

Transport

A hearse is traditional but not essential. Some families use their own car or choose a horse-drawn carriage, a motorcycle hearse, or a VW campervan. Your funeral director can advise on local options and costs.

Venue

Funerals can take place at a crematorium, church, cemetery chapel, community hall, hotel, garden, or even someone's home. Weekend and peak-time slots are usually more expensive — ask about off-peak pricing.

Wake or reception

A wake is the gathering after the funeral service. It's optional. It can be at a pub, a community hall, someone's home, or a restaurant. Some families organise it themselves; others ask the funeral director for help with catering. Keep it simple if the budget is tight.

Planning the funeral service

A celebrant, religious leader, or someone you choose will lead the service. Anyone can do it — including a friend or family member. Most families use a professional celebrant or minister.

They'll ask about the person who died — their personality, their passions, their story — so the service feels personal and true to who they were.

Things to think about

Music — before, during, and after the ceremony. Hymns, pop songs, classical, or anything meaningful. Most venues have audio systems; some crematoria have screens for photos or video too.
Readings and poems — choose pieces that feel right. They don't have to be solemn — humour and personality are welcome.
Theme or dress code — some families ask guests to wear a particular colour, or to dress casually. It's entirely your call.
Eulogy — a speech celebrating the person's life. Writing it can feel daunting, but it's often one of the most meaningful parts. Involve family members who can share stories from different chapters of their life.

Digital and livestream options

If some guests can't attend in person, many funeral homes and crematoria now offer livestreaming. This lets people watch the service from anywhere in the world. Some services include:

High-definition multi-camera coverage
A private online page you can share with family and friends
A recording available for 12 months
The option for remote guests to share tributes

Livestreaming typically costs from £150 (crematorium's own system) to £650+ for a professional service.

The second week

Share funeral details

Once you've confirmed the date, time, and venue with the funeral director, let people know. Call, email, text, or post a notice. Include directions and parking information if the venue is hard to find.

Flowers and catering

Your funeral director can arrange flowers and catering, or you can organise it yourself. For flowers, give the florist at least a few days' notice. For the wake, keep it manageable, sandwiches and tea is absolutely fine.

Order of service

The order of service is a printed booklet or card for guests. It lists the schedule of the service and often includes photos, poems, or a short biography. Many families keep these as a keepsake. Your funeral director or a local printer can produce them.

Finalise everything

Meet your funeral director a few days before the funeral to go through the final checklist:

Confirm the venue, time, and transport
Deliver the clothes for the person who died
Check flowers, catering, and the order of service
Confirm music choices and any readings
Run through the schedule with the celebrant

The week of the funeral

The funeral service

The funeral is a time to remember, share, cry, laugh, and be around the people who matter. There's no right way to grieve. Some people are emotional; others are quiet. Everyone there is there to support you.

After the service

If the person was cremated, you can usually collect the ashes from the crematorium within a few days. Take your time to decide what you'd like to do with them, there's no rush.

If there's been a burial, you might want to think about a headstone. Most families wait months before choosing one, and many turn the headstone reveal into a quiet gathering.

Financial help with funeral costs

If you're struggling to afford the funeral, help is available:

Support	What you could get	Who can claim
Funeral Expenses Payment	Burial/cremation fees + up to £1,000	On certain means-tested benefits. Claim within 6 months
Bereavement Support Payment	Up to £3,500 lump sum + £350/month for 18 months	Spouse or civil partner of the person who died. Claim within 3 months for full amount

Call the DWP Bereavement Service helpline on 0800 151 2012 for both.

Pre-paid funeral plans

If the person who died had a pre-paid funeral plan, contact the provider as soon as possible. Since July 2022, all funeral plan providers must be authorised by the FCA. This means your plan is now protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the provider fails. Check that the plan is still valid and covers what you need.

Reach out for bereavement support

Planning a funeral while grieving is exhausting. It's okay to not be okay. We strongly encourage you to speak to someone, even if you feel like you're coping.

National Bereavement Service (NBS) — free helpline on 0800 0246 121 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm) or thenbs.org. Trained advisers who can help with practical and emotional support after a death.
Your GP — can refer you to local counselling or bereavement services

Read our full list of bereavement support services.

Plan ahead — for the people you love

The best funeral planning happens long before it's needed. Writing your funeral wishes in your will, setting up a pre-paid plan, or simply telling your family what you'd want, all of it makes a painful time a little easier.

Write your will with Octopus Legacy →

How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

The average simple attended funeral costs £3,828 (2025). Direct cremation is £1,628, attended cremation £3,518, attended burial £4,758, and a traditional burial with full send-off £5,440. Costs vary widely by region. Green and natural funerals are often 40–60% cheaper.

How long after someone dies is the funeral?

Most UK funerals happen within two to three weeks. Timing depends on death registration, venue availability, and whether a coroner is involved. Coroner investigations can cause additional delays.

Do I have to use a funeral director?

No. You can legally arrange a funeral yourself. But most families find professional support helpful. If you use one, look for an NAFD or SAIF member for transparent pricing and a code of practice.

What is a direct cremation?

A cremation with no service, no mourners, and no flowers. The most affordable option at around £1,628. The ashes are returned to the family. Around 21% of UK families now choose this option.

What eco-friendly funeral options are available in the UK?

Natural burial in a woodland or meadow, eco coffins (wicker, cardboard, bamboo), and home funerals. Scotland legalised water cremation in March 2026, the first UK nation to do so. There are over 360 natural burial sites across the UK.

Can you livestream a funeral?

Yes. Many crematoria offer webcam coverage from around £150. Professional multi-camera services start from £650. Recordings are usually available for up to 12 months. It's a good option for guests who can't attend in person.

What financial help is available for funeral costs?

Funeral Expenses Payment covers burial or cremation fees plus up to £1,000 (claim within 6 months, must be on certain benefits). Bereavement Support Payment offers up to £3,500 lump sum plus £350 a month for 18 months for a surviving spouse or civil partner. Call 0800 151 2012.

What should I include in funeral wishes in my will?

Burial or cremation preference, type of service, music and readings, who should conduct it, venue, and what to do with ashes. While not legally binding, funeral wishes in your will give your family clear guidance and reduce pressure during grief.