What Happens If There’s No Funeral Plan?
A Practical Guide to Understanding What to do When There Are No Pre-Existing Funeral Arrangements.
Not everyone leaves detailed instructions about the type of funeral they would like. If someone dies without making their wishes clear, this does not mean that a funeral cannot be arranged. It simply means that their family or the person responsible for the arrangements may need to make some decisions on their behalf.
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For information about the broader complexities that can complicate funeral arrangements, please see our main guide linked below.
Do You Need a Funeral Plan to Arrange a Funeral?
No. A prepaid funeral plan is not required to arrange a funeral after someone has died. A funeral can be arranged by contacting a funeral director and discussing the necessary arrangements. This includes deciding on the type of funeral, where it will take place and any personal, religious or cultural requirements.
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​If the deceased did not leave instructions, you do not need to have every detail decided before contacting us. We can explain the process and help you work through the decisions that need to be made.
What If the Person Did Not Leave Any Funeral Instructions?
​You may wish to speak to relatives or friends who knew the person well. However, if no clear instructions can be found, the funeral arrangements will need to be agreed by the person taking responsibility for the funeral.
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This may include decisions about:
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Burial or cremation
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The location and type of service
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The coffin
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Music, readings or tributes
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Flowers or charitable donations
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Who should lead the service
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Whether there will be a funeral reception
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Some people may have discussed their preferences informally, while others may not have expressed any wishes at all. It is worth checking whether they left a letter, note or other information that may help clarify what they wanted.
Who Decides What Kind of Funeral to Have?
The person arranging the funeral will usually take responsibility for making the decisions, while considering any known wishes of the deceased and the views of close family members.
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It is often helpful to discuss the options together, particularly where several relatives are involved. If there are disagreements or uncertainty about who should make decisions, the situation may require further advice. Our guide to when family members disagree about funeral arrangements provides more information about dealing with differences of opinion.
Can a Funeral Still Reflect the Person’s Wishes?
Yes. Even where no formal instructions have been left, family members can often make arrangements that reflect the person’s personality, beliefs, interests and relationships.
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You may wish to consider what mattered to them, whether they had any religious or cultural preferences, and how they would have wanted family and friends to remember them. A funeral director can discuss the available options and help coordinate details such as the service, music, readings, flowers, transport and burial arrangements.
What If the Family Does Not Know What the Person Wanted?
It is understandable to feel uncertain when there are no clear instructions. You do not need to make every decision immediately or know exactly what would have been chosen. A funeral director can explain the practical options and help you understand what is involved in each one. The aim is to arrange a suitable funeral based on the information available, rather than trying to find a perfect answer where the deceased’s wishes are unknown.
Arranging a Funeral Without a Plan
If someone has died without leaving a funeral plan or clear instructions, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can explain what needs to happen next and help you make the necessary arrangements.
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You can contact us before every detail has been decided. We can discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and guide you through the choices involved in arranging a funeral in Shrewsbury, Shropshire or the surrounding areas. Follow the link below to learn more information about how to arrange a funeral.
When Family Members Live Elsewhere
If no funeral plan or clear instructions have been left, it may be especially important to involve family members who live elsewhere in the UK or overseas. They may need time to discuss the available options, share any knowledge of the person’s wishes or help make decisions remotely.
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Funeral arrangements do not always need to be made in person. A funeral director can communicate with relatives by phone, email or video call, helping ensure that relevant family members have the opportunity to contribute even if they cannot travel to Shropshire. For more information, read our guide to arranging a funeral when family members live abroad.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
If someone has died without leaving a funeral plan or clear instructions, you do not need to make every decision or organise the arrangements on your own. Once you appoint Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can take responsibility for the practical arrangements and act as your main point of contact throughout the process.
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Depending on your circumstances, we can:
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Discuss the available funeral options and help you decide between burial and cremation.
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Explain the arrangements involved and provide an estimate of the costs.
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Arrange for the person who has died to be brought into our care when appropriate.
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Make arrangements with the chosen cemetery, churchyard or crematorium.
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Arrange the funeral service and liaise with the minister or celebrant.
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Organise the hearse, funeral vehicles and other services required.
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Discuss flowers, orders of service, music, readings and other personal details.
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Keep you informed as arrangements are confirmed.
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Explain anything that requires your decision before it is finalised.
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Our role is to manage the practical organisation and make sure the different parts of the funeral come together properly. Where the deceased did not leave clear instructions, we can also help you understand the choices available so that you can make arrangements that feel appropriate to the circumstances.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I arrange a funeral if the deceased never discussed their wishes?
Yes. A funeral can still be arranged if no wishes were expressed. The person responsible for the arrangements can discuss the available options with a funeral director and make decisions based on the circumstances and any information known about the deceased.
Does the funeral have to be the same as one the deceased might have chosen?
Where no instructions have been left, there may be no way to know exactly what the deceased would have wanted. The arrangements can instead be based on their known beliefs, personality, preferences and the views of those arranging the funeral.
What if I do not know whether the deceased had a funeral plan?
Check their paperwork, correspondence or personal records, and ask close relatives if they are aware of any arrangements. If you cannot find anything, a funeral director can help explain what information may be needed and how to proceed.
Can family members help make decisions if there is no funeral plan?
Yes. Family members can discuss the arrangements and share information about the deceased’s wishes. However, it is helpful to establish who will take responsibility for agreeing the final arrangements, particularly where several people are involved.