Arranging a cremation
Arranging the funeral
Funeral directors
Usually the 'Executor of the Will' or nearest surviving relative will approach a professional funeral director.
The funeral director will make all the arrangements, including
- completing the necessary forms
- obtaining medical certificates
- discussing funeral arrangements
- transferring the deceased
- advising on registering the death.
See more information about funeral directors and find one in your area.
Independent funerals
You may prefer to organise the funeral yourself rather than use a funeral director. This is referred to as an 'independent funeral'.
Making the arrangements yourself may enable you to say goodbye to your loved one in a more personal way, but will involve more organising. We offer help and advice with independent funerals.
Please telephone 020 7525 5600 to speak with a member of our team to arrange an appointment, or email us.
Charges
Cremations are generally less expensive than burials as they don't involve grave and headstone fees. Before a cremation can go ahead, a medical certificate must be provided by a doctor and there's usually a charge for this. The only exception to this is when the death has been referred to the Coroner.
Funerals can be both expensive and unexpected. If you're having difficulty paying, there's help available. Please contact us for further information.
View all of our funeral expenses and charges
Page last updated: 12 April 2023
