BBC - Relationships - Coping with grief

The essentials... Bereavement isn't just emotionally draining - you can also feel overwhelmed by practical duties, especially if you're responsible for arranging the funeral. Here you'll find a guide to the essentials.

In this section

What happens first
A practical look at the tasks that need to be done

Registering the death
How to go about it, and what's involved in an inquest

Who else needs to know?
A checklist of people and organisations to inform

Placing notices and obituaries
Composing these can be therapeutic rather than a chore

Options for a funeral
There are more choices available than you may realise

Choosing a funeral director
Don't be afraid to shop around for someone you trust

When there's no body
When this is the case, you may need to find a focus for grief

Cremation versus burial
We look at the advantages and drawbacks of these alternatives

Arranging the funeral
An overview of what's involved and where to start

Holding a wake or vigil
A look at the traditions and alternatives available today

Arranging the flowers
Who liaises with the florist and what are the options?

Choosing a coffin, urn or headstone
Some of the alternatives for coffins and memorials

Placing things in or on the coffin
The practicalities and potential restrictions of this custom

Memorials and living tributes
Traditional types of gravestone and their alternatives

Personalising the funeral
Personal touches to celebrate the life of the deceased

Other religions and non-religious funerals
There are many different rituals to mark the end of a life

The funeral procession
Find out how etiquette and the law apply to the cortege

Funerals around the world
A look at the rituals of other countries and cultures

After-service refreshments
Options for the reception after the funeral service

Coming home
Dealing with that difficult time when the funeral's over

Paying for the funeral
Including what to do if you need help covering the cost

Probate and wills
Who deals with the deceased's property and debts?

			Also in Lifestyle Making a will Coping with bereavement Further reading Useful contacts	Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk BBC iCan Elsewhere on the web Bereavement Advice Centre If I Should Die independent advice
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