Navigating the Funeral Planning Process: Top Tips

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Planning a funeral can be a daunting task – with many finding it difficult to know where to start. In the article below, Legal & General discusses ‘how to plan a funeral’ and the options that are available.

Navigating the Funeral Planning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming – and it can often be challenging to know where to start. To give guidance, life insurance provider, Legal & General, are giving a step-by-step process for planning a funeral.

The time to plan a funeral is typically around two weeks, but every situation is different, and it can be a shorter or longer process depending on a variety of factors.

So, while no funeral is the same, there are several steps you can take to make the process a little smoother. 

1. Register the death

You need to officially record a death within specific timeframes depending on where you are in the UK. In England and Wales, it’s within five days at a Register Office, while in Northern Ireland, it’s with the District Registration Office. In Scotland, you have up to eight days to register a death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

When you go to register the death, bring along the medical certificate of cause of death (unless it’s been sent directly to the registrar). It’s also helpful to bring any important documents belonging to the deceased, such as their NHS card, birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport, if possible.

2. Check if the deceased wrote any requests for the funeral 

Some deceased may leave specific requests when they pass. Therefore, it’s important to see if they have communicated any of these requests to friends or family or written them down in a letter of wish or a will. This way when planning the funeral, you can include any of these wishes.

3. Verify how the funeral will be paid for

Today, the average funeral costs around £4,450 (2023) – a £1,055 increase in the last 10 years. For some people, they may have a prepaid funeral so it’s important to see if any details have been left about this. Alternatively, the deceased may have had a life insurance policy, and the cash sum from a valid claim could be put towards funeral costs. You will need a Grant of Probate before you can access funds to pay through the deceased’s estate.

4. Select a Funeral Director

A competent Funeral Director can assist you throughout your funeral planning journey and will provide support every step of the way. If the deceased had a funeral plan, it might have been arranged with a specific Funeral Director, so it’s advisable to verify before scheduling an appointment. Funeral directors can be located using various online resources.

5. Book the venue

Some deceased may request where they want their funeral to take place prior to their death. Alternatively, you will need to select a funeral venue, depending on what you think suits best. 

6. Choose someone to conduct the service

When selecting someone to conduct the service, you have a variety of options, both religious and non-religious. From ministers of religion to civil celebrants and humanists, there are a range of choices to meet your needs. 

7. Arrange a wake 

After the funeral service, many families choose to host a wake at a local venue or their home for friends and family to gather and reminisce about the deceased. Typically, a joyful occasion, attendees share memories, celebrate the life of the departed, and reconnect with loved ones.

To organize a wake, consider venues nearby, such as community halls or hotels. Estimate the number of guests and decide whether to hire catering or provide homemade refreshments.

8. Floral arrangements 

Floral tributes can be a great way to honour the deceased and elevate the venue space. Many florists will have options to provide you with – so have a think about what you envision. 

9. Consider a charity donation or fundraiser

Nowadays, it’s common for individuals to suggest making charitable donations in memory of the deceased instead of sending flowers. Your Funeral Director can typically facilitate this process, collecting donations on your behalf and directing them to a charity associated with the deceased, if desired.

10. Involve friends and family 

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, but involving loved ones can lighten the burden. Friends and family can assist with tasks like sending emails and providing transportation on the day. When considering the specifics of the funeral, it’s beneficial to consult with those close to the deceased, whether specific requests were left behind, ensuring everyone feels included in the arrangements.

For more information please go to Legal and General’s page here: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/over-50-life-insurance/funeral-planning/funeral-arrangements/

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