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Written by Betty Gardiner.
14 minute read
Planning a funeral is something most of us never expect to face until we’re suddenly in the middle of it. It can feel like a whirlwind—full of emotion, uncertainty, and pressure to get everything “right” at a time when you’re still trying to make sense of the loss. Whether you’re planning ahead or arranging things after someone has died, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we’ve created this guide: to help you plan a funeral step-by-step. From the first decision to the final details, we’re here to offer support, clarity and reassurance—so you’re not left figuring it all out on your own. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need somewhere to begin. We hope this guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
Key takeaways:
Funeral planning involves organising the service and final arrangements for someone who has passed away. Whether it’s done in advance as part of a pre-planned funeral, or after a loved one has died, the purpose remains the same: to honour their wishes and to create a space for family and friends to come together in remembrance.
For many, planning a funeral is not something they’ve done before, so it’s natural to feel uncertain about where to start. By taking things one step at a time, and with the support of family, friends, and professionals, it’s possible to plan a meaningful tribute without feeling overwhelmed.
Here at Aura, our team of funeral experts, known as the Aura Angels, can help your family plan a meaningful funeral. We’ll guide you through each step, offering support and understanding so that you can focus on honouring your loved one, knowing that all the details are taken care of by a dedicated team.
If you’re unsure what to do when someone dies, you’re not alone. It can be hard to know where to begin, especially when everything feels overwhelming. To help, we’ve broken the funeral planning process into simple, manageable steps—so you can take things one at a time, with confidence and care.
After a loved one dies, the first step is to have their death confirmed by a medical professional. This usually happens at the place where the person passed—whether at home, in hospital, or in a care setting. Once confirmed, the doctor or attending medical staff will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This certificate is a legal requirement, and you’ll need it to register the death with the local registrar. Only once the death has been officially registered can you begin making the necessary funeral arrangements, including booking a date for the service. It’s a step that can feel very formal during an emotional time, but it’s an important part of making sure everything is in order moving forward. If you’re unsure who to contact or what to do, a funeral director can help guide you through this first stage.
A funeral director assists with arrangements for a funeral. They are there to guide and support you through the entire process and will take care of the person who has passed. You may find instructions left by your loved one in regards to which provider they want to make the arrangements. If not, take some time to research by looking at reviews on Trustpilot. You may also want to spend time talking to a few companies before settling on the one you feel the most comfortable with.
When the remaining family plans the funeral, one of the first things to consider is cremation vs burial. Trying to make a decision with all of the various types of funerals and their costs out there can be one of the more daunting choices, especially if your loved one didn’t leave any clear wishes behind. Some families instinctively know what feels right, while others may need time to talk it through. Whether you lean towards a traditional burial or feel that a direct cremation is more appropriate, the choice should reflect what your loved one might have wanted, as well as what feels right for those left behind.
You may want to start by checking to see if they left any wishes in a prepaid funeral plan, a will or in their notes. If they died without a will, or did not have a funeral plan, these decisions may not have confirmed by your loved one ahead of time. Take a moment to think about what feels right for your family. You can discuss it with those around you and then find the right service for your needs.
It’s important to set a budget early on as this may dictate other key factors like the funeral celebrant, floral displays or your choice of coffin. You may also want to check whether your loved one had any savings, a prepaid funeral plan or life insurance to help cover the costs.
The service is a time for family and friends to come together to say goodbye. You’ll need to decide on the type of service—whether religious, non-religious, or a celebration of life. Consider the tone of the service: should it be formal, casual, or a mix of both? Choosing meaningful music, readings, and tributes will help create a ceremony that feels personal and comforting.
Once the service is arranged, it’s time to let people know. Deciding how to announce a death to friends can feel intimidating, especially when emotions are still raw. There’s no single right way to share the news—some prefer to call close friends personally, while others might choose to send a group message, email, or make a post on social media. You can also place a formal notice in a local newspaper or create an online memorial page, where people can find the funeral details and leave messages of support. Whichever way you choose, it’s helpful to keep the message clear and thoughtful—include the name of the person who has died, the date of the service, and any relevant information about attendance or donations. Sharing this news gently and simply is often the kindest way to keep people informed.
The funeral service itself is often a reflection of the person’s life, values, and personality. Some families prefer a traditional service, while others may opt for something more personal and unique. Here are some things you may want to consider as you organise a service for your loved one:
Religious or secular service
When you arrange a funeral, one key decision is whether you will follow religious rites or opt for a secular service. For those who find comfort and community in their faith, a religious service may feel more appropriate. For others, this may not reflect the life of the person who has passed and you may want to plan a non-religious ceremony. The service can be led by a friend or family member or our team at Aura can help you find a celebrant through the Association of Independent Celebrants.
Choosing music, readings and flowers
Personal touches, like choosing funeral flowers, selecting music, and arranging meaningful readings can add a special element to the service. You might want to include their favourite song, a funeral poem, or even a segment from a religious text if they had certain beliefs. You can also invite friends or family to participate by delivering a reading or sharing a memory to personalise the service.
Choosing between burial and cremation is one of the most significant decisions in funeral planning. Many families base this decision on tradition, religious beliefs, or financial considerations. The remaining family often selects burials to be close to other buried relatives or follow cultural traditions. Cremation is chosen as an alternative to burial, as it is usually a more affordable and flexible option.
Coffins, urns, and headstones can be purchased from a few places, depending on your needs and budget. Funeral directors often provide a range of coffins and urns as part of their services, making it convenient to select directly through them. However, you can also find these items yourself if you would prefer more personal options.
An obituary notifies the community of the passing, allowing everyone the opportunity to honour their memory. While it typically serves as an official announcement of the death, it can also be a tribute to your loved one.
You may want to include the following:
– The full name of the person who has passed
– The date of their birth and death
– Their age at the time of their passing
– Service information so people can attend the funeral
– Names of close family members
– Donation information
– A biography or description including any achievements or the impact they had on others
You can personalise an obituary however you want to, but it may be worthwhile checking the word count available to you.
A eulogy is a reading dedicated to the life of the person who has passed that will be delivered during the funeral service, often by a close family member or friend. It is a chance to reflect on the life of the person who has passed and offer words of comfort to those in mourning.
Writing a eulogy may be difficult for some, but they don’t have to be formal or perfect. It’s simply a way to remember the person who has passed and share their story and their character. Multiple people can contribute, offering different perspectives that paint a fuller picture of the person’s life.
A funeral director assists with arrangements, providing professional support during a difficult time. They play a critical role in helping families arrange a funeral by coordinating the service, managing logistics and ensuring all details are handled with care.
Each provider has their own way of supporting the families that turn to theme. At Aura our Angels are here to help you as much or as little as you need. From paperwork to organising the details of the service, it is our honour to guide you and your family through this difficult time.
Comparing funeral providers is the best way to find out which company will be right for your needs and budget. Take some time to do your research and find out the steps involved when a funeral director is caring for your loved one.
In addition to the funeral home, families may need to coordinate with florists, caterers, and venues. These service providers help personalise the ceremony to reflect the preferences of the person who passed and the family’s wishes. However, this may not be necessary if you wish to organise a DIY funeral and provide the floral displays, food and venue yourself.
Managing the legal aspects of a funeral can be complex. Key documents, such as the death certificate, will, and cremation forms, need to be prepared and filed properly. Your chosen funeral director will often be able to assist with these tasks, ensuring that everything is in order. Consulting professionals is the best way to avoid complications and to ensure all documents are handled correctly, however, it is possible to do this on your own if you would prefer.
Funerals can be expensive. SunLife currently places the national average cost at £4,285. However, there are some other affordable options and funeral costs can vary greatly depending on the services chosen. Common expenses include the funeral director’s fees, transportation, burial or cremation costs, and other service-related charges.
If your loved one had a prepaid funeral plan, much of the financial burden may already be covered. Life insurance policies can also help pay for the funeral. It’s a good idea to gather all relevant financial documents to understand what’s available.
There are several places to seek help for funeral costs. The UK government offers the Funeral Expenses Payment for those on certain benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions, which can help cover some of the costs. If no other help is available, local councils sometimes arrange public health funerals (also known as a pauper’s funeral). These are simple, respectful services provided when no other help is available, ensuring a dignified and meaningful funeral.
Keeping funeral costs down is a concern for many families, and there are several ways to arrange a low-cost funeral whilst still honouring your loved one with dignity. One way to reduce costs is by opting for a direct cremation. This is a simple, no-fuss cremation without a formal funeral service or guests in attendance and typically costs significantly less than traditional funerals. For example, an Aura direct cremation starts at £1,195 for those organising a funeral for someone who has recently passed.
In addition to direct cremation, you can save money by hosting the wake at home, instead of hiring a venue. Organising your own catering is another way to manage costs. By preparing food with the help of family and friends, or asking guests to bring a dish, you can avoid the expense of professional catering while creating a warm, shared experience.
A funeral is an important event for some and a good way to get together with close friends and family to grieve. Supporting your guests can be done through simple gestures, such as providing a quiet space for reflection or offering words of comfort. A compassionate approach ensures that everyone feels cared for during this difficult time. Also, be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to lean on family members, friends, or even professional grief counsellors for support when you feel overwhelmed.
After the funeral, many families choose to host a wake or reception. It’s often a more relaxed environment where people can share memories and offer support. Planning this event involves coordinating with caterers, selecting a venue, and managing guest invitations.
Whether a simple or elaborate reception is chosen, the goal is to create an environment that respects the person who has passed while providing a space for loved ones to come together. You can hold it in a family home, a community space, or a favourite local spot of your loved one.
Planning a funeral is never easy, but by following these steps, you can ensure that the process runs smoothly. If you’re interested in getting your own arrangements in place to alleviate the stress on your loved ones, Aura’s prepaid funeral plans can help.
We offer both unattended and attended direct cremation plans that cover all the necessary costs. Aura is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority so you can feel confident that your funeral plan is safe with us. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, get in touch with our friendly team.
Our brochure includes all the details you need surrounding our prepaid direct cremation funeral plans.
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