A funeral cannot take place before a death has been registered.
A funeral director will oversee most arrangements, but you can organise the funeral yourself, which is known as an independent or personalised funeral.
Some funeral directors will not sell coffins or other services unless you buy a funeral package, so if you choose an independent funeral you may need to provide your own coffin and organise transport.
Help with funeral costs
You can get help for a low cost funeral if you:
- have a low income
- receive council tax support
- receive disability working allowance
- receive family credit
- receive housing benefit
- receive income support