MAKING THE ARRANGEMENTS WHEN a Death Occurs

No matter if a death is sudden, or expected, the loss of a loved one is a hugely emotional and overwhelming experience.  No amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the loss of a loved one. When you are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering.

Registering a Death

After you have collected the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from either the doctors surgery or hospital you will need to be register the death within 5 days.  The registration should be made in the district in which the death occurred in England.  Most registrars operate an appointment system and will take about half an hour.

If you are unable to attend a registrar in the district you can attend elsewhere and carry out a declaration of the death.  

People who can register a death include:

  • A relative present at the death
  • A relative present during the last illness
  • A relative living in the registration district
  • A person present at the death
  • The occupier of the premises, if aware of the death happening
  • The person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)

Informing a Funeral Director to make Funeral Arrangements

You should meet with a funeral director within 24 hours of a death to begin to make funeral arrangements for your loved one.  Deciding on these final arrangements may seem like a very daunting task, but the funeral home staff are there to help and advise you and will work very hard to relieve some of the stress and logistics involved in funeral planning.

The Funeral Director will gather information.  This includes:

  • Full Name of Deceased
  • Address
  • Marital Status
  • Occupation
  • Date And Place Of Death
  • Arrangements need to be made for the funeral service. These include:
  • Scheduling the location, date and time of the funeral service
  • Selecting burial or cremation
  • Choosing funeral products (coffin, casket, urn etc)
  • Floral tributes
  • Obituary notice
  • Scheduling transportation arrangements, hearse and limousine
  • Donations
  • Dove release

The funeral services can be personalised.  Did your loved one have a favourite sports team?  What was their favourite type of music?  What activity was your loved one best known for?  Recalling fond memories assists with the grieving process and will help honour the life of your loved one.