Timeline For Arranging A Funeral 

Arranging a funeral for someone you love is never easy, and while you want everything to go smoothly, the timeline can sometimes be unpredictable. Knowing what steps to take and when can help ease the process. 

How Long Does It Take to Arrange a Funeral? 

In some cases, a funeral can happen within 48 hours, especially if plans were made in advance. However, if no arrangements exist or if there are delays like scheduling conflicts or a coroner’s involvement, the process can stretch to several weeks. 

The UK average is around 15 days, giving people time to grieve while handling practicalities like registering the death and finding a local funeral director. While there’s no legal timeframe for holding a funeral, some faiths — like Judaism and Islam — prefer services as soon as possible. Others, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Quakerism, and Hinduism, allow more flexibility. 

For state or high-profile funerals, arrangements are often completed within a week — but these are planned long beforehand. 

Key Steps to Organising a Funeral 

1. Obtain the Medical Certificate 

A doctor — whether the deceased’s GP or a medical professional from a hospital, hospice, or care home — will issue a medical certificate confirming the person’s details and cause of death. If the cause isn’t clear, a coroner’s investigation may be necessary, which can delay things. 

2. Find a Local Funeral Director 

Even before all the paperwork is finalised, you can contact a local funeral director. They’ll help move the deceased to the funeral home and keep them in their care until the funeral. 

Choosing the right funeral director can feel overwhelming, but thefarewellguide.co.uk makes it simpler. Their easy three-step process helps you quickly find a local funeral director: 

• Enter your town or postcode. 

• Browse local funeral directors, including pricing details 

• Contact the one that feels right — by phone or email 

If you need urgent help, their 24/7 support ensures you’re not left on your own. 

3. Register the Death 

You must register the death within five days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — or eight days in Scotland. It’s free, but you’ll need to pay for copies of the death certificate, which banks and utility companies often require. Ordering multiple copies upfront can save time later. 

4. Burial or Cremation? 

Next, you’ll decide whether the deceased will be buried or cremated — ideally following their wishes if they left instructions. Your local funeral director can guide you through the required forms. Cremation typically takes 10-13 days, though high-demand areas can stretch this to three weeks — similar to burial waiting times. 

5. Choose a Celebrant 

You can have anyone lead the funeral — whether that’s a religious leader, humanist, civil celebrant, or even a loved one. Their availability, plus the schedule of the crematorium or burial site, can affect how soon the service can take place. 

6. Consider Friends and Family 

Finally, think about the availability of friends and family. If loved ones need to travel — especially from overseas — or arrange time off work, giving them early notice helps ensure they can attend. 

Planning Ahead Makes a Difference 

No one likes to think about losing a loved one, but planning ahead — even just having an idea of their wishes — can make a difficult time a little easier. It reduces last-minute decisions and speeds up the process. 

Having a local funeral director in mind is a practical, thoughtful step that can take some of the pressure off when the time comes. 

Honouring Their Memory 

While the practical steps of arranging a funeral are important, the heart of it all is creating a service that honours your loved one’s life and reflects who they were. Whether you’re planning something traditional, modern, or entirely unique, having the right local funeral director by your side can make all the difference. 

Taking the time to personalise the farewell — through music, readings, or even a special location — can turn the day into a true celebration of their life. 

Remember: there’s no "right" way to say goodbye. What matters most is that the service feels meaningful to you and those who loved them. And with thoughtful planning, supported by a trusted local funeral director, you can create a lasting, beautiful tribute — one that brings comfort and peace when you need it most. 

Need help finding the right local funeral director? Visit thefarewellguide.co.uk to get started.