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A funeral can be arranged without a funeral director. There are a number of options you can explore when trying to arrange a funeral. One option is to arrange an independent funeral.
An independent or personalised funeral is a funeral that is organised by the bereaved without a funeral director. More information on how to arrange services for an independent funeral can be found in the Charter for the Bereaved.
A funeral director organises services such as embalming, collecting, moving and viewing the deceased, providing a coffin, hearse and other elements.
Some people choose not to use a funeral director as they:
If you choose an independent funeral you can get help with some services from a funeral facilitator.
A funeral facilitator is a term sometimes used to describe the person or people who help arrange the funeral on behalf of the family. It is a generic term for those people who are not directly employed by funeral directors but who assist families with arranging funerals.
The funeral facilitator may assist with certain services such as offering their vehicle to carry the coffin and handling of the body, they may also offer body preparation services.
It is your right to:
If you have any questions about arranging a funeral without a funeral director, please email crem@bedford.gov.uk