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Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
11 minute read
When we lose someone we love, we’re often swept into a whirlwind of emotions. As we learn to navigate our feelings of grief, there are also practical matters that require our attention. One of the most pressing questions for many families is about how long it takes to arrange a funeral. The process will be different for everyone with different timings and steps to take. We’re here to guide you through funeral arrangements, time frames and necessary considerations.
You can usually expect funeral planning to take as little as two weeks in the UK. However, just like every person’s unique life, no two deaths will be exactly alike, and neither will their funerals. Religious practices and pre-prepared funeral plans may speed up this estimated timeframe and other roadblocks like scheduling difficulties or the circumstances of death can make it take longer. If you arrange a funeral with Aura and would like things to happen quickly, our friendly team can work closely with you to ensure the arrangements happen within your ideal timeline.
While some aspects can be completed relatively quickly, others may require more time and coordination. If you are concerned about funeral waiting times, here are a few reasons delays may occur and how you can find a way around them.
In cases where the cause of death is uncertain or requires investigation, a coroner’s inquest may be necessary, which can cause a small delay. However, a funeral can still happen after the post-mortem while the inquest is still ongoing. The coroner will try to release the body as soon as possible and give the go-ahead to the family and funeral director by giving a Cremation Form 6 to allow the funeral to take place.
If you have a particular location in mind whether it’s a part of your loved one’s wishes or a consideration for travelling guests, the availability of the chosen venue can also impact the timeline. Flexibility in planning this part may help, however, a funeral that closely reflects the person you’re commemorating can be worth waiting for.
Funeral requests such as a particular day, time or theme can also add time to the planning process. For families opting for a memorial service instead of a traditional funeral, scheduling may be more flexible. However, organising arrangements can still take time.
The cherished support of fellow loved ones attending the funeral from near or far is always very welcome, however, it may also contribute to a delay. Additional time may be needed to coordinate travel plans and accommodations for guests. You may wish to consider a separate memorial to allow all mourners to celebrate your passed loved one if waiting becomes an issue.
Before you can plan the details of a funeral like the kind of service the deceased may want or the venue location, there are some legal and governmental processes to tackle first. Please note this information is not exhaustive and you can learn more about what to do when someone dies in this article.
One of the first steps after a loved one has passed is to get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the doctor. This document is necessary for registering the death and initiating the funeral arrangement process. If your loved one passed in a hospital or care home the staff may be able to arrange this for you. However, if they pass at home, you may need to contact the deceased’s GP. Your doctor will then forward the MCCD to your funeral director, and they can follow up on this for you.
Some exceptions may apply to getting this certificate. For example, if a postmortem examination is required you may not need this particular document. Also, this form is only applicable in England and Wales, not Scotland.
Registering a death with the appropriate authorities is another immediate step and must be done within five days, or eight days in Scotland. You will need to visit a local Registrar’s Office to complete this step. Usually, they will have already received the MCCD from the doctor along with Cremation Form 4 or Cremation Form 6 from the coroner, depending on whether an inquest was needed or not. You may need to provide other information about the deceased including, full name, date and place of birth, occupation and more.
During the registration process, you’ll receive several documents which can help you progress closer to arranging the funeral:
Once the immediate measures and important documents have been taken care of, families can begin to arrange the kind of funeral or memorial service that aligns with their needs. This may involve working with a funeral director, or you can arrange the details alone or with close loved ones.
Begin the planning journey by checking if your loved one has a pre-existing funeral plan before making arrangements. This can help with the cost of the funeral and ensure your loved one’s wishes are honoured. Instructions could be left in their will or you may have had conversations together already. These wishes can be used as a foundation for the next steps.
One important decision to be made is whether the deceased will be buried or cremated. Religious or cultural beliefs, personal preferences, and practical considerations may all influence this decision.
If their wishes haven’t been confirmed with you before their passing, talk to family, friends and possibly a funeral director to figure out which option works best for your circumstances. This can add a delay to organising the funeral, but it is worth taking the time to come to a decision that feels right.
For families with religious or cultural traditions surrounding death and funeral rites, adhering to these practices may impact the timeline and arrangements. Traditional Jewish funeral services are held within 24-48 hours after death, and Muslim funerals can happen within three days. This can also impact the choice of coffin, the handling of the body and the funeral officiant.
A funeral director can be an important guide and source of knowledge when it comes to funeral arrangements. They can be as involved as you need them, from planning and overseeing all aspects of a funeral to letting you take the reins with plenty of support. They can make funeral plans much easier to arrange.
At Aura, we offer compassionate services. Our expert team of angels can help you arrange a low-cost direct cremation, whether it’s attended or unattended, at any crematoria across the country. An Aura funeral starts at £1,095 and can be bespoke to your needs. You can include personal touches including a viewing at the chapel of rest, the music you want to be played, and – unlike other providers – you can even choose to have the direct cremation performed at a crematorium as close to home as possible. Our services are five-star rated by customers and highlight the respectful, dignified and thoughtful service we offer.
Selecting a funeral director who understands and respects your wishes is crucial. Take the time to research and compare providers to find the right fit for your family. Don’t be afraid to call or request an in-person conversation, even if you ultimately decide to not go with that director. Finding the right support can make a difference during a difficult time.
When choosing a funeral director, consider factors such as pricing, services offered, and the reputation of the provider. Reading reviews and getting quotes from multiple sources can help ensure you make an informed decision.
At Aura, we understand the significance of picking a funeral director you can trust and strive to provide a compassionate and respectful service to each family we serve. Our commitment to quality is highlighted by our 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot where satisfied customers have shared their heartfelt experiences. To discover more about our reputation for compassionate service, take a look at our Trustpilot reviews.
Paying tribute to the loved ones we’ve lost is an important part of any funeral, as well as the grieving process. Although this can be steeped in tradition, it may not be the same for everyone. You can personalise the service in many ways to appreciate the person you’ve lost.
Music, readings, rituals and themes can all help honour the memory of the deceased. A funeral is a time to reflect on the personality and values of your loved one and can cause moments of connection with others. You may want to include their favourite flower in an arrangement, a photo display or ask everyone to share a memory.
Depending on your preferences or the wishes of your loved one, you may choose to have a celebrant or officiant lead the funeral service. This can be a religious leader like a Priest, Rabbi or Imam.
There are non-faith options too like humanist officiants who will help guide proceedings and celebrate the life of your passed loved one. At Aura, we can help you find a celebrant that fits your requirements through our partnership with the Association of Independent Celebrants. Our Aura Angels are on hand to help arrange a respectful service that suits you.
Family and friends can also be the ones to lead the funeral service if you wish, which can help make the service feel more personal.
A eulogy can be different for every person. Typically they are an opportunity to share stories of the deceased, their unique characteristics and fond memories you may have of them. There is no specific structure or rules, you can use this time however you think is best.
Here are some things you can include if it feels right to you:
Once your plans are in place, the financial figure often becomes clearer as venues, flowers, a coffin and more will all impact the price. Pre-paid funeral plans or access to the deceased’s estate can help alleviate costs, so here are a few things to consider.
In some cases, settling the deceased’s estate may involve going through the probate process. This can add additional time and complexity to the funeral arrangement process if there is no will or no nominated person to execute their wishes and handle their assets. A solicitor can help in this case and a death certificate will be necessary.
An evaluation of the deceased’s estate will be done to assess any debts that need to be paid or if an inheritance tax is necessary. Balances of funds, information on property, investments and life insurance can all be taken into account. This may involve working with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals to ensure everything is properly managed.
Funeral costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of service, choice of venue, and any additional needs. It’s essential to carefully consider the financial aspects of funeral planning and make decisions that align with your budget and preferences.
Once outstanding debts or taxes are settled, the estate may be able to cover the cost, or your loved one may have a pre-paid plan in place that can assist.
For those seeking simplicity and affordability, Aura provides respectful direct cremations at a low cost, ensuring your loved one is cared for with the utmost dignity. If you’re looking to plan ahead, we also offer prepaid funeral plans that are rated five stars by customers and experts, to help you organise your final farewell in advance. To find out more, call our team on 0330 088 3620 or email funeralplans@aura.life
