When Someone Dies – What to Do First
Arrange a funeral
Losing someone close is never easy, and we are here to support you from the very first moment. If a death occurs, call us on 01344 620266 anytime (24 hours) for guidance.
We will help bring your loved one into our care and begin making arrangements when you feel ready. In the immediate hours after a death, there are a few practical steps to consider:
Contact their GP (doctor) to visit and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If you know you would prefer a cremation, let the doctor know so they can prepare any extra paperwork. Once the doctor has confirmed they will issue the certificate, you can call our funeral home to bring your loved one into our care. We will then arrange a time to meet you (either at our premises or in your own home) to discuss the funeral arrangements.
The staff will typically arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate. They will advise you on collecting this certificate and any personal belongings. Let the staff know you have chosen Lines Bannister Funeral Directors, and they will usually liaise with us so we can bring your loved one into our care. You should still contact us directly as soon as you feel able, so we can set a time to discuss the next steps.
Sometimes a coroner must investigate the cause of death (for example, after an unexpected passing). This procedure can involve a post-mortem examination. Even in these circumstances, please call us. We can begin making provisional funeral plans and will coordinate with the coroner’s office on your behalf.
No matter the distance, we can help bring your loved one back home. We have experience with repatriation and will handle all necessary arrangements to ensure your loved one is safely returned to our care in Ascot.
When you first speak with us, we’ll ask for some basic details such as the full name and address of the person who has died, the place of death, your own contact information and relationship to them, and whether you know if they had any pre-paid funeral plan in place. Don’t worry if you don’t have every detail immediately we will gently guide you through everything.
Registering the Death
Arrange a funeral
One important legal step is to register the death. In England and Wales, this is usually done within 5 days (unless the coroner is involved or the registrar has agreed to delay). We will explain how this works and what local office you should visit. Typically, it’s best to register in the district where the person died so you can receive the necessary documents (like the certificate for burial or cremation, often called the “green form”) on the same day. The registrar will ask for information about the deceased (such as date of birth, address, occupation, and whether they were receiving a State Pension or benefits) and you should take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the doctor. It’s also helpful (but not essential) to have items like their birth certificate, NHS medical card, and any marriage certificate.
When you register, the registrar will provide official copies of the death certificate (you can purchase multiple copies for legal uses) and a certificate for burial or cremation. They will also give you a form for the Department for Work and Pensions if the person was receiving a pension or benefits. The registrar may mention the government’s “Tell Us Once” service this is a useful program that notifies various government departments of the death so you don’t have to contact each one individually. We encourage families to use this service if available, as it can save you time during a difficult period.
If you need any help with the registration process, our team is here to answer questions. We understand it can feel daunting, so please lean on our experience – we’re familiar with the local registrars in Berkshire and can point you in the right direction.
Administering Your Loved One’s Affairs
Arrange a funeral
Handling the paperwork and practical matters after a bereavement can be overwhelming. This might include dealing with the will, estate, banks, insurance, and more. We provide guidance on these tasks as part of our service, because taking care of these matters is an important part of saying goodbye.
If your loved one left a will, the named executors will need to carry out the instructions. This could involve applying for probate (also called a “Grant of Representation”) to legally manage the estate – especially if there is property or significant assets in their name. It’s a good idea to locate any will before finalising funeral plans, as sometimes people include special wishes for their funeral in that document.
You will also need to notify various organisations of the death. This can include banks, building societies, mortgage or pension providers, utility companies, the local council (for council tax and other services), the DVLA (for driving licence and car registration), and so on. If this feels like a long list, don’t worry – you don’t have to do it all at once, and there are tools to assist you. For example, the Life Ledger service is a free tool that helps you inform multiple businesses (from banks to energy providers) in one go, simplifying the process of closing accounts and updating records. We can provide you with information about services like this, as well as a checklist of who you might need to contact.
Remember that there’s no need to rush into sorting out all the affairs immediately. Take things at your own pace, we are here to help, not just with the funeral, but with the support you may need in the days and weeks that follow.
Planning the Funeral Service
Arrange a funeral
Arranging a funeral may feel unfamiliar, but we will guide you step by step to create a fitting farewell. Every funeral we arrange is unique to the person who has died and to their family’s wishes. We’ll begin by talking through your options and what matters most to you, whether that’s a traditional service or something more bespoke.
One of the first decisions is whether you prefer a burial or a cremation. We can arrange both with equal care. If you choose a burial, we will help you secure a plot in a local cemetery or churchyard (depending on availability and any parish requirements). Ascot and the surrounding area have several cemeteries and some beautiful churchyards; we’ll liaise with the cemetery or church officials to make the necessary arrangements. If your family already owns a grave, we will handle reopening the grave and coordinating with the stonemason to carefully lift and later replace any existing memorial headstone. We’ll also advise on any local regulations – for instance, some burial grounds have rules about the size or style of headstones and the wording of inscriptions. Our goal is to ensure everything is handled properly, so you have peace of mind about the burial.
If you choose cremation, we will book a convenient date and time at your preferred crematorium. There are a number of modern crematoriums within reach of Ascot (such as Easthampstead Park Crematorium or others in the Berkshire/Surrey area), each with a chapel where the service can be held. Some families opt to have a service in a church first, followed by a shorter committal at the crematorium it’s entirely up to you. We’ll explain the format and choices available. During a cremation service, you can decide if you’d like a traditional moment such as the curtains closing or coffin gently withdrawn at the end, or if you prefer the coffin to remain in view until attendees have left. There are also some practical considerations with cremation: for example, certain items cannot be placed in the coffin (like electronic devices or glass) and pacemakers must be removed for safety. We will take care of these details discreetly, and if there is a special item you had hoped could stay with your loved one, we will discuss the best way to honour that wish.
After a cremation, you will have the cremated remains (ashes) returned to you. Deciding what to do with ashes is a very personal choice, and you don’t have to decide straight away. Most crematoria will hold ashes for a while if needed. You might choose to bury the ashes in a family grave or inter them at a garden of remembrance (we can arrange a small graveside ceremony for this if you wish). Alternatively, you may scatter the ashes in a special location; if so, we can provide appropriate scatter tubes and advise on any permissions needed (for example, many public parks or beauty spots ask for notice, and we have experience obtaining those). Some families prefer to keep the ashes at home, in which case we can help you select a decorative urn or even divide the ashes into smaller keepsake urns or pieces of memorial jewellery (see our Memorials page for beautiful ashes-to-glass and keepsake jewellery options). Whatever you decide, we’ll make sure you understand all the possibilities for a final resting place or memorial for the ashes.
We arrange funerals for people of all faiths and beliefs. Ascot is a diverse community, and over the years our team has helped families with Christian services (Church of England, Catholic, and others), Hindu ceremonies, Sikh funerals, Muslim funerals, and many more. We have the experience and cultural sensitivity to ensure that all religious rites, rituals, and traditions are respected. If there are specific requirements for example, a ritual washing, particular timing for burial, facing a certain direction, or items to be placed in the coffin, we will accommodate them. We also have access to facilities such as a private space for prayers or vigils and can arrange for weekend services or repatriation overseas where necessary. Our Funeral Directors will consult with your faith leaders or community elders to make sure everything is appropriate for your culture or religion.
On the other hand, many families today prefer a non-religious funeral or a more celebratory “life ceremony.” If you feel a traditional vicar or minister isn’t the right fit, we can help you find a professional celebrant to lead the service. A civil celebrant or humanist celebrant can officiate a ceremony that is all about your loved one’s life story, with no religious content (or just a small prayer or hymn if you want a little spiritual element – the choice is yours). These ceremonies often include favourite music, personal readings or poems, and are held in a variety of venues – from the crematorium chapel or cemetery chapel to a village hall, or even our own premises or your home for a small gathering. The celebrant will usually meet with you beforehand to learn about the person who has died, helping craft a tribute that feels authentic and meaningful. Whether you prefer hymns and traditional prayers or a slideshow of memories with a favourite pop song, we will make it happen. Our only goal is to create a funeral that truly reflects the individual. their personality, beliefs, and the memories they leave with you.
If environmental considerations are important to you or were important to your loved one, we offer eco-friendly funeral options. This can include using a natural or biodegradable coffin (for example, woven willow, bamboo, wool, or cardboard) and choosing a natural burial ground rather than a conventional cemetery. Natural burial grounds are often set in meadows or woodlands, where graves are marked with native trees or simple plaques that blend into the landscape, eventually returning to nature. We can advise you on the nearest natural burial sites and their protocols. Even if you aren’t choosing a full green burial, there are small touches that can make a funeral “greener,” such as sustainable floral arrangements or electric hearses. Lines Bannister Funeral Directors is committed to protecting our environment we use sustainably sourced materials wherever possible, and nearly all of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Rest assured, if you wish to arrange a “green funeral,” we have the expertise and resources to guide you.
Personalising the Funeral – Your Options for a Unique Tribute
We believe every life is unique, and a funeral service should reflect that. Personalising the funeral can be as simple or elaborate as you want. From the style of coffin to the music played, each element can honour your loved one’s personality and passions. We’ll discuss many ways to make the ceremony special, including:
Our range of coffins and caskets is extensive, ensuring you can find something that feels right. We have everything from traditional oak coffins with classic paneling to premium American-style solid wood caskets and truly unique options. For example, we offer picture coffins that can be decorated with custom imagery. if your loved one was a great sports fan, a nature lover, or had a proud military career, we can arrange a bespoke design. We also provide eco-coffins made of natural materials like willow, seagrass, or wool, which are very popular for a softer, greener touch. If a child’s funeral is being arranged (something we handle with utmost care and tenderness), we have gentle and colourful designs appropriate for infants and children, which can incorporate favourite characters or themes. No matter which coffin or casket you choose, we will guide you through the options respectfully, understanding this can be one of the most emotional decisions.
Flowers often express what words cannot. We can help you select beautiful funeral flowers, whether you want a simple elegant spray, the classic white lilies, or a vibrant mix of colours that celebrate joy. We can arrange everything from casket sprays with personal touches (like incorporating a favourite flower from their garden) to shaped wreaths spelling out “Mum” or “Grandad,” hearts and cushions, posies, and bespoke designs. If you have something specific in mind – for instance, flowers in the colours of a beloved football team or a wreath in a unique shape our florists will work to make it happen. Lines Bannister can take care of ordering and arranging delivery of all floral tributes. We partner with a trusted florist (via our Interflora online service) so that friends and family from anywhere can easily order flowers online to be delivered for the funeral. We’ll ensure any flowers delivered to our funeral home are looked after and transported carefully on the day. You may also decide to place a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, which we facilitate through the online tribute page (more on that shortly).
The right music can evoke powerful memories. We encourage families to choose pieces of music that were meaningful to your loved one or that set the desired tone for the service. This could be anything a stirring hymn, a classical piece, or that rock-and-roll song they always sang along to. We’ve arranged ceremonies with “My Way” by Frank Sinatra as a send-off, upbeat tunes like “Simply the Best,” and even theme songs from favourite TV shows. Many crematorium chapels and venues have modern audio systems, so virtually any recorded music can be played. Live music is another option: we can help hire professional musicians such as a piper, violinist, or choir if you’d like live performances. In addition to music, you might want specific readings, poems, or prayers. We have a library of suggestions (from religious scriptures to popular poems or even humorous quotes) if you need inspiration. And of course, a family member or friend may wish to deliver a eulogy or personal tribute speech during the service. We can help you plan the order of service so that everything flows smoothly for example, music for entry and exit, who will speak when, and moments of reflection in between. If you’re unsure about writing a eulogy, we’re here to help with that too. We often provide families with a simple checklist of things to think about (like “What made them special?” or “What stories make you smile?”) to spark ideas. Whether you or someone else speaks, or you prefer to have no speeches at all, we’ll arrange the ceremony exactly as you want it.
Many families choose to have printed Orders of Service for the ceremony. These booklets can be a lovely keepsake for attendees to take home. Our team can design and print orders of service that include things like a favourite photograph on the cover, the hymns or songs lyrics, poems, and a brief outline of the ceremony. We offer a selection of beautiful templates which we can personalise with your text and images. In addition, we can provide other stationery like attendance cards (which guests can sign or leave personal messages on, to be collected for the family – a touching memento of who came and what they shared), memory cards or prayer cards (small wallet-sized memorial cards often given out or sent after the funeral, containing a photo and perhaps a quote or prayer), and thank-you cards for after the funeral to acknowledge those who have been supportive. We even supply remembrance books a hardcover book where people can write longer condolence messages or memories; these books are often placed at the entrance of the service or at a wake for people to contribute to. All of our stationery can be tailored with personal details, and we will help you with the wording, layout and any special touches so that the printed materials on the day are a perfect tribute in themselves.
- The vehicle that leads the final journey can be a meaningful tribute as well. Lines Bannister Funeral Directors maintains a modern fleet of traditional hearses and limousines. Our gleaming black hearse and matching chauffeur-driven limousines are the classic choice to convey your loved one and close family with dignity. Each limousine can seat up to six passengers, and we’ll provide as many as you need so family and close friends can travel together for support. If you prefer something different, we have access to a range of specialist hearses. For example, we can arrange a horse-drawn carriage with plumed, immaculately groomed horses for a truly elegant procession. For those with a sense of adventure or a particular passion, options like a motorcycle hearse (your loved one’s coffin transported in a glass-sided coach pulled by a motorbike) or even a converted classic vehicle or double-decker bus hearse are available. We’ve provided a Land Rover hearse for a countryside enthusiast and a VW Campervan hearse for a 1960s aficionado if you have an idea, we’ll do our best to source it. Along with the type of hearse, we’ll discuss the cortège route: you might want the procession to pass by a special location, such as your home or another meaningful place, on the way to the service. We’ll also ensure practical needs are met – for example, if any mourners have mobility issues, we can arrange wheelchair access or reserve parking to make things easier. After the ceremony, our drivers can take you on to the wake or reception venue and then safely home. We handle all these logistics so you don’t have to worry about transport on the day.
As you can see, there are many ways to personalise a funeral. You may already know exactly what you want, or you might feel overwhelmed by choices – we’re here to help either way. Our funeral arrangers will spend time listening to your stories and preferences and then suggest the touches that we think will make the day special. No request is too big or too small. Our philosophy is that every funeral should be as unique as the life it celebrates.
Here for You – Before, During, and After the Funeral
Arranging the funeral is just part of our commitment to your family. Our support doesn’t end when the service is over.
We understand that worrying about money at a time of bereavement can be very stressful. Right from the first meeting, we promise to be transparent about all costs and fees. We will provide a clear, written estimate once we have discussed your choices, so there are no surprises. If you have a budget in mind, please tell us – we will work with you to arrange a dignified funeral that meets your needs without financial strain. We’ll explain our fees and third-party costs (such as crematorium or church fees, doctors’ fees, minister/celebrant fees) in detail. Before the funeral takes place, you will receive a full itemised estimate, and after the funeral we will send a detailed invoice breaking everything down for you. We know this is a lot to consider, so we encourage you to take your time reviewing the options. You will never be pressured into adding anything unnecessary.
If you are concerned about affording a funeral, let us know. We can advise on possible financial assistance. For example, if you or the person who died were receiving certain benefits, you might be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government’s Social Fund. There are also other forms of support like the Bereavement Support Payment or charitable grants in some cases. We will help point you in the right direction to apply for these. Additionally, some banks will release funds from the deceased’s account to pay for a funeral if you show them the invoice – we can provide guidance on how to approach the bank about this. Our goal is to ease the burden on you wherever possible, including the burden of cost.
Telling others about the funeral details can be a daunting task when you’re grieving. We assist with this through our complimentary online tribute service (free for every family we serve). As part of the arrangement, we can set up a personalised Memorial Tribute Web Page for your loved one. This online page serves several purposes: it publicly announces the funeral arrangements (date, time, venue) so you can simply share the link with family and friends instead of contacting everyone individually, and it also provides a space where people can leave messages, share photos and stories, and even light virtual candles in memory. The page also handles online donations, so if you’re raising money for a charity in lieu of flowers, friends and relatives can easily contribute from anywhere in the world and see the total raised. Many families in Ascot have found this service incredibly helpful as it connects everyone, even those abroad or unable to attend and helps build a lasting tribute full of heartfelt messages. Of course, we can also assist with newspaper announcements if you wish to place a notice in the local paper or an obituary online. We’ll draft and submit it for you, incorporating any special wording or a short verse if you’d like. After the funeral, if you’d like to publish a thank you acknowledgement to express gratitude for support, we handle that too. We aim to take as much administrative stress off your shoulders as possible, so you can focus on your family.
If you would like to visit your loved one before the funeral, we have a private Reflection Room at our funeral home in Ascot. This is a peaceful space where you can spend time saying goodbye in your own way. Not everyone feels the need to view the deceased, and that’s perfectly okay – it’s a personal choice. For those who do find comfort in visiting, we make sure the environment is calm, safe, and supportive. You can bring a favourite photo, or perhaps a cherished item or some flowers to place with them during your visit. Some families like to play soft background music that was meaningful to their loved one. You may visit as often as you wish in the days leading up to the funeral (we’ll just ask that you telephone to arrange a suitable time). Our caring staff will have prepared your loved one with dignity, and if you prefer, they can be dressed in their own clothing – whether that’s a favourite dress, a football jersey, uniform, or any outfit that feels right (we’ll advise if any materials aren’t allowed for cremation and suggest alternatives, but in most cases personal clothing is fine). If you’d rather not see them in person, we completely respect that decision; we will never pressure you either way. We simply make the option available for those who want it. We often hear later from families that spending those quiet moments in the Reflection Room brought them peace and helped in the grieving process.
Our care for you continues after the funeral day. Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no timetable for when things “get easier.” To help you through this journey, Lines Bannister offers a dedicated Bereavement Support Service at no extra cost. This is a unique program we have developed to support the emotional, practical and social needs of those left behind. Through this service, you and your family can access one-to-one sessions with professional bereavement counsellors or trained volunteer befrienders. We can arrange phone or in-person counselling, whichever you are more comfortable with. We also host bereavement support groups (both face-to-face locally and online), including gentle social groups like a “walk and talk” group where you can meet others who have experienced loss, and structured wellbeing workshops. Some people find solace in these group settings, discovering that others truly understand what they’re going through. We also organise an annual memorial service and other community remembrance events where families can come together to honour their loved ones. If you feel you could benefit from any of these services, or even if you’re not sure what you need, you can call our Bereavement Care Team on a special support line we will provide, or ask us for more information at any time. Sometimes just talking to someone who isn’t family or a friend – someone objective and trained in grief support – can be incredibly helpful.
In addition, we remain at your service for any further practical help. Need additional death certificates? Unsure how to return a medical device or cancel a subscription? Want advice on choosing a lasting memorial or headstone a few months down the line? You can still pick up the phone and call Lines Bannister and we’ll be ready to assist. We consider you part of the Lines Bannister family from the moment you walk through our door, and you can lean on us for as long as you need.
Arranging a funeral is one of the last gifts you can give to someone, and we take our role in that very seriously. Lines Bannister Funeral Directors promises to support you with individual care and compassion when it matters most. We will treat you and your loved one with the utmost respect, dignity and integrity at all times. We pay attention to every detail whether it’s ensuring a piece of music starts at just the right moment, or that the flowers are placed exactly as you wanted because we know how much the little things matter. And if for any reason something isn’t as you expected, we will do everything we can to put it right. Our goal is to not only meet your expectations but to gently guide and reassure you through this difficult time.
From that first call, through the day of the funeral, and in the weeks after, you are not alone. We are here for you 24/7, every day of the year, to provide guidance, comfort and hands-on help. Many families we have served in Ascot and the surrounding communities have entrusted us with their most precious farewells. We are deeply honoured by this trust and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and heartfelt service.
“Thank you for a kind, compassionate service – we couldn’t have asked for more support during such a sad time.” – A family we recently served.
If you have any questions about arranging a funeral or would like to talk through the next steps, please get in touch. You can call us, send us a message, or visit our funeral home on High Street. At Lines Bannister, you will find a warm welcome and a team of people genuinely dedicated to helping you create the goodbye that you want for your loved one.