What to Expect

A calm overview of the steps when someone dies, and where we can help along the way.

One step at a time

When someone dies there is a lot to take in. This is a gentle overview of the main steps, with links to more detail on each. Your funeral director will guide you through most of it, and our team is here whenever you need us.

What happens, step by step

Every family is different, but the journey usually looks something like this.

1. Register the death

A death is normally registered within five days with Worcestershire County Council. See our Register a Death page.

2. Burial or cremation

Decide between a burial or a cremation. Our Understanding Burials and Understanding Cremations guides walk through each.

3. Appoint a funeral director

A funeral director oversees the arrangements. We can’t recommend one, but the Good Funeral Guide is a helpful start.

4. Arrange the service

Your funeral director books the date and time with us and handles the paperwork, music and flowers. See Arranging a Service.

5. Choose a memorial

When you’re ready, choose a memorial to remember your loved one. See Memorial Options.

6. Look after yourself

Grief takes time, and support is there whenever you need it. See Looking After Yourself.