Questions to Think About When Arranging a Funeral

July 2025

Questions to Think About When Arranging a Funeral

Arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before or you’re grieving the loss of someone close to you. There are many decisions to make, often within a short timeframe. But taking things one step at a time and knowing what to ask, can help make the process more manageable.

At The Farewell Guide, we’re here to support you with clear, honest information, so you can make choices with confidence, not confusion. Here are some key questions to think about when arranging a funeral, whether you're planning ahead or organising one after a loss.

Did the person have any wishes or a funeral plan?

Before making any decisions, check if the person who has died left instructions, either in a will, funeral plan or even an informal note. Some people clearly state whether they want to be buried or cremated, what kind of ceremony they’d like or whether they want a traditional or simple send-off.

If nothing was written down, try to base your decisions on what you know about their values, lifestyle and preferences.

What kind of funeral feels right?

There’s no one size fits all answer. Here are some questions to guide you:

Traditional or modern? Do you want a classic service with hymns and readings, or something more personal or creative?

Religious or secular? Would a faith based ceremony be appropriate, or would a humanist or civil service feel more fitting?

Formal or relaxed? Should it be suited, solemn and structured, or informal, with stories, music and laughter, or a mixture of both?

Cremation or burial?

This is often one of the first major decisions. Here are some factors to consider:

Any known wishes of the person who died
Family or cultural traditions
Local availability and cost

Whether you’d like a place to visit (such as a grave or memorial site)

What’s the budget?

Funerals can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Knowing what you can realistically afford is key to avoiding stress later.

Did the person have a prepaid funeral plan?
Is there money in their estate or a funeral policy?
Will family contribute or are there government support options available?

At The Farewell Guide, you can compare funeral prices online to help stay within your budget while still arranging something meaningful.

Where should the funeral take place?

Think about location in practical and emotional terms:

A local crematorium, cemetery, or place of worship
A meaningful location (e.g., a woodland burial ground or family garden)
How far guests will need to travel
Whether there will be a separate wake or gathering afterward

Who will lead the service?

Here are some options:

Religious leader (e.g., priest, imam, rabbi)
Civil celebrant (non-religious or mixed approach)
Family member or friend, if you're planning a more personal service

What kind of coffin, transport and flowers?

These are the details that shape the look and feel of the day:

Would you prefer a traditional wood coffin or something eco-friendly, like wicker or cardboard?
Would a hearse or a more alternative vehicle (like a motorcycle hearse or horse drawn carriage) feel fitting?
What kind of flowers or tributes, if any, feel appropriate?

Who will speak, read, or participate?

Think about who might want to:

Share a reading, poem or story
Read a prayer or piece of music
Carry the coffin or place flowers
Write or deliver a eulogy

Involving loved ones can make the ceremony more personal and comforting.

How will the person be remembered?

Finally, consider how you'd like to honour their memory after the funeral:

A headstone, memorial tree or plaque
An ashes scattering
A charitable donation or fundraiser
A keepsake, such as a memory book or item of jewellery