Guides Preparing for death

Arranging a funeral for someone you love

A guide to British funeral etiquette

Funeral etiquette means things like what to wear, whether to send flowers and where to sit. Every funeral is different depending on the family’s wishes, but generally the more traditional it is, the more specific the etiquette.

What happens to funeral flowers after a cremation

After the service, close friends or family will usually take any flowers home straight away or collect them a day or two later. The average flower arrangement will last up to two weeks before being thrown away or composted by the person who took it home.

How to write a eulogy

A eulogy usually includes a timeline of the person’s life and details about their personality. Family or friends might ask you to read one at their funeral or cremation if you were close to them. But there are no set rules about who reads it.

Can you be cremated with a pacemaker?

It’s not safe for pacemakers to go into cremation chambers. The extreme heat can cause them to explode, posing a serious risk to the crematorium workers, and the remains of the person who’s died.

What is a humanist funeral?

A humanist funeral service is a type of non-religious ceremony celebrating the life of someone who has died. This may be led by a humanist celebrant, or you could simply arrange your own non-religious memorial with your loved one’s ashes present.

How to delay a funeral in the UK

You can delay someone’s funeral by arranging an unattended cremation immediately after their death. Then, once their ashes have been returned to you, you’re free to have the memorial service at a time that’s right for you and your family.

What does a funeral director do?

A funeral director is responsible for arranging every part of a funeral, including the coffin, ceremony and the burial or cremation. But if you would prefer something less traditional, you could arrange the funeral yourself without a funeral director.

Arranging a funeral during the coronavirus lockdown: here are your options

From live streaming funerals to delayed memorial services, there are plenty of options available when it comes to arranging a funeral during the coronavirus lockdown.

Where can you scatter ashes in the UK?

Ashes can be scattered almost anywhere in the UK, as long as you have permission from the landowner first. If you’re thinking about scattering ashes at sea or on a river, you don’t need a permit, but you should follow the Environment Agency’s guidance.

Everything you need to know about sea burials

We’ll cover what a sea burial is, how you can organise one, where you can have one and why you might want one. As well as the risks and advantages of the process so you can decide what’s right for you.

Everything you need to know about woodland burials

A woodland burial is the choice to bury someone at a site of natural beauty, such as a woodland, meadow or orchard, instead of a traditional cemetery plot.

What is embalming?

Embalming has become an increasingly common part of funeral plans over the years. But what exactly is it? And should you choose it for your loved one?

GuidesPreparing for death