Arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you are grieving and unsure what needs to happen next. This step-by-step guide is designed to give you a clear checklist of what to do, in the right order, with straightforward explanations and practical support along the way.

If you would like a more detailed overview of funeral options and key decisions, you can also read our complete guide on how to arrange a funeral.

You can also use The Farewell Guide’s free funeral planner to record wishes, keep track of decisions, and organise everything in one place.

Step 1: What to do immediately after a death

What happens first depends on where your loved one died.

If the death occurs in a hospital, hospice, or care home, staff will verify the death and guide you through the next steps.

If the death happens at home, a medical professional will need to confirm the death. If the death was expected, this is usually arranged through a GP or district nurse. If the death was unexpected, you may need to call 999 so that emergency services can attend.

Once the death has been verified, the body can be moved into the care of a funeral director, although this does not need to happen immediately.

Step 2: Register the death

In England and Wales, a death must be registered within five days (or eight days in Scotland). This is done at a local register office.

You will usually need:

• The medical certificate of cause of death
• The deceased’s full name, date of birth, and address
• Any relevant documents, such as a passport or NHS number (if available)

At the appointment, the registrar will issue:

• A death certificate (you may wish to order multiple copies)
• A certificate for burial or cremation (often referred to as the “green form”)
• A reference for the Tell Us Once service

Step 3: Burial or cremation paperwork

Before a funeral can take place, the correct paperwork must be completed.

If the funeral is a burial, the burial certificate provided by the registrar will be needed.

If the funeral is a cremation, additional cremation forms will need to be completed and approved. Your funeral director will usually handle these forms for you and explain anything that needs signing.

If your loved one recorded their wishes in advance, this is a good time to refer to them. Many people choose to use a free funeral planner to store these details clearly and securely.

Step 4: Choosing a funeral director (or arranging the funeral yourself)

Most families choose to work with a funeral director, although it is also possible to arrange a funeral yourself.

A funeral director can:

• Care for the deceased
• Handle paperwork
• Arrange transport
• Help plan the service
• Guide you through timings and decisions

If you decide to choose a funeral director, it’s a good idea to compare options, services, and prices before making a decision.

Using a funeral planner can help you prepare for these conversations by keeping key information, preferences, and questions in one place.

Step 5: Planning the funeral service

This is where you begin to shape the funeral itself.

You may want to consider:

• Whether the funeral will be religious or non-religious
• The location of the service
• Readings, music, or tributes
• Who will lead the service
• Who you would like to attend

Many families find it helpful to use a free funeral planning tool at this stage to record choices, explore options, and create a clear plan that can be shared with a funeral director.

Step 6: Understanding funeral costs and how funerals are paid for

Funeral costs vary depending on the type of service, location, and choices made.

Costs typically include:

• Funeral director fees
• Coffin or casket
• Burial or cremation fees
• Optional extras such as flowers, cars, or printed materials

Funerals are often paid for from the deceased’s estate, a prepaid funeral plan, insurance, or by family members. Your funeral director should provide a clear written estimate so you understand all costs upfront.

Some people choose to use a funeral planner to keep a record of costs and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Step 7: Telling people and handling important admin

Once the funeral date is confirmed, you may want to:

• Inform family and friends
• Share funeral details
• Decide whether to request flowers or donations

The Tell Us Once service can be used to notify government departments such as HMRC, the DVLA, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Other organisations to contact may include banks, utilities, employers, and insurers.

Funeral Arranging Checklist (UK)

A simple checklist can help keep things manageable:

• Register the death
• Check for funeral plans or recorded wishes
• Decide on burial or cremation
• Choose a funeral director (or arrange it yourself)
• Complete required paperwork
• Set a date and location
• Plan the service
• Notify family and friends

A funeral planner can help you work through this checklist step by step.

Using a free funeral planner

The Farewell Guide offers a free funeral planner that allows you to:

• Record wishes and preferences
• Store important information securely
• Keep track of decisions
• Support family members during planning

Whether you’re arranging a funeral now or planning ahead, using a planner can bring clarity and peace of mind.

Need more guidance?

This step-by-step checklist is designed to help you understand what needs to happen and when. For a deeper explanation of funeral options, decisions, and support available, read our complete guide on how to arrange a funeral.

At The Farewell Guide, we’re here to help you plan with clarity, transparency, and compassion - every step of the way.

Get started with our free funeral planner