What is a DIY funeral?

Planning a funeral is one of life’s most profound responsibilities. Often shaped by personal beliefs, family traditions, and individual wishes, in recent years, more people are choosing to take a hands-on approach to saying goodbye to their loved ones with a DIY funeral. A DIY funeral, also known as a Direct It Yourself funeral or a family-led funeral service, involves arranging and conducting a funeral without the help of a traditional funeral director. This means families take on the responsibility of organising all aspects of the funeral themselves. While the idea of organising a funeral without the full services of a traditional funeral director may feel daunting, it’s a choice rooted in care and a desire for simplicity.

Throughout this blog we will explore the concept of a DIY funeral, shedding light on why some may choose this path and what it entails. From handling legal responsibilities to arranging transportation, creating heartfelt ceremonies, and choosing meaningful resting places, a DIY funeral gives you the flexibility to honour a loved one in a truly personal way. Whether you’re seeking a more intimate farewell, aiming to reduce costs, or wish to take an active role in the process, understanding the ins and outs of a DIY funeral can help you decide if it’s the right option for you and your family.

Can I do a funeral myself?

Yes, a DIY funeral, also referred to as a family-led funeral service, allows you to organise a funeral on your own so that you can tailor the service to the personal wishes of your family and departed loved one. In the UK, there is no legal requirement for a funeral director to be involved in arranging a funeral, making it a viable alternative funeral option. This type of funeral is a deeply personal one that gives you the chance to take the lead when it comes to making all of the necessary decisions, allowing for more flexibility and control to customise the service to best reflect the deceased’s life and preferences. 

Although a DIY funeral may be the best option for you and your family, there are a few things to know before planning funeral without a funeral director including:

• Ask for help. Arranging a funeral yourself can be overwhelming, especially in the throes of grief, therefore asking for help from close friends or family may be best to help minimise stress and provide support.
• Get the correct paperwork in order. There are many legal aspects to planning a funeral that you may not be aware of without the presence of a funeral director. It’s important to complete the correct paperwork and submit necessary documents on time such as death certificates, insurance details and certificates for burial and cremation. Head to our blog for more information on what paperwork you need to arrange a funeral to learn more.
• Consider taking care of the deceased. Typically, with the presence of a funeral director, the departed will be kept in a mortuary, but with a DIY funeral, you must arrange for a suitable place for them to be kept before the funeral. You must also plan how they will then be transported to the burial or cremation site on the day of the funeral.

For more information on what you must consider when planning a funeral, head on over to our blog ‘A guide to arranging your own funeral’ for further insight and guidance on vital elements of this planning process.

What are the benefits of a DIY funeral?

If you choose to plan a Direct-It-Yourself funeral, there are many benefits, especially for those looking for a more personal and cost-saving alternative to traditional services. Below are a few of the key advantages a DIY funeral can have in comparison to using a traditional funeral director.

Create a more personalised service

Although you can work with a funeral director to create a personal service meaningful to you and your loved ones, a DIY funeral gives you even more control over creating a farewell that truly reflects the life, values, and personality of the person who has died. From choosing your own venue to writing personal tributes and selecting music and readings that hold special meaning, a DIY funeral gives you complete creative freedom. With the option to involve friends and relatives in the ceremony and choosing alternative venues for burials and services, like at a favourite nature spot or a quiet gathering at home, you can tailor the service to be truly unique

More cost-effective

Typically, DIY funerals are a cheaper alternative due to the absence of fees associated with a funeral director’s full service. This type of funeral allows you the freedom to source coffins, transportation, and venues independently, giving you the chance to find more affordable options. Meaningful touches to the funeral like handmade orders of service, family-arranged flowers, and home-catered wakes can also reduce costs while adding a personal warmth.

Allows greater control and involvement

A DIY funeral means you are in charge of every aspect of the arrangements, which can be both empowering and comforting for those seeking greater involvement in their loved one’s final goodbye. From organising logistics and legal requirements to leading the ceremony, a DIY funeral can offer a sense of purpose, connection, and closure. However, it is important to note that arranging a funeral yourself can be emotionally and practically demanding and requires a significant amount of planning and organisation. Therefore, we suggest leaning on family members and loved ones for support during this process to reduce the emotional toll it may have.

How much does a DIY funeral cost?

​The cost of a DIY funeral in the UK specifically can vary significantly based on choices such as burial or cremation, location, and the extras like flowers, transportation, etc. Generally speaking, DIY funerals are more affordable than traditional ones, primarily because they eliminate funeral director fees, which often account for a substantial portion of the total cost. While a traditional funeral averages around £4,285, a DIY funeral can be arranged for considerably less.

For instance, opting for a cremation over a burial can be more cost-effective, and choosing a simple coffin, such as a cardboard one, can cost less than a traditional wooden or metal one. Additional expenses like transportation, venue hire and officiants can all be minimised or avoided by using personal connections and resources. For more information on funeral costs, head to our blog ‘The cost of dying crisis: Average funeral costs in the UK’ to find out more.

It’s important to note that while DIY funerals can be more economical, they do require careful planning and a clear understanding of legal responsibilities.​ If you wish to arrange a funeral by yourself but are uncertain about specific aspects and what is needed, do not hesitate to call on professionals for certain services or seek guidance from organisations such as the Natural Death Centre or the Good Funeral Guide.

Plan the perfect funeral with Heart of England

Whether you decide to plan your own DIY funeral or you’re interested in the services we offer here at Heart of England, get in touch with one of our funeral directors today to find out how we can help you plan the right service.