Our glossary of funeral terms

A

Administrator
The person managing your loved one’s estate in certain circumstances, such as if there’s no will or the named executors aren’t willing to act. Find out more about the administrator’s role here.

Ashes
The remains of your loved one after cremation. Wondering what to do with them? We can help.

Ashes casket
A special box for burying your loved one’s ashes. It’s a dignified way to lay them to rest.

Asset
Anything of value from your loved one’s estate, including property, savings or belongings like jewellery, heirlooms, collectables or electronic devices.

Autopsy
A post-death medical examination that helps determine how and why your loved one passed away.

 

B

Beneficiary
Someone who inherits from a will or insurance policy. You might be one.

Bequest
A gift left in a will. It could be anything from cash to collectables.

Bereaved
Those mourning the loss of a loved one. If that’s you, we’re here to support you.

Bereavement leave
Time off work to grieve and arrange your loved one’s funeral and legal affairs. Sometimes known as ‘compassionate leave’. Check your company policy.

Bereavement support payment
Government help if your spouse or civil partner dies. It’s worth looking into.

Burial
Laying your loved one to rest in the ground. We’ll guide you through the process.

Burial site
Where the burial happens. We can help you choose the perfect spot.

 

C

Casket
A container for your loved one (see coffin and ashes casket). Come in various materials to suit your needs.

Catafalque
A decorative stand for your loved one’s casket or coffin during the funeral or memorial service. Adds a touch of dignity.

Celebrant
The person leading the funeral or memorial service. This could be a vicar, a humanist or secular celebrant, a family friend or even you.

Celebration of life
An upbeat service focusing on happy memories of your loved one. It’s becoming more popular.

Certificate for Burial or Cremation
A must-have document before the funeral. Sometimes known as a ‘Green Form’. We can help sort it for you.

Chapel of Rest
Where you can spend time with your loved one before the funeral. Take as long as you need.

Coffin
A six-sided container for your loved one. We have options to suit all tastes and budgets (see Casket).

Committal service
The final goodbye at the funeral. It’s your last chance to say farewell to your loved one.

Coroner
Investigates unexpected deaths on behalf of the Crown (see Autopsy). They’ll help you find answers if needed.

Cremation
An alternative to burying your loved one. The final disposition of their body in a specially-designed furnace which turns it into ashes. We’ll explain the whole process.

Cremated remains
Another name for ashes. There are many ways to honour your loved one.

Crematorium
Where cremations happen. We know all the local ones.

 

D

Death Certificate
The official proof of death. You’ll need it for various legal matters.

Death notice
An announcement of the death, usually in a local newspaper or online. We can help you write it

Disbursement fees
The costs we pay on your behalf, like crematorium fees. We’ll keep you informed on what’s involved.

 

E

Eco-friendly funeral
A green send-off. Great for environmentally conscious loved ones.

Embalming
Preserving your loved one’s body. It’s optional, and we’ll discuss if it’s right for you.

Estate
Everything your loved one owned, including their property, savings and investments and personal effects.

Eulogy
A speech about your loved one at the funeral. We can help you write it if you’re stuck.

Executor
The person named in the will to handle the estate. It’s a big job, but we’re here to help.

Exhumation
Moving a buried body. It’s rare but sometimes necessary.

 

F

Funeral
The ceremony to say goodbye. We’ll make it exactly as you want it.

Funeral director
That’s us! We’re here to guide you through everything.

Funeral expenses payment
Government help with funeral costs if you’re on benefits. We can advise you.

Funeral plan
Pay for your funeral in advance. It’s a weight off your family’s mind.

Funeral procession
The journey to the funeral venue. We’ll make sure it’s dignified.

Funeral service
The main ceremony. It’s your chance to celebrate your loved one’s life.

 

G

Grant of probate
Gives the executor the right to deal with the estate. We can point you in the right direction.

Grave liner
Supports the ground around your loved one’s grave. Keeps everything stable long-term.

Grave marker
Helps you find you’re loved one’s grave. Can be temporary or permanent.

Gravestone
A lasting tribute at the burial site. We can help you choose the perfect one.

 

H

Hearse
The vehicle that carries your loved one’s coffin. We have traditional and unique options.

Humanist funeral
A non-religious service. Perfect for celebrating you loved one’s life without religious or faith elements.

Inheritance Tax
A tax on your loved one’s estate if it’s over a certain value. We can point you to expert advice.

 

I

Inquest
A legal investigation into your loved one’s death, held if the cause isn’t clear (see Autopsy, Coroner and Post-Mortem). We’ll guide you through the process and explain everything in plain English.

Intestate
When someone dies without a will. It can complicate things, but we’ll guide you through.

 

K

Keepsake
A small container for ashes. A comforting way to keep your loved one close.

 

L

Letter of administration
Gives someone the right to deal with the deceased’s estate when there’s no will.

 

M

Memorial
A lasting tribute to your loved one. From benches to jewellery, the options are endless.

Memorial service
A ceremony without the body present. Can be held any time after the funeral.

Mortician
Prepares your loved one for the funeral. We ensure they look their best.

Mortuary
Where we care for your loved one before the funeral. You’re welcome to visit.

 

N

Next of kin
The deceased’s closest living relative. Usually the first point of contact for funeral and legal arrangements.

 

O

Obituary
A life story published after someone dies. We can help you craft the perfect tribute.

Officiant
The person leading the funeral service. We’ll find someone who fits your needs (see Celebrant).

Order of service
A guide to the funeral proceedings. We’ll help you create a meaningful one.

 

P

Pallbearer
Carries or escorts the coffin. An honour often given to close friends or family.

Post-mortem
A medical examination to determine the cause of death (see Autopsy, Coroner and Inquest). We’ll liaise with the doctors for you.

Probate
The legal process of dealing with the estate. We can point you towards expert help.

 

R

Registry office
Where you register the death. We can advise on what you need to do.

Repatriation
Bringing your loved one’s body home if they died abroad. We handle all the details.

Ritual washing
Some faiths wash the deceased’s body before the funeral. We’ll accommodate your traditions.

 

S

Survivors
The family left behind. We’re here to support all of you.

 

U

Undertaker
Another name for a funeral director. That’s us – your guiding hand through this difficult time.

Urn
A container for ashes (see Casket). We have a wide range to choose from.

 

V

Viewing
Seeing your loved one before the funeral. It can bring comfort – we’ll make it peaceful.

 

W

Wake
A gathering after the funeral. A chance to share memories and support each other.

Will
Directs what happens to the estate. We can guide you to legal experts if needed.