How long do I need to wait before having the funeral?

When a loved one passes away, deciding when to have a funeral can be quite difficult for some families. Giving yourself plenty of time to make a final decision will enable you to create a more personal send off and celebrate the deceased’s life in a meaningful and unique way.

Setting a date for your loved one’s funeral may depend on a number of factors, including funeral director and crematoria availability, religion and family circumstances. Typically, a funeral is held between one and three weeks after a death. Religious beliefs may mean that the deceased would need to be buried as soon as possible – sometimes as soon as within a day of the death.

The family can wait as long as they’d like, but most funerals are done within a month at the latest. If the deceased is already buried or cremated, a memorial service can be held at a later date.