Common Funeral Questions

 The most-asked questions about funerals…

…are to do with when they are held.

This is either searching when an upcoming service IS taking place (See Facebook post of 7 Aug 2023 for tips), or when it MAY or CAN be held.

Can you have a funeral on a Saturday? Can you have  a funeral on a Sunday? A twilight funeral? What about alternative locations for funerals? These are some of the popular questions.

So, here are 20 factoids you need to know:
They refer to funerals in England - there are different arrangements elsewhere.

1. Most funerals take place on weekdays typically between 9 – 4

2. Friday is the most favoured day - as it's more practical for arranging leave before the weekend.

3. Popular times are late morning & around lunch. These will book up fastest. You may have a wait if there's a particular day and time you have in mind.

4. Weekend funerals may be offered by churches, some crematoria & funeral directors at request. This may incur extra charges.

5. Some crematoria have ‘dynamic pricing’ – popular ‘slots’ cost more.

6. Shorter crem services, those for committal only, or unattended services (direct cremation), are cheaper. Ask your local bereavement services if the fees vary between days, times, and service chapels.

7. You may separate final disposition (what happens to the body) from ceremony (the celebration of life) and have them on different days. This can save money, distress and the rush to make arrangements.

8. Crematoria vary in the services available daily, due to the standard service length at each – from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Some worry that shorter services give a production-line feel, especially if mourners leaving and arriving cross. There are more options to avoid this.

9. Funeral days/times are a compromise between your preference, and logistics (e.g., how busy your funeral director is & their prep & travel between services – many independents have just 1 hearse).

10. Burial times may depend on season – with a shorter window as it gets dark earlier. Natural/green burial sites will advise you on the practicalities of a burial at their site.

11. Funeral celebrants offer the greatest flexibility over day, time (including twilight services) & location of farewelling, so contact them first. 

12. Most UK funerals take place 2-3 weeks after a death.

13. Many religious funerals within 24 hours if practicable (Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish – but not on Shabbat), or a few days (Catholic).

14. There are more options for burial than you might think. You can be buried on your own land (subject to some regulations) .Even if you are not religious, you may be buried in your parish church, if there’s room. 

15. Funerals may be delayed if a coroner’s report is required (not needed if a person dies within 4 weeks of being seen by a doctor for a condition)

16. For special requests, there may be a lead-time to factor in (e.g., availability of a themed hearse, custom-order coffin or shroud) 

17. You may choose ANY crematorium. It doesn’t have to be the local one.

18. You may choose ANY location for the service, full stop!

19. Some funeral homes have their own service chapel. This may give you more privacy and an intimate feel.
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20. Funeral celebrants specialise in alternative locations, such as a service at home, the village hall, or a venue barn or outdoor space (they’re not just for weddings!).