Arranging a funeral can be a complex and distressing process. Whilst some people may manage to arrange a funeral in one to two weeks, other people may take up to three weeks or longer. The time between the death of a loved one and the funeral can vary according to a number of different factors. While you may feel like you need to have the funeral quickly, it can be easier and less stressful if you take your time, and organise it more slowly. This will be a difficult time for all involved, and trying to rush through the process, may make this worse.
Who is Responsible For Arranging a Funeral?
Funerals are usually arranged by the family of the deceased, those who were closest to them. A family will usually discuss amongst themselves and decide who is responsible for the arrangements or may agree to do it collectively to share the burden. It can be easier for the funeral directors to have one point of contact, so someone may need to take charge. If the deceased doesn’t have a family, then their service could be arranged by close friends or neighbours.
What is Needed to Arrange a Funeral?
Funerals cannot take place without certain paperwork being in place. After a person dies a death certificate will be issued by a doctor, confirming the place, time and cause of death. This will then be sent to a medical examiners officers. After they have scrutinised the certifying doctor’s certificate, they will email the registry office where the death must be registered. After the death has been registered, you will receive a Certificate for Burial or Cremation, which is known as the green form. Once the funeral directors have this, then the arrangements for the funeral can be confirmed.
What Happens if No One Arranges a Funeral?
If someone has no one to arrange their funeral, then the local or health authority will arrange a simple funeral. If the deceased left a will, then the executor is responsible for arranging the funeral. It is very rare that no one arranges it. If the family are too distressed, then a friend may need to take control of the organisation side of the funeral.
How Long After a Death is a Funeral Arranged?
This is deeply personal. Some people find themselves too distressed to think clearly after the death of a loved one, and it can take them some time to start planning. Other people feel the need to be busy and can focus on planning the funeral as a way to help them cope during this difficult time. Neither way is right or wrong, just a different approach. It is possible to arrange a funeral within a week after the death, it is becoming more customary in the UK to have the funeral around 2 to 3 weeks after death.
Things That May Hold up The Arrangements
There are certain things that may make it take longer to organise a funeral. If the death was sudden or suspicious, then Coronial involvement may be necessary, this can cause a delay whilst an investigation is carried out by HM Coroner. If you want to hold the funeral at a certain place, or on a specific day or time, then you may need to wait for this to be available. If you have family members who are coming from overseas, you need to give them time to plan their travel arrangements.
Making Funeral Arrangements
Funerals are deeply personal events. They are tributes to the life of a loved one and should be reflective of this. Some people leave specific instructions regarding their funerals, such as requests to wear bright colours, or certain songs that they would like sung. When you are planning a funeral service, it is important to take the time to plan a fitting send-off. Choose songs or poems that they loved, consider who you want to read, or speak. Creating a funeral that is personal to the deceased is part of the grieving process, and gives you the chance to say goodbye in the way that you want. If the deceased was part of a club or an enthusiast, then you could incorporate this into the funeral service, such as a motorbike convoy.
How to Choose a Funeral Director?
Choose a funeral director who cares. It can be difficult to make a decision in the time following the passing of a loved one. Choosing a good funeral director is important, as they will help you through this time. Ask people for recommendations, and speak to the funeral director to get a feel for whether they will suit you. If you have very specific requests ask if they can help with this before deciding.
NC Funerals Will be Here During This Difficult Time
We know that the process of organising a funeral when you are grieving, is incredibly difficult. This is why our family is here to support your family, during this time. We are here to make sure that the funeral we plan together, is a fitting reflection of the life of your loved one. Whether you want a traditional church burial service, a crematorium service, or a highly personal and bespoke service we are here to help you. We understand that a funeral is a reflection of life, so we will support you in creating the ideal service to represent the life of your loved one. Speak to the compassionate and knowledgeable team at NC Funeral Directors today, on 01253 420 450