Rowland Brothers

Funeral Arranging FAQs: What Every Family Should Know

Daisy Lucas
Funeral Arranging FAQs: What Every Family Should Know

Hearse with floral wreath. Ritual funeral services in a European city.

Families come to us with a lot of questions, which is completely understandable. Most people haven’t arranged a funeral before and when the time comes, it can feel like there’s an enormous amount to figure out very quickly.

We’ve pulled together the questions we hear most often, with honest answers to each one.

As soon as you feel ready to make contact. There’s no set timeframe, but most funerals take place within two weeks of the death. Getting in touch with a funeral director early means less pressure later; they’ll guide you through each step at a pace that suits you.

Not necessarily. While there are practical reasons funerals tend to happen within a couple of weeks, the timescale can be flexible depending on circumstances. If family members are travelling from abroad, or a coroner is involved, things may take longer. Your funeral director will manage all of that.

This is probably the question we get asked most. Costs vary depending on the type of funeral, whether burial or cremation is chosen, and what’s included. In the UK, the average cost of a funeral is currently around £4,000, though this figure can be higher or lower. We always provide a clear, itemised quote upfront so there are no surprises.

Burial involves interring the body in a grave, typically at a cemetery or churchyard. Cremation reduces the body to ashes, which can then be kept, scattered, or interred. Both are widely chosen and neither is more respectful than the other. It often comes down to personal, religious or cultural preference.

Absolutely and we’d encourage it. From the music and readings to the choice of flowers, coffin and venue, a funeral can reflect the person’s life and character in all sorts of ways. Some families choose a traditional service; others prefer something more informal or celebratory. There’s no right answer.

It falls to the next of kin to make the arrangements. If there’s no will or written wishes, the family decides on a funeral plan together. A good funeral director will help navigate those conversations and make sure the choices feel right for everyone involved.

No. A funeral can be secular, humanist or led by a celebrant of any faith. Many families mix elements — a religious committal at the graveside with a non-religious service beforehand, for example. We work with clergy, celebrants and officiants of all backgrounds and faiths.

Yes, and more people are doing this. A pre-arranged funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and, in many cases, fix the cost at today’s prices. It takes the burden from your family at a very difficult time. Our funeral plans page has more detail on how this works.

There’s more paperwork than most people expect. The death needs to be registered, a medical certificate issued and various forms completed before a funeral can take place. Your funeral director handles most of this and tells you what you need to provide. If a coroner is involved, there are additional steps, but again, you won’t be left to manage that alone.

Our FAQs page covers a wide range of topics in more detail. And of course, you can always call or visit us directly. There’s no obligation, and no question is too small.

Here to Help Families Across Croydon

At Rowland Brothers, we’ve been supporting families with funeral arranging in Croydon and across South London for over 150 years. We know these conversations aren’t easy, and we never rush them.

If you’d like to talk through your options, whether you’ve recently been bereaved or want to plan ahead, we’re here whenever you’re ready.

Steve Rowland

Author

Steve Rowland,
News and Funerals

Steve Rowland is a funeral professional with over 40 years’ experience supporting families with care and integrity. A key figure at Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors, he also leads global repatriations through Rowland Brothers International and serves as a director of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans. As a founding member of the National Association for Funeral Plan Providers, Steve has championed ethical standards and transparent pre-paid funeral plans while remaining committed to modernising funeral services with respect for tradition.

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