Your rights and options
The main requirements in England and Wales are that a death is certified by a doctor or coroner, then registered with a registrar of births, marriages and deaths and the body either buried or cremated.
- You do not have to have a funeral ceremony
- You do not have to use a religious minister
- You do not have to use a funeral director
- A ceremony does not have to take place in a crematorium or other place of worship
> More on registering a death
Independent funerals
There are more options concerning the content of a funeral ceremony and its duration than many people realize. Woodland burial and other green options are becoming more increasingly available.
The majority of people choose to make their funeral arrangements through a funeral director. But some people see 'do-it-yourself' funerals as more personal and less expensive. If this approach appeals, and you have the time to research and prepare for your personal requirements, initial enquiries should be made to the cemeteries and crematorium administration of your local authority for guidance. You could also get information from the Natural Death Centre. Some funeral directors may be willing to assist in arranging such funerals.
> More on independent funerals
