It’s often assumed that a funeral must be arranged through a professional funeral director, but this isn’t always the case. More people are now choosing to plan funerals themselves, creating something simpler, more personal, and often more affordable.
There is no legal requirement in the UK to use a funeral director. With careful preparation, a do-it-yourself funeral, often called a DIY funeral, can be a meaningful way to say goodbye to someone special, reflecting their personality and values in every detail.
In this article, we’ll explore what a DIY funeral involves, what to consider before arranging one, and how to navigate each step with confidence and care.
If you want more help and guidance in planning a personal farewell, try our free send-off planner, A Fine Farewell. This simple, AI-powered service gently guides you through planning a meaningful goodbye.
What is a DIY funeral?
A DIY funeral, or “do it yourself” funeral, allows you to take control of the arrangements from start to finish. You decide how your loved one is cared for, where the service takes place, and how their memory is honoured. You can still bring in professionals to help with certain elements, but the overall direction remains with you.
People choose DIY funerals for many reasons. Some want a ceremony that feels more personal and less traditional. Others are drawn to the idea of caring for their loved one themselves, seeing it as a final act of love. For some, the decision is financial, because DIY funerals can cost significantly less than those arranged through a funeral director.
While taking full responsibility for the arrangements can feel daunting, especially in the midst of grief, many families find comfort and meaning in the process.
Things to know before planning a DIY funeral
If you’re thinking about arranging a funeral without professional help, it’s important to understand what’s involved. Some tasks are practical and straightforward, while others require careful thought and organisation.
Before you begin, consider the following:
- Ask for help: Involve friends or family where possible. Sharing the responsibilities can ease the emotional and physical load.
- Understand your legal duties: You’ll need to register the death, complete the necessary paperwork, and make sure the burial or cremation complies with local regulations. For more guidance on what to do when someone dies, take a look at our free guide.
- Plan ahead: Book venues, arrange transport, and allow time for any required forms or approvals.
You can still work with professionals for certain aspects if needed, such as care of the body, buying the coffin, or arranging transport. A DIY funeral doesn’t mean you have to do absolutely everything yourself; it’s about having the freedom to decide what feels right.
Can you hold a DIY funeral at home?
Yes. You can hold part or all of a DIY funeral at home if that feels appropriate. Some families choose to have the service or a gathering in the garden, or to keep the ashes nearby until a later memorial or scattering.
Home funerals can feel intimate and deeply personal. They offer space and time to grieve, remember, and celebrate without the constraints of a formal service.
If you choose to hold a funeral or viewing at home, ensure the environment is peaceful and private. You’ll also need to consider logistics like seating, accessibility, and how you’ll manage the care of the body before the ceremony.
Can you transport a body yourself in the UK?
Yes, you can. There is no law requiring a funeral director to transport the body. You can use your own suitable vehicle, provided the coffin or shroud is secured properly and handled with care.
If you’re moving the body across regional borders, such as between England and Scotland, it’s advisable to contact the local Coroner or Procurator Fiscal first. Always carry the doctor’s medical certificate confirming the cause of death in case it’s requested during the journey.
Many families find it reassuring to take an active role in accompanying their loved one to the crematorium or burial site, making the farewell feel more personal.
Do you need a coffin for a DIY funeral?
In the UK, there’s no legal requirement to use a coffin. You can choose a simple shroud or an eco-friendly alternative instead. However, a coffin does make handling and transport easier and is usually required for cremations.
If you do want a coffin, there are many affordable and sustainable options available, from traditional wooden designs to wicker, cardboard, or fabric-covered versions that reflect the person’s character and values.
The cost of a DIY funeral
A DIY funeral can be much more affordable than a traditional service. By arranging the funeral yourself, you avoid many professional fees and can make choices that fit your budget.
That said, it isn’t necessarily the cheapest option. A direct, or pure, cremation, where the cremation takes place without a service, is typically the most cost-effective type of funeral, often costing around 60% less than even a basic DIY service. It also allows you to plan a separate, personal memorial or celebration of life at a time that feels right.
The key steps to arranging a DIY funeral
Knowing what needs to happen when someone dies can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step outline can help you stay organised and reassured as you plan.
1. Register the death
You must register the death within five days (eight in Scotland) at the local register office. You’ll need the medical certificate signed by a doctor. Once registered, you’ll receive the official death certificate, which allows you to proceed with other arrangements.
2. Choose between cremation and burial
This is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Cremation remains the most common choice in the UK, but burial may feel more appropriate for cultural, personal, or environmental reasons.
Think about what your loved one would have wanted, and what feels right for your family.
3. Book the crematorium or burial site
If you’ve chosen cremation, you’ll need to contact your chosen crematorium directly to arrange a date. You’ll be asked to complete an “Authority for the Disposal of Cremated Remains” form, along with any relevant documentation.
Some crematoria allow you to complete this process online. You may also be asked to provide details about music, readings, or personal touches for the service.
4. Care for the body
In a traditional funeral, the funeral director stores and prepares the body. For a DIY funeral, you’ll need to make arrangements yourself. Ideally, keep the body somewhere cool and private, such as a well-ventilated room or temporary refrigeration if available.
Try to hold the funeral within a few days, or within a week at most, to ensure dignity and proper care.
5. Arrange transport
You can use a hired hearse, estate car, van, or any suitable vehicle. Make sure the coffin is secure and handled with respect. If you’re organising a burial, gather enough people to act as pallbearers to carry or lower the coffin.
6. Choose a final resting place
If you’ve chosen burial, you can arrange for a plot in a local cemetery, churchyard, woodland burial ground, or even on private land (with permission).
If your loved one is being cremated, you might wish to keep, bury, or scatter their ashes somewhere meaningful.
Pure Cremation offers the option of scattering the ashes of a loved one in a garden of remembrance on the beautiful grounds of our crematoria.
7. Gather loved ones to honour their memory
A DIY funeral allows complete freedom over how you say goodbye. Some families prefer a quiet farewell, while others plan a larger celebration of life filled with memories, photos, and music.
Anyone can lead the service: a relative, a close friend, or you yourself. What matters most is that the farewell feels true to the person being remembered.
Types of DIY funerals
You can shape a DIY funeral in many ways, depending on your loved one’s wishes, beliefs, and your family’s preferences. Popular options include:
- Traditional burial in a cemetery or churchyard
- Woodland or green burial in a natural setting
- Cremation, followed by a private memorial
- Burial at sea, for those with a connection to the water
- Memorial service or celebration of life held after cremation
- Religious or spiritual funeral, led by a faith leader or family member
- Direct cremation, with no service at the crematorium and a later farewell
Each option offers its own sense of meaning and flexibility, allowing families to plan something personal and heartfelt.
Is a DIY funeral right for you?
Choosing a DIY funeral depends on your confidence, time, and emotional readiness. Some families find the process empowering, while others prefer professional support to ease the burden.
A DIY funeral can be a beautiful way to take control of the arrangements and ensure the farewell reflects the person you loved. It can also provide a sense of peace, knowing you’ve personally cared for them right to the end.
If you’re looking for a simpler, lower-cost option without the pressure of managing every detail, a pure cremation may be worth considering. It offers the same dignity and respect as a traditional funeral, but without the formality or expense.
Personal touches and creative ideas for a DIY funeral
A DIY funeral allows for creativity and individuality. Here are a few thoughtful ways to make it personal:
- Choose flowers that reflect their favourite colours or season
- Create a photo display or memory table
- Write and share personal tributes or poems
- Handcraft an order of service or keepsake booklet
- Record or stream the ceremony for those who cannot attend
- Collect donations for a charity close to their heart
- Organise a later celebration, like a picnic or gathering at their favourite place
It’s these personal details that make a farewell feel meaningful and memorable.
Getting help with the cost of a DIY funeral
If you’re struggling with the financial side of arranging a funeral, you may be eligible for support.
Government help is available through the Funeral Expenses Payment for those on qualifying benefits. Some families also use crowdfunding platforms or community fundraisers to cover costs.
Alternatively, a funeral plan can help reduce stress in the future by allowing you to plan and pay for a funeral in advance.
A personal, meaningful farewell
Arranging a DIY funeral can be a rewarding and deeply personal experience. It allows you to create a farewell that truly reflects your loved one’s life, values, and spirit, on your terms, at your own pace.
And if you ever decide that some professional support would be helpful, Pure Cremation is here to guide you.
