How to arrange a funeral
You can arrange a funeral from the comfort of home with Farewill. In this guide, we’ll explain the options available, how much it costs and what you can do with the ashes after the service.
Part 1
How to arrange a funeral
If you’re arranging a funeral for someone, you’ll probably want to start by working out what they wanted. This might be something they included in their will. You can then shop around for a service that feels right for everyone.
Part 2
How much does a funeral cost?
A funeral in the UK can cost anywhere from £980 to well over £10,000 depending on the type of service you want. At an average of £5,000, a traditional burial is the most expensive option, while a direct cremation is the cheapest.
Part 3
What happens at a cremation?
Cremation has been a funeral option in the UK for over 150 years, but it still remains a mystery to many people. Here, we look at exactly what happens at a cremation so you and your family know what to expect.
Part 4
What can you do with the ashes after a cremation?
After receiving the ashes from a cremation, many families arrange their own personal memorial service. You’re then free to display or scatter the ashes anywhere you wish – or you could even create a series of mementos for your family.
Part 5
What is next of kin?
Next of kin is the term used to describe your closest living relative, such as your spouse or civil partner. The UK doesn’t have laws around who you can name as your next of kin, but there are specific rules for who takes responsibility when someone dies.
Part 6
What happens if I can't afford a funeral?
If you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, you may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government. Other options include using the bank account of the person who died and arranging a Public Health Funeral.
Part 7
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.
Part 8
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.
Part 9
How to register a death in the UK
You can register a death by visiting your local register office. This usually needs to be done within five days of the death in England and Wales. It’s free to register a death, but there’s a fee of £11 for each copy of the death certificate.
Part 10
How to scatter ashes
You can scatter ashes by casting them into the wind from a scattering tube. Other options include creating a colourful garden feature or scattering the ashes at the beach and letting the tide wash them away.
Part 11
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.
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