The following are a few points to consider if you are thinking of organising a funeral without the assistance of a funeral director. The Natural Death Centre (NDC) offers detailed help and assistance in all aspects of family led funerals based on a wealth of experience. A willing group of clear-thinking family and friends will make the organisation much easier.
- There is no legal requirement to employ the services of a funeral director.
- You can use a funeral director for certain aspects of the funeral rather than the whole thing. Many are very flexible and happy to help where you need it most.
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You will need to obtain the cause of death certificate from the doctor
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Once you have the paperwork from the doctor or permission from the coroner to go ahead and make funeral arrangements, you will need to register the death. This is usually done at the registry office in the area where the person has died.
- You may need to arrange for storage of the body if there is a delay before burial. Hospitals can’t keep bodies indefinitely.
- Transport for the body in a suitable vehicle will need to be arranged. If the coffin fits in the back, and the vehicle is legal and roadworthy, you can use any vehicle to transfer a coffin.
- Who is going to lead the ceremony/service and where will it take place?
- You will need to source a suitable coffin or shroud. The NDC has a list of companies who are happy to sell directly to the public.
- Who will carry and lower the coffin/shroud? We can be present to ensure this is done safely and we have straps available for lowering into the grave.
- Flowers can be provided by anyone but any floral tributes must comply to our requirements of being fully biodegradable.
- Family and friends can choose to be included in backfilling the grave.
Please see this document form the NDC for further information.
If you have any worries or questions about any part of the process of DIY funerals, please do not hesitate to contact NDC helpline on 01962 712690