You don't have to use a funeral director. There's no legal requirement to, and some families find that arranging the funeral themselves is a meaningful last act of care. It takes more organising, and it's worth sharing the tasks among family and friends.
You can also mix and match - for example, using a funeral director only to look after the person until the funeral, and doing everything else yourselves. Funeral directors publish standard price lists, so you can ask what individual services cost.
What you'll need to do
1. Register the death
You'll still need the certificate for burial or cremation - the "green form" - from the registrar. See how to register a death.
2. Look after the person until the funeral
The body needs to be kept cool. If the person died in hospital, the hospital mortuary may be able to keep them until the funeral - ask.
3. Book the crematorium, cemetery or burial ground
Contact them directly. They'll explain their requirements - for example, the paperwork they need, the type of coffin they accept, and how many people are needed to carry it.
4. Get a coffin
You can buy one directly - wood, wicker, bamboo or cardboard. Check first that it meets the crematorium's or burial ground's requirements.
5. Arrange transport
An estate car or van can be used, as long as the coffin fits safely and with dignity.
6. Plan the service
You can hold a service at the crematorium or cemetery chapel, at a place of worship, somewhere else that matters to you - or not at all.
Burial on private land
Burial on private land is possible, but there are rules about where a grave can go, particularly near water. Check with the local council and the Environment Agency before you plan anything.
Where to get help
The Natural Death Centre
A charity, publishes practical guidance for families arranging funerals themselves.
Natural burial grounds
Are often used to families doing things themselves, and many will guide you through the process.
- Our funeral documents guide explains the paperwork.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
See also Natural and woodland burial.
Common questions
Do I have to use a funeral director?
No. There's no legal requirement to use one.
What do I need to arrange a funeral myself?
The green form from the registrar, somewhere cool to keep the person, a booking with the crematorium or burial ground, a suitable coffin, transport and a plan for the service.
Can I use a funeral director for only part of it?
Yes. For example, you could use one only to look after the person until the funeral, and do everything else yourselves.
Can someone be buried on private land?
It's possible, but there are rules about where a grave can go, particularly near water. Check with the local council and the Environment Agency first.
Where can I get help?
The Natural Death Centre, a charity, publishes practical guidance, and natural burial grounds are often used to helping families who arrange things themselves.