×
Plan Now, Pay LaterSecure your plan today, don't pay until 9 January 2026. T&Cs apply, click here for details.
Two Together: Save £100!Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Written by Lauren Knowles.
17 minute read
When we lose someone we love, we’re often swept into a whirlwind of emotions. As we learn to navigate our feelings of grief, there are also practical matters that require our attention. One of the most pressing questions for many families is about how long it takes to arrange a funeral. The process will be different for everyone with different timings and steps to take. We’re here to guide you through funeral arrangements, time frames and necessary considerations.
Key takeaways:
You can usually expect funeral planning to take around two weeks in the UK. However, just like every person’s life, no two funerals will be the same. The process and timing will depend on your personal circumstances, preferences and any specific requirements.
There’s no legal requirement in the UK for when a funeral must take place, which means there’s flexibility to plan in a way that feels right for you. While many funerals happen around one to two weeks after someone has died, this can vary greatly. In some faiths, funerals may take place within just a few days. In other cases, families may need to wait longer due to things like coroner involvement, venue availability or travel arrangements.
It’s also completely normal to wait two to three weeks or more. Many families choose to take this time to process their grief, bring everyone together and plan a service that feels thoughtful and personal.
Planning a funeral typically involves several key steps: obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, registering the death, choosing a funeral director, deciding between burial or cremation and planning the funeral service itself.
While some aspects can be completed relatively quickly, others may require more time and coordination. If you are concerned about funeral waiting times, here are a few reasons delays may occur and how you can find a way around them:
You’ll need to get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death before you can register the death and receive the official death certificate. Sometimes this process can take a little longer if a doctor isn’t immediately available or it falls over a public holiday.
In cases where the cause of death is uncertain or requires investigation, a coroner’s inquest may be necessary, which can cause a small delay. However, a funeral can still happen after the post-mortem while the inquest is still ongoing. The coroner will try to release the body as soon as possible and give the go-ahead to the family and funeral director by giving a Cremation Form 6 to allow the funeral to take place.
If you have a particular location in mind whether it’s a part of your loved one’s wishes or a consideration for travelling guests, the availability of the chosen venue can also impact the timeline. Flexibility in planning this part may help, however, a funeral that closely reflects the person you’re commemorating can be worth waiting for.
Many crematoriums or cemeteries ask for around 10 to 14 days’ notice to book a slot. In busier areas, or around public holidays, it may take a little longer. Timing will also depend on whether you’re hoping for a specific venue or day of the week.
Funeral requests such as a particular day, time or theme can also add time to the planning process. For families opting for a memorial service instead of a traditional funeral, scheduling may be more flexible with local funeral directors. However, organising arrangements can still take time.
The cherished support of fellow loved ones attending the funeral from near or far is always very welcome, however, it may also contribute to a delay. Additional time may be needed to coordinate travel plans and accommodations for guests. You may wish to consider a separate memorial or celebration of life to allow all mourners to celebrate your loved one if waiting becomes an issue.
Once you have a rough idea of when the funeral might take place, it’s helpful to let friends and family know early. This gives them time to plan travel or arrange time off work, especially if they’re coming from farther away.
We’re here whenever you need us—day or night, 365 days a year. Whether your loved one has passed or you’re preparing ahead of time, call us, and our caring team will guide you through the next steps.
We’ll arrange for the dignified and respectful collection of your loved one, transporting them from their place of passing to one of our trusted crematorium partners.
Our team will manage all the necessary paperwork and ensure a respectful, unattended cremation. We’ll keep you informed throughout, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Once the cremation is complete, we will carefully return the ashes to you in a simple, dignified container, or scatter them on your behalf, based on your wishes.
Before you can plan the details of a funeral like the kind of service the person who has died may want or the venue location, there are some legal and governmental processes to tackle first. Please note this information is not exhaustive regarding what to do when someone dies.
One of the first steps after a loved one has passed is to get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the doctor. This document is necessary for registering the death and initiating the funeral arrangement process. If your loved one died in a hospital or care home the staff may be able to arrange this for you. However, when someone dies at home you may need to contact the person’s GP or 111. Your doctor will then forward the MCCD to your funeral director, and they can follow up on this for you.
Some exceptions may apply to getting this certificate. For example, if a postmortem examination is required you may not need this particular document. Also, this form is only applicable in England and Wales, not Scotland.
Registering a death has changed, but it still must be done within five days, or eight days in Scotland. You will need to visit a local Registrar’s Office to complete this step. Usually, they will have already received the MCCD. You may need to provide some other information about the person who has died including full name, date and place of birth, occupation and more.
Once a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, you can contact the local register office to make an appointment. This must be the office in the district where the person died, even if they lived elsewhere.
Here are a few practical things to keep in mind when registering the death:
You must register the death in the district where the person died – not where they lived.
The death must be registered by a relative or someone present at the time of death. A funeral director cannot do this on your behalf.
You’ll receive a Certificate of Registration of Death (BD8), which can help notify the Department for Work and Pensions if the person received benefits.
Official copies of the death certificate cost around £11 each in England and Wales. It’s usually best to order several, as you may need them for legal and financial matters.
Appointments with the registrar can take a few days to arrange, so it’s a good idea to call early to avoid delays.
During the registration process, you’ll receive several documents which can help you progress closer to arranging the funeral:
Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form or GR021 in Northern Ireland): This form authorises the burial or cremation and should be given to the funeral director.
Death Certificate: This is an official document detailing the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes. You may also need certified copies to send to banks and insurance companies.
In most cases, the person’s next of kin or a close family member will take the lead in arranging the funeral. This might be a partner, child, sibling or another relative.
If the person who has died left a will and named an executor, that person may be responsible for handling the arrangements, especially if they’re managing the estate.
If there’s no family involved, or no executor has been appointed, a close friend or neighbour might step in to help.
In situations where no one is available to arrange the funeral, the local council or hospital will take responsibility. This is known as a public health funeral, and it usually involves a simple, dignified service.
Once the immediate measures and important documents have been taken care of, families can begin to arrange the kind of funeral or memorial service that aligns with their needs, and check off items on their funeral arrangements checklist.
That said, you don’t need to wait for every document to be finalised before getting started. Many people choose to speak with a funeral director within a day or two of the death, even while paperwork is still in progress. The director can begin provisional arrangements and gently guide you through what comes next, helping to ease some of the pressure during an already difficult time.
Begin the planning journey by checking if your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan or an advanced care plan. These can help cover the cost of the funeral and often include specific wishes, which can make planning a little easier during a difficult time.
You might find these details in their will, care documents or through conversations you’ve had together. If a plan is in place, it can provide helpful guidance and reassurance that their wishes are being followed.
If there isn’t a plan, that’s okay too. You can still make arrangements that feel right for your family, either on your own or with the support of a funeral director.
One important decision to be made is cremation vs burial. Religious or cultural beliefs, personal preferences, and practical considerations may all influence this decision.
If their wishes haven’t been confirmed with you before their death, talk to family, friends and possibly a funeral director to figure out which option works best for your circumstances. This can add a delay to organising the funeral, but it is worth taking the time to come to a decision that feels right.
For families with beliefs on death and funerals in religion and funeral rites, adhering to these practices may impact the timeline and arrangements. Traditional Jewish funeral services are held within 24-48 hours after death, and Muslim funerals can happen within three days. This can also impact the choice of coffin, the handling of the body and the funeral officiant.
A funeral director can be an important guide and source of knowledge when it comes to funeral arrangements. They can be as involved as you need them, from planning and overseeing all aspects of a funeral to letting you take the reins with plenty of support. They can make funeral plans much easier to arrange.
At Aura, we offer compassionate services. Our expert team of Aura Angels can help you arrange a low-cost direct cremation, whether it’s attended or unattended, at any crematoria across the country. An Aura funeral starts at £1,195 and can be bespoke to your needs. You can include personal touches including a viewing at the chapel of rest, the music you want to be played, and – unlike other providers – you can even choose to have the direct cremation performed at a crematorium as close to home as possible. Our services are five-star rated by customers and highlight the respectful, dignified and thoughtful service we offer.
Selecting a funeral director who understands and respects your wishes is crucial. Take the time to research and compare providers to find the right fit for your family. Don’t be afraid to call or request an in-person conversation, even if you ultimately decide to not go with that director. Finding the right support can make a difference during a difficult time.
When choosing a funeral director, consider factors such as pricing, services offered, and the reputation of the provider. Reading reviews and getting quotes from multiple sources can help ensure you make an informed decision.
At Aura, we understand the significance of picking a funeral director you can trust and strive to provide a compassionate and respectful service to each family we serve. Our commitment to quality is highlighted by our 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot where satisfied customers have shared their heartfelt experiences. To discover more about our reputation for compassionate service, take a look at our Trustpilot reviews.
Paying tribute to the loved ones we’ve lost is an important part of any funeral, as well as the grieving process. Although this can be steeped in tradition, it may not be the same for everyone. You can personalise the service in many ways to appreciate the person you’ve lost.
Music, readings, rituals and themes can all help honour the memory of the deceased. A funeral is a time to reflect on the personality and values of your loved one and can cause moments of connection with others. You may want to include their favourite flower in an arrangement, a photo display or ask everyone to share a memory.
Depending on your preferences or the wishes of your loved one, you may choose to have a celebrant or officiant lead the funeral service. This can be a religious leader like a Priest, Rabbi or Imam.
There are non-faith options too like humanist officiants who will help guide proceedings and celebrate the life of your passed loved one. At Aura, we can help you find a celebrant that fits your requirements through our partnership with the Association of Independent Celebrants. Our Aura Angels are on hand to help arrange a respectful service that suits you.
Family and friends can also be the ones to lead the funeral service if you wish, which can help make the service feel more personal.
A eulogy can be different for every person. Typically they are an opportunity to share stories of the deceased, their unique characteristics and fond memories you may have of them. There is no specific structure or rules, you can use this time however you think is best.
Here are some things you can include if it feels right to you:
Once your plans are in place, the financial figure often becomes clearer as venues, flowers, a coffin and more will all impact the price. Pre-paid funeral plans or access to the person’s estate can help alleviate costs, so here are a few things to consider:
In some cases, settling the person’s estate may involve going through the probate process. This can add additional time and complexity to the funeral arrangement process if the person died without a will or no nominated person to execute their wishes and handle their assets. A solicitor can help in this case and a death certificate will be necessary.
An evaluation of the person’s estate will be done to assess any debts that need to be paid or if an inheritance tax is necessary. Balances of funds, information on property, investments and life insurance can all be taken into account. This may involve working with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals to ensure everything is properly managed.
Funeral expenses can vary depending on factors such as the type of service, choice of venue, and any additional needs. It’s essential to carefully consider the financial aspects of funeral planning and make decisions that align with your budget and preferences.
Once outstanding debts or taxes are settled, the estate may be able to cover the cost, or your loved one may have a prepaid plan in place that can assist.
For those seeking simplicity and affordability, Aura provides respectful direct cremations at a low cost, ensuring your loved one is cared for with the utmost dignity. If you’re looking to plan ahead, we also offer prepaid funeral plans that are rated five stars by customers and experts, to help you organise your final farewell in advance. To find out more, get in touch today.
Organising a funeral in the UK usually starts with obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and registering the death. From there, families often choose a funeral provider to guide them through decisions like burial or cremation, service details, and venue booking. You don’t need to do everything alone, many people find it reassuring to have professional support during this time.
Some funerals can be arranged in just a few days, especially if there are no coroner delays and the family wants a simple service. In other cases, it may take longer to plan, particularly if people are travelling from abroad or you are waiting for a preferred venue.
Planning a funeral involves steps such as registering the death, choosing between burial or cremation, and arranging the venue and service. These steps usually take around two weeks but can take longer depending on the paperwork, your personal wishes and the availability of crematoriums, cemeteries or places of worship.
Many crematoriums ask for 10 to 14 days’ notice to book a slot. This can be longer in busy areas or around public holidays. If you want a particular day, time or venue, it may take extra time to secure, so it helps to be flexible where possible.