Arranging the funeral - A copy of the guidance written in the booklet on pages 5 and 6:
"The funeral is a ceremony or service which usually includes the person’s burial or cremation. It is not compulsory to have a funeral. There are many options for funerals and no one set way. They can be religious or non-religious. They can be creative and unique. Arranging a funeral can feel like a lot to organise, can you contact people who would support you?
Once you have registered the death, the funeral can take place. You can start planning the funeral before you have registered the death, but the burial or cremation cannot take place until you have the green form (the certificate for the burial or cremation of the body. This should be given to the funeral director, crematorium, or burial authority).
You can either arrange the funeral through a funeral director (a professional who can help organise all elements of a funeral service) or you can make arrangements yourself. There are costs involved and it is important to identify how these costs will be covered. Funeral costs vary, but they usually cost several thousand pounds.
If you claim certain benefits you can apply to the government for a funeral expenses payment. The person who has died may have left wishes and funds for their funeral in a letter or in their will (the legal document which states how a person’s assets should be distributed after they have died.)
You do not have to go through a funeral director, but if you do, check that your funeral director is registered with National Association of Funeral Directors or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors."
Helpful links and resources
Help with funeral costs
The government has detailed guidance about accessing help with funeral costs:
Marie Curie have helpful guidance and advice around accessing support with funeral costs including some FAQs and a free benefits calculator:
www.mariecurie.org.uk/information/money-and-work/help-with-funeral-costs
How to arrange a funeral
The Sheffield register office will be able to sign post you to information about arranging a funeral. We have also included further guidance below.
Marie Curie have helpful and clear guidance around how to arrange a funeral, including: How to start, choosing a funeral director, choosing music, readings and a coffin, transport, invitations, and including children:
www.mariecurie.org.uk/information/grief/arranging-a-funeral
Sue Ryder have detailed guidance about organising a funeral, alongside key considerations it also includes guidance for coping emotionally:
www.sueryder.org/grief-support/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/organising-a-funeral/
Widowed and Young have guidance around funerals, memorials and ashes:
www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/get-support/bereavement-support/funerals-and-memorials
The Good Grief Festival have also curated some resources around creating meaningful funerals and memorials including articles and podcasts:
www.goodgrieffest.com/resources/meaningful-funerals-memorials/
The Good Funeral Guide is a not-for-profit organisation that has helpful guidance around many elements and options for funeral planning. This includes several guides including those around your legal rights and responsibilities, natural burials and coffins and home funerals.
Find these under their “Guides” drop down section:
Finding a funeral director
You do not have to go through a funeral director, but if you do, check that your funeral director is registered with either the:
National Association of Funeral Directors
or the
National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.
Marie Curie have guidance about the role of a funeral director, questions to ask a funeral director, what to expect when a funeral director collects the person's body, fees, alternative options and accessing support:
www.mariecurie.org.uk/information/grief/choosing-a-funeral-director
Resources for a range of bereavement experiences
We will continue to update this part of the webpage with new resources, that provide specific guidance and support for a range of bereavement experiences and needs.
Queer Funeral Guide:
‘Making informed choices when planning a funeral – A guide for queer people’ was written by funeral professional Ash Hayhurst in June 2019. "Some LGBTQIA+ people may ask, how can I be sure my wishes will be respected when I die? If you are a queer person, or are planning a funeral for a queer loved one and have found yourself asking this question, this booklet is for you." Download via:
queerfuneralguide.co.uk/
Finding the right information
The information and links on this page include signposting to external websites that we hope you might find useful for accessing further information or support.
We make every effort to ensure the links are up to date and as helpful as possible.
Please note, we don’t own or control these external sites.
Everyone’s needs are different, so please explore the different options to decide what information and guidance is helpful for you or the person you are supporting.
Questions
If you have any questions about the information on this page, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team.
Latest page update: 17/04/2026