Planning a burial might have been done by the deceased before they died. It's increasingly common for people to plan their burial in advance and leave specific instructions to be followed as closely as possible by their loved ones.
Often, however, the family will have to make all the arrangements in the emotionally challenging period after the loss of their loved one. As with so many aspects of funeral planning, the key to doing this successfully lies in arranging a service that truly reflects the life and personality of the deceased. If this can be achieved, their life and memory will be properly honoured and celebrated.
Planning a burial service will depend on many factors including the following:
The deceased's personal preferences
The available budget
The cultural and religious background of the deceased and their family
Some people have very strong religious beliefs or views about what they want to happen after their death. This requires friends and family to show great sensitivity and respect for their loved one's wishes at what is an emotionally charged time. That's why it's so helpful if clear instructions have been left for friends and family in one of the following ways:
Written instructions in a will or letter of wishes
Verbal instructions to next of kin
Online instructions with a reputable online funeral planning service
Over the last decade, burial costs have risen consistently faster than the rate of inflation. Based on recent surveys, the typical cost of burial in the UK now is £4,927. (Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2022). Even the cost of burial plots alone varies considerably depending on location. Prices ranging from a few hundred pounds (rural Wales) to several thousand pounds (Greater London) are widely reported.
The following documentation currently applies to the UK burial process:
A Notice of Burial when a funeral is confirmed
Deed of Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial (where burial will be in an existing grave)
A Coroner's Order for Burial (if there is an inquest)
A registrar's green disposal certificate (where a coroner's certificate is not issued)
Always seek professional advice and confirmation of the exact documentation requirements. And remember that, if the death occurs outside England or Wales, or on a foreign ship or aircraft, different forms will be needed.
A funeral service is distinguished from a memorial service by the presence of a body. Sometimes, there will be just one service; in other cases, a funeral and burial might be followed by a separate memorial service.
Where there's no burial (perhaps the deceased has donated their body to medical research), there might only be a memorial service.
Entry of the coffin
Welcome and introduction
Readings and sermon
Prayers
The committal (at the graveside)
While the basic format may be determined by religious protocol, there's still enormous scope to personalise the burial service. Here are a few suggestions:
A specially chosen person to lead the ceremony
Readings
Flowers or plants that are meaningful to the deceased
A carefully prepared eulogy by a friend or family member
Stories from the deceased's life
Carefully selected funeral and burial poems
The presence of personal possessions
The presence (in the flesh or in images) of beloved pets.
Personalised service and burial music
Alternative burial ceremonies
Pros
Compliance with religious or cultural beliefs
Burial with other family members
Burial (especially in a burial shroud rather than a coffin) can actually be more environmentally friendly than cremation
Careful management of burial ground allows land to be reused in the future
Cons
Generally higher cost
More ground space is used up by burial
Remains cannot be taken home or scattered elsewhere
Concern about what will happen to remains over time