Arrange a cremation

The death of a loved one can be traumatic. Before a cremation can take place, the family must make certain arrangements and decisions.

Making funeral arrangements

Before a cremation can take place you will need to register the death with the registrar for births, deaths and marriages - unless a coroner has issued a Coroner's Order, and complete the necessary application forms.

It is the responsibility of the executor of the deceased's estate or next of kin to make the funeral arrangements, although many families choose to appoint a funeral director to help with making arrangements.

The funeral director will discuss the practical arrangements for the collection of the body with the family and will obtain the necessary medical certificates.

If you prefer, a funeral can be arranged without the services of a funeral director. In this case the executor, or nearest surviving relative, may arrange the burial service themselves. For further advice on arranging a funeral without a funeral director please contact Bereavement Services, details which can be found at the bottom of this page

Choosing a funeral director

The choice of funeral director is important - you should feel comfortable and confident with them. They may be known to you personally; may be recommended by a friend, your GP or religious adviser; or may just have a good reputation in your area.

Alternatively you can find a funeral director on one of these websites:

• Yellow Pages
• National Association of Funeral Directors
• Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

All funeral directors have a code of practice and should give you an estimate of costs - both their own and the fees they will pay on your behalf and add to your final bill. You can ask for this estimate in advance and it's a good idea to ask different firms to quote so that you can compare costs.

Your funeral director can make all the arrangements for the funeral, burial or cremation, religious or secular service. The funeral director can also advise on all the procedures and documents needed to register the death.

Arranging a funeral without a funeral director

It is often assumed that funerals for cremation or burial can only be arranged with the services of a funeral director. Legally there is no requirement for you to use a funeral director and anybody can organise and arrange a funeral themselves. Many people choose to use a professional funeral director to arrange all aspects of the funeral as this may appear daunting, not least from a practical point of view, as well as carrying out what some may feel are unpleasant and difficult tasks. It is of course your right to make this decision as to whether you use a funeral director or not. 

If you would like to make funeral arrangements without using a funeral director, please see our Advice on arranging a funeral without a funeral director for further information.

Do any religious groups forbid cremation?

All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation as do Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists. It is forbidden to Orthodox Jews and Muslims. You can hold a non-religious ceremony at the crematorium.

How do I make arrangements to be cremated?

It is important to make your wishes known to your next of kin or your executor. If you don't make your wishes known it may be assumed you had no preference towards burial or cremation and your wishes may not be carried out.

At what stage do relatives decide about the disposal of cremated remains?

The funeral director will discuss alternative arrangements for disposal with relatives. The cremated remains may be kept at the crematorium or at the funeral director's premises while the family makes a decision what to do with them.

Should items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation?

It's preferable for jewellery to be removed before cremation. You can discuss your requirements with the funeral director when making the funeral arrangements. It's not possible to recover any jewellery after the coffin has arrived at the crematorium.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges price list from 1 April 2020 (PDF) - fees and charges for burials, graves, cremations and memorials.

Contact us

Write to us: Bereavement Services, Leicester City Council, Gilroes Crematorium, Groby Road, LE3 9QG
Ring us on: 0116 373 7327
Send us a message