A step-by-step guide to planning a funeral

Planning a funeral is one of the most meaningful and emotional responsibilities a person can undertake. During a period of grief, it can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions. That’s why having a structured guide is invaluable — it helps you navigate the process with clarity and peace of mind, while honouring the life and memory of your loved one.

As funeral directors, our role is to provide compassionate support, expert guidance, and careful attention to detail through every step. We are to be guided by your wishes. Whether you're planning a funeral in advance or arranging services after someone has died, this guide is designed to help you understand each part of the process.

1. Notify the relevant authorities

The first step when a loved one dies is to ensure the death is legally declared. If the individual dies in a hospital, hospice facility, or nursing home, the staff will usually take care of this and guide you through the immediate next steps.

If the death occurs at home and is unexpected, you should call 999. Paramedics and police may arrive to assess the situation and pronounce the death. In some cases, the coroner or medical examiner may also become involved.

Once the death has been officially verified, the chosen funeral director should be contacted to arrange collection. You can contact us on our immediate assistance out of hours phone number 020 7387 6075. We can bring your loved one into our care at any time of day or night.

2. Choose a funeral director

Choosing a funeral director is a deeply personal decision. Some families have long-standing relationships with a local provider, while others may be selecting one for the first time. Either way, look for a funeral director that is:

  • Compassionate and professional
  • Transparent about pricing and services
  • Experienced with your cultural or religious preferences
  • Willing to personalise the service to fit your needs

You’ll be working closely with the funeral director, so it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in their care.

3. Meet with the funeral director to begin arrangements

Your first in-person, virtual meeting or phone call with the funeral director will cover a wide range of decisions. The initial meeting usually includes:

  • Obtaining key information about the deceased
  • Reviewing any pre-planned funeral instructions, if available
  • Discussing burial or cremation options
  • Discussing options for dates if registration has taken place and location for services
  • Reviewing the budget and payment options

If your loved one pre-arranged or pre-paid for services, this meeting will also involve reviewing those records and confirming their wishes.

4. Decide between burial and cremation

One of the most significant choices is whether the deceased is buried or cremated. This decision often reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of the family or the deceased.

Burial typically includes:

  • Embalming (if a viewing is planned)
  • A coffin
  • Purchase of a cemetery plot
  • A headstone or grave marker

Cremation will include:

  • Embalming (if a viewing is planned)
  • A committal of the deceased either by direct cremation (with or without a memorial service) or cremation after a traditional funeral
  • A coffin
  • Options for scattering, interring, or keeping the ashes

As funeral directors, we will help you understand the legal requirements, costs, and timelines associated with each option.

5. Select funeral options

Depending on the type of service, you may need to choose various funeral service options. These may include:

  • Coffins (wood, metal, eco-friendly)
  • Urns (metal, ceramic, biodegradable)
  • Outer burial containers, vaults or liners, sometimes required by cemeteries
  • Memorial items (prayer cards, guest books, candles)

A reputable funeral director will provide a price list, which details all available items and services so that you can make informed decisions within your budget. You can view all our prices here or use our estimator tool in your own time and anonymously if you prefer.

6. Plan the service

Funeral and memorial services are deeply personal and can range from traditional religious ceremonies to contemporary celebrations of life. Your funeral director will help you plan a service that reflects the personality, beliefs, and legacy of your loved one.

Common service elements include:

  • Clergy or celebrant to officiate
  • Recorded musical selections or live performances
  • Readings, poems, or scripture
  • Eulogies or remembrances
  • Slideshows or video tributes
  • Military honours (if applicable)
  • Cultural or religious rituals

Services can be held at a funeral home, place of worship, private residence, graveside, or any location meaningful to the family.

7. Coordinate with the cemetery - if applicable

If burial is chosen, the next step is coordinating with the cemetery. Tasks may include:

  • Purchasing or confirming ownership of a burial plot
  • Understanding cemetery rules and regulations (e.g., grave markers, flowers)

We often work closely with cemeteries and can assist with communication, scheduling, and documentation.

8. Arrange an online death notice or obituary – if applicable

An obituary is more than a death notice — it’s a story that honours the life of the deceased. It typically includes:

  • Full name, age, and hometown
  • Date and place of birth and death
  • Names of surviving family members
  • Brief life story, career, hobbies, or accomplishments
  • Funeral or memorial service details
  • Information about memorial contributions

Funeral directors can help to arrange notices and obituaries in local newspapers and online platforms. You may also choose to create a memorial website for guests to leave condolences and share memories.

You can view our tributes and donations page here.

9. Organise a reception

Many families choose to host a reception or wake after the service to continue sharing memories, food, and fellowship. Consider:

  • Location (church hall, funeral director reception area, family home, or restaurant)
  • Catering
  • Décor, memory tables, or photo displays
  • A guestbook or memory journal

This gathering provides a comforting, communal space for support and storytelling.

10. Handle administrative details

In the days and weeks following the funeral, there are practical matters that need attention. You will need to provide certified copies of the death certificate, which are required for:

  • Closing bank accounts
  • Accessing life insurance or benefits
  • Handling estate and legal matters
  • Transferring property or assets

Depending on the circumstances, the list of people and organisations you need to notify will differ.

11. Seek bereavement support

Grief doesn’t end with the funeral. Many people find it helpful to seek support in the weeks and months and years that follow. Funeral directors may offer:

  • Grief counselling or referrals
  • Support groups
  • Memorial events or remembrance services
  • Resources for children or teens coping with loss

You can find a full list of helpful support and organisations here

We provide all our clients with 6 free sessions of bereavement counselling through our independent provider should you want it.

Taking care of emotional well-being is a vital part of the healing journey. Encourage family members to be gentle with themselves and seek help when needed.

Final thoughts

Every life is unique, and every farewell should reflect that. Planning a funeral may feel daunting, but with the right guidance and support, it can become a beautiful, healing experience. As funeral directors, our purpose is to ease the burden and help families create a tribute that honours a life with dignity, love, and respect.

Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, we’re here to walk beside you — step by step. If you have any questions or need to organise a funeral, do not hesitate to get in touch with us with no obligation. We are here to help however we can.

You can contact us at any of our 5 branches or by e-mail: info@levertons.co.uk. Our office hours are 9am to 5pm, but for immediate assistance out of hours call 020 7387 6075.

Hannah Leverton

Contact Hannah

For any Media & Press enquiries please get in touch with me.

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Need immediate assistance? Please get in touch. In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us out of our regular office hours, do call us. We can arrange collection 24 hours a day.

We recently had a funeral with Levertons and as a family we were astonished by the impeccable service they provided. Their professionalism, support, dignity and overall knowledge was fantastic. Our family member Janet had pre paid her own funeral and this was a seamless service with no hidden fees. Deborah was so professional and polite and approachable that it made their service Ben better. Deborah's knowledge was second to none and made the whole process easier. Out family have been using Levertons for many years - over 25 years and this is why our family continues to to use their service..

Review by Siobhan C left on 03 Sep 2025

TRUSTist

I went with Leverton as I really had no idea where to start with planning a funeral, and a family member had used their services previously. Michael was enormously helpful at a very stressful time, making everything super easy for me when I had no idea how things worked. He was always at the end of an email with a quick reply whatever the question or request. On the day, the funeral service was really lovely and well run. All their arrangements went super smoothly and they accommodated whatever request we had. If you’re anything like I was (doing this for the first time, at a bit of a loss, and just wanting some kind help planning a good funeral) I highly highly recommend Leverton.

Review by Phoebe R left on 03 Sep 2025

Google

I cannot praise Leverton and Sons highly enough. The professionalism, organisation and empathy they showed in organising my mother's funeral was of the highest standard. There was incredible attention to detail and the service was flawless. A huge thank you to all involved.

Review by Christian A left on 02 Sep 2025

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This has got to be the worst florists I’ve ever been to.

Review by Paul W left on 31 Aug 2025

Google

I made my initial appointment with Lorna Walkden at Kentish Town Branch. My friend had passed very unexpectedly. Lorna made the whole Process easy for me to understand. Could not recommend Leverton & Sons enough.

Review by Angel left on 17 Aug 2025

Google

Myself and family had exceptional service from Leverton & Sons. Very pleased and thankful for Lorna who helped guide me through the options with ease. Also much appreciation for the celebrant chosen for us Mr Andrew Pavlibeyi and the prompt and professional drivers. We would highly recommend Leverton & Sons services to anyone in need.

Review by David P left on 15 Aug 2025

Google

Lorna really made the whole expirience of organising my sons viewings and funeral very meaningful. She held me when my world fell apart and helped me piece together detailed tributes to honour my son Jamie. She was available in person, on the phone and via email when ever I needed. The funeral was beautiful. She made the hardest most painful time of my life very touching. Every detail was included and I felt guided and supported to make choices at my speed.

Review by Itahisa A left on 15 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Leverton conducted both my parents’ funerals. Deborah is a consummate professional and their service was faultless throughout on both occasions. Thank you.

Review by Richard H left on 09 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Ellen B left on 07 Aug 2025

Google

James was sincere and responsive to our needs throughout. There was genuine integrity in their service they went above and beyond what I expected.

Review by Chris D left on 07 Aug 2025

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