Arrange a funeral

..and save time, trouble and money

Yes, you can legally arrange a direct cremation in advance for or for yourself of your relative in the UK; you are not required to use a funeral director. This is often referred to as a “DIY funeral” and can be a more cost-effective and personal approach. 

However, arranging it yourself means you will be responsible for several practical and administrative tasks, or you can use a direct cremation provider to handle most of the logistics. 

Steps for arranging a direct cremation yourself

If you choose to handle the arrangements without a professional, you will need to manage the following tasks:

• Register the death: You must register the death with the local registrar’s office in the area where the person died within five days (eight days in Scotland). You will receive necessary documentation, including the “green form” for burial or cremation.
• Obtain medical certificates: For a cremation, you’ll generally need a medical certificate of cause of death from a doctor. If a coroner is not involved, you will need additional paperwork (e.g., forms 4 and 5) signed by two independent doctors, each charging a fee. The registrar will provide the necessary forms or guidance on how to obtain them.
• Care for the deceased: You will need to make arrangements for the care and storage of the body until the cremation. This might involve keeping the body at home in a cool room or arranging temporary refrigeration.
• Purchase a coffin: You’ll need to source and purchase a suitable coffin or shroud that is compatible with the crematorium’s requirements.
• Book the crematorium: You must contact the crematorium directly to book a date and time for the unattended cremation. Be sure to check their specific requirements and paperwork needed.
• Transport the body: You are responsible for transporting the deceased to the crematorium in a suitable, roadworthy vehicle. You do not need a hearse or special insurance, but the coffin must be secured.
• Collect the ashes: After the cremation, you will need to arrange to collect the ashes from the crematorium, or arrange for their scattering in the garden of remembrance. 

Alternatives to a fully DIY approach

If managing all these steps feels overwhelming during a time of grief, you have other options:

• Use a Direct Cremation Provider: National or local providers specialize in direct cremations and handle all the logistics, paperwork, and transportation for a set, lower cost, while allowing you the flexibility to hold a separate memorial later. This provides professional support without the cost of a traditional funeral director.
• Hire a Funeral Director for specific tasks: Some independent funeral directors may offer “mix and match” services, assisting with specific elements like transport or care of the body if needed.