When someone dies, there is a lot to think about, from arranging a funeral to dealing with their estate. The person may have left details about the kind of funeral they want, or you may need to plan and arrange the funeral yourself. Either way, our guide to arranging a funeral can help answer some of the questions you may have, from planning for a funeral, through to types of service and funeral costs.
Organising a funeral can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with grief. Choosing an experienced and professional funeral director will help ease the burden and stress of arranging a funeral. At Dignity, we spend time getting to know you, your loved one's life, and will help you create the most fitting tribute for the person who has passed away.
Our Funeral Directors are honoured to serve the local communities they are part of, with expertise and uncompromising compassion. We promise to provide unequalled support, reassurance, and attention to detail when arranging a funeral for your loved one.
Our guide will help you understand some of the key things to consider when selecting a funeral home from the cost of arranging a funeral, to things to consider when making funeral plans
Before your funeral director can start to make funeral arrangements, they will need the certificate of registration of death and the green certificate for burial or cremation. These will be given to you by the registrar when you register the death.
Although you can choose a funeral director, arrange for them to take the person who has died into their care and start to plan a funeral, the funeral cannot take place without these forms. Our guide to what to do when someone dies will help you to understand the first steps you need to take before you can arrange a funeral.
We offer two funeral choices, allowing you to arrange a funeral which is suited to you, the wishes of your loved one and your budget. If you would like to arrange an entirely personal and bespoke commemoration, our Attended Funeral will help celebrate your loved one's life story. Alternatively, if you are looking for a simple cremation without a ceremony or service, then our Unattended Funeral may be the option for you.
The Unattended Funeral is an option for those looking for a simple cremation without a service or ceremony
Our Unattended Funeral
Our Attended Funeral allows you to create an entirely personal and bespoke commemoration, reflecting the individual life of your loved one
Attended Funeral details
A funeral is typically held around one or two weeks after the death. However, the length of time taken to arrange a funeral may depend on a number of factors, including funeral director and crematoria availability, religious beliefs, family circumstances and even the type of funeral you decide to organise. Let your funeral director know if you need to arrange funeral quickly or within a set time period.
The process of arranging a funeral may take longer if you need to repatriate your loved one to or from another country. Our funeral directors can help to guide you through the process of repatriation.
A funeral is a personal event and people often have different requirements. There are a number of details that you will need to take care of, from arranging funeral transport, to choosing songs to be played during the service.
We will do everything we can to make sure the process of arranging a funeral for your loved one is as straightforward as possible, helping to plan a fitting farewell for the person who has passed away.
The cost of a funeral will depend on the funeral arrangements you choose to make. Funeral costs are typically made up of funeral director fees, third party costs, and optional costs.
Third-party costs are additional charges which we will manage on your behalf. These payments can vary depending on where you live and whether you choose to arrange a cremation or burial service for your loved one. Optional costs cover special requests, such as memorials and floral tributes.
Letting people know about the funeral arrangements can be quite difficult and time consuming. If you choose to arrange a funeral with us, you will be given the option of a complimentary Funeral Notice.
Our online Funeral Notices service provides clients with a simple and respectful way of sharing the details of their loved one's funeral with family and friends.
A Funeral Notice makes it quick and easy to find out when the service is taking place and where it is being held. You can also collect online donations for a special charity and provide the option for people to send flowers.
Family and friends can choose to receive notifications using their email address, making sure they are kept up-to-date if any of the funeral arrangements were to change.
Find out more about Funeral Notices.
Once you've made all of the funeral arrangements, it's important to understand what happens on the day of the funeral. If you’re unsure of what to expect, our funeral arrangers will explain everything you need to know.
We will guide you through each step, attending to your every need before, during, and after the service takes place.
Learn more about the funeral procession, funeral service, committal service, and the wake.
Find out what happens on the day of the funeral.
Families choose us because the little details matter to us just as much as they matter to you
"The lovely lady at Winterton made a difficult task easier. The staff on the day were caring considerate and comforting and made things much easier to cope with they had time to wait listen and act to all the parts of the funeral and took total charge. Thank you again"
Mrs Cynthia F. October 2021
"Thanks very much for a fantastic service. It was polite, professional, efficient and caring. We could not have asked for a better experience at such a difficult time. Thanks very much to you all for being there for us and for being so helpful. Thanks."
Mr Treg L. October 2021
"Organising a funeral from a distance was made very easy and professionally handled. From the start the firm was sympathetic and practical - much appreciated. Arrangements on the day were immaculate and the service was very fitting and felt personal. Highly recommended from us."
Dr Kelvin W. October 2021
"Great service from very sympathetic staff, from initial consultation to the funeral at a very difficult time. My wishes regarding my mother where always top priority. A full breakdown of all prices was very helpful in arranging the funeral. Would highly recommend."
Mr James M. October 2021
"I felt the arrangements were made with the utmost courtesy and respect. I felt supported and befriended by the lady I dealt with, she answered all my questions and was compassionate during a very difficult time. I was introduced to the lady who would be present on the day over the telephone (as I organized the funeral from a distance) and all I needed to know was carefully explained to me. The day itself was beautifully and sensitively managed. Thank you for making a difficult time so much easier."
Mrs Jayne S. October 2021
"All the staff were helpful and respectful. The funeral director and Celebrant were warm and considerate and put us all at ease. I felt listened to and nothing was any trouble. My Dad had taken out a funeral plan and would highly recommend one as it made the whole process much easier in a very stressful time."
Mrs Sarah H. October 2021
Our Funeral Directors will help and support you when arranging a funeral service. We'll be on hand to offer advice on how to arrange a fitting goodbye for your loved one, wherever you are and whenever you may need us.
Our rich and lengthy heritage means we can deliver our funeral services with local knowledge and unparalleled expertise. Discuss your requirements with us face-to-face at our premises or in the comfort of your own home; the choice is completely up to you.