There is less to do immediately than most people expect, and you do not have to choose between an attended and unattended funeral on day one. A doctor needs to verify the death, or in some cases it is reported to the coroner, and the death then needs registering: normally within five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and within eight days in Scotland.

Call us whenever you are ready, day or night. We will bring the person who has died into our care and take you through the rest at your pace.

In many cases within a few weeks, though it varies with your circumstances and what is available locally. An unattended funeral can often be arranged more quickly, because we choose the date and location. With an attended funeral you choose those yourself, so availability at the crematorium or cemetery plays a part. Neither needs to be rushed, and your funeral director will be clear about what is realistic before you decide.

An attended funeral includes a service you and your guests are there for, at a date, time and location of your choosing, with a chauffeur driven hearse and any number of mourners. An unattended funeral is a cremation without a ceremony, on a date and at a location we choose, with the cremation fee included in the price. The care given to the person who has died is the same either way, and both include viewing in a private chapel by appointment. The table above sets out exactly what each one includes.

An attended funeral can be personalised in almost any way: music, readings, flowers, the coffin, transport, colours and dress code. With an unattended funeral there is no ceremony to personalise, but you can still choose the coffin, and many families hold their own farewell afterwards, in their own time. That might be a gathering, a scattering of the ashes, a religious service or a quiet day together.

No. You can choose any funeral director you like. Families often pick a local branch because it is easier to visit and because that team knows the crematoria, cemeteries and celebrants in the area, but the choice is entirely yours. Prices vary from branch to branch, so it is worth looking at the price list for the branches nearest you.

Payment options may be available to help spread the cost, and what is offered can vary depending on the services chosen and your circumstances. Tell your funeral director early if cost is a concern. They will explain which parts of a funeral are essential and which are optional, and can point you towards any financial support you may be entitled to. If you are planning ahead rather than arranging a funeral now, a funeral plan is another way to spread the cost.