Using a funeral director
When the registrar issues the death certificate, they will also give you a certificate authorising the funeral.
You need to give this certificate to the funeral director you have asked to arrange the funeral. You can use the Funeral Guide website to look for local funeral directors.
All funeral directors follow a code of practice and they will give you an estimate of costs before you decide to use them. The estimate will include their own costs and any fees they will pay on your behalf.
You can get estimates from different funeral directors so that you can compare costs.
Your funeral director can make all the arrangements for the funeral, burial or cremation, religious or secular service. The funeral director can also tell you about the procedures and documents needed to register the death.
If you want the funeral to take place at one of the cemeteries in our district, the funeral director will need to complete an interment form. Email the cemeteries to request an interment form.
If you are thinking about a memorial in one of our cemeteries you need to wait at least six months and preferably up to a year before putting it up. You should contact your preferred choice of a monumental mason as soon as possible to avoid any delay after the waiting period.
Non-Religious Services
You do not need to have a religious ceremony or any kind of ceremony at a funeral. People that regard religion to be unimportant or have made a decision to live their lives without it may prefer a Humanist ceremony.
A humanist ceremony is not meant to oppose a religious funeral. It provides a dignified and respectful celebration of the death that has occurred.
This type of funeral uses the services of a minister or celebrant. A celebrant is a qualified person who can officiate at funerals, weddings, namings or any other rite of passage.
They will conduct the funeral, which can involve;
- readings of poems or passages
- tributes by attendees or the official
- the playing of music
You can use the Humanist UK website to find out about humanist ceremonies and look for a local celebrant.
If you don't want a ceremony at all, members of the family or close friends can attend the committal, which can be in silence or with some music being played.
Non-Church of England Funerals
If you have to arrange a funeral for someone who is of a faith different from your own, it is important to contact the equivalent of the local priest of the denomination to find out what you need to do.
You can find useful help and advice on funerals on the Funerals Guide website.