Why does it take so long to get a funeral date in the UK?

 How long does it take to get a funeral date in the UK? 

For many families, the expectation is that a funeral will take place within a week or so of a death. In reality, the average waiting time in the UK is often closer to two or even three weeks, depending on location, availability and circumstances. 

Several factors influence this timescale, including the registration of the death, medical certification, crematorium or burial availability, and whether the death needs to be referred to the coroner. However, waiting times for funerals have increased in recent years, leaving many families feeling anxious and unsure about what is causing the delay. 

A reputable local funeral director can guide you through funeral arranging and explain realistic timings from the outset. This is particularly important if you are arranging a funeral in busy areas of West Kent or South East London, such as Sevenoaks, Tonbridge or Bromley, where demand for crematorium and burial slots can be high. 

What are the reasons for a delayed funeral? 

One of the most common causes of delay is not registering a death promptly. In England and Wales, a death usually needs to be registered within five days, unless it has been referred to a coroner. Until registration is complete, the funeral cannot legally go ahead. Click here to read Welham Jones’ helpful guide explaining when you should register a death in the UK. 

Another significant factor is pressure on the system itself. It has been reported that new regulations and increased demand have led to funerals taking longer to arrange across England and Wales, with some areas experiencing delays of several weeks. 

Availability at crematoria and cemeteries can also be limited, particularly at popular times or in certain locations. This is why early conversations about funeral planning, including preferences for burial or cremation and flexibility around dates and times, can make a real difference. 

Funeral timings in different cultures 

Funeral timings vary widely across cultures and faiths, and understanding these differences can help explain why expectations around how quickly a funeral should take place are not the same for everyone. 

In Jewish tradition, burial usually takes place as soon as possible, often within 24 hours of death. This practice is rooted in religious law and the belief that the deceased should be treated with dignity and laid to rest without unnecessary delay. Because of this, practical arrangements are deliberately kept simple so the focus remains on honouring the person who has died rather than elaborate ceremony.  

In Ghanaian culture, funerals often take place weeks or even months after death. Funerals in Ghana are major social and community events, sometimes involving hundreds of guests, live music and large-scale celebrations of life. This extended timeframe allows families to raise funds, plan in detail and ensure relatives can travel from afar. In these cases, the deceased may remain in a mortuary for a prolonged period while preparations are made, reflecting the cultural importance placed on a funeral that properly honours the individual’s status and family. 

In Catholic countries such as Ireland, Spain and Italy, funerals typically take place within a few days, or up to a week after the death. During this time, the Requiem Mass must be arranged, including choosing readings and hymns, and coordinating with the church and priest. However, while Catholic teaching encourages burial or cremation without undue delay, there is also flexibility to allow families time to prepare a meaningful service and gather loved ones. 

In parts of Indonesia, particularly among the Toraja people, funerals may be delayed for months or even years. As described in accounts of Toraja traditions, the deceased may be kept at home and considered ‘sick’ rather than dead until the family can afford and organise an elaborate funeral ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply symbolic and communal, marking not just a death but a significant spiritual transition. 

Taken together, these examples show that there is no single ‘right’ timeframe for a funeral. What matters most is finding an approach that respects legal requirements in the UK while also honouring personal beliefs, cultural traditions and the needs of the family. 

Welham Jones’ experiences with different funeral timings 

As independent, family-run funeral directors serving Borough Green, Orpington and Chelsfield, Chislehurst and Bromley, Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Welham Jones regularly supports families with very different expectations around timing. 

Some families wish to proceed as quickly as possible, while others need more time to gather relatives, plan a meaningful service or make decisions about coffins and caskets or items of remembrance. Having local knowledge of crematoria, churches and celebrants allows the team to advise realistically on what is achievable and to help reduce unnecessary delays wherever possible. 

For those thinking ahead, pre-paid funeral plans can also ease pressure on loved ones by recording wishes in advance. 

While delays can be frustrating, understanding the reasons behind funeral waiting times can help you plan with confidence and make informed choices during a challenging period. 

If you’re looking for support planning a funeral, please contact us