Arranging a Funeral
We pride ourselves on providing compassionate guidance through every step of planning a funeral, ensuring your loved one’s farewell is personal and meaningful.
Step-by-step guide to arranging a funeral
Let us help you plan and prepare
The days following someone we know passing away can be overwhelming, with many decisions to make and paperwork to complete. We’ve created this section to guide you through some of the practicalities, from registering the death to arranging the funeral, remembering your loved one, and handling legal matters.
While everyone grieves differently, many people find comfort in focusing on these tasks, as it can provide a sense of purpose. No matter how you choose to proceed, we are here to offer support and ensure that everything is handled with care.
As funeral directors, our primary goal is to assist you in planning a service that feels meaningful and fitting, not just for you, but for everyone touched by the loss. Whether it’s navigating the necessary steps or helping you make the arrangements that best reflect your loved one’s life, we are here to guide you through the process with care and compassion.
We’ve aimed to make this guidance as thorough as possible, while acknowledging that every funeral is unique. If you have questions or need support beyond what is covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
At Freeman Brothers, we offer three ways to arrange a funeral, depending on your preference and needs. You can meet with us in person at our office after a brief phone call, where we’ll go over the necessary details.
Alternatively, we offer a remote arrangement service where all information can be handled by phone or email, followed by a brief visit to sign paperwork, which comes at a reduced service charge.
We also offer the option of arranging the funeral via Zoom. This could be a fully remote meeting, involving several participants, or a hybrid option where some join in-person and others remotely. In either case, we’ll ensure everything is handled smoothly and respectfully.
Whatever method you choose, we kindly ask that you make an appointment in advance. This allows us to prepare for your visit and ensures that the necessary processes can be started before we meet. We want to make sure everything is ready so that your time with us is as efficient and helpful as possible.
How much does a funeral cost?
Use our tool to estimate the cost of a funeral, helping you to plan your farewell within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The first step in arranging a funeral is to contact a Funeral Director, such as Freeman Brothers, who can provide support and guidance throughout the process. While the death must eventually be registered, you can begin planning the funeral before registration is completed.
Freeman Brothers will help you personalise the service to reflect your loved one’s wishes and assist with other arrangements to ease the process during this difficult time.
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Funeral arrangements are often made by close family members, such as a spouse or civil partner, children, or siblings. If there is no immediate family, a close friend or legal executor may take on the responsibility. It’s important to communicate with those involved to ensure the wishes of the person who has passed away are honoured.
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When meeting with a funeral director, it may be helpful to ask about:
What are the available funeral options (burial, cremation, green funerals)?Can I personalise the service with specific readings, music, or rituals?
What are the costs involved?
How do we handle paperwork?
Can you help us coordinate with other services, such as florists or charities?
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Planning your own funeral in advance can bring peace of mind to you and your family. Start by discussing your wishes with loved ones and a funeral director. You can choose the type of service, burial or cremation preferences, and any personal touches.
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Funeral costs vary depending on the type of service, location, and any extras like flowers or memorials. A typical funeral in the UK costs around £4,000–£5,000, but it can vary widely. It’s best to get an estimate from your funeral director to plan within your budget. At Freeman Brothers, we always provide a full estimate of the costs. You can also use our Funeral Cost Estimation Tool to get a clearer idea of potential costs during early stages of planning.
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Yes, personalising the funeral is an important way to honour your loved one’s life. You can include meaningful elements like favourite music, personal readings, or rituals that reflect their values or beliefs. Your funeral director can help you explore various options to make the service unique and memorable.
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Your funeral director will tell you what documentation is required based on the chosen funeral service and, in some cases, the circumstances of the death.