What to Do When Someone Dies
You don’t have to face this alone
When someone close to you dies, it’s hard to know what to do first. You may be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or in shock, and that’s completely normal.
At Varty’s, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From your first phone call to the day of the funeral and beyond, we’ll help you through it with care, clarity, and compassion.
What happens first?
When you call us, we’ll take some basic details and gently guide you through the next steps. The process may vary depending on where the person has passed away:
If the death happens at home
If the death happens in hospital or a care home
If the death was sudden or unexpected, the coroner may be involved. We’ll talk you through what to expect and support you with any extra steps that are needed.
Registering the death
A death must be registered within 5 days in England and Wales. Once the doctor has issued the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, you’ll need to make an appointment at your local register office.
We’ll explain this process in full and ensure you have the right documents before you go. If the coroner is involved, we’ll keep you updated on timings and liaise with them on your behalf.
Planning the funeral
Once the necessary paperwork is in place, your designated funeral director will meet with you to gently go through the options. Whether you want something traditional, simple, or highly personal, we’ll help you plan a fitting tribute that reflects the wishes of you and your loved one.
We’ll handle all the arrangements, including:
- Burial or cremation bookings
- Church or venue coordination
- Officiant, celebrant or minister
- Transport and timings
- Music, readings and service structure
Our role is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on remembering and honouring the person you’ve lost.
Additional services we can arrange
We’re also here to support with the finer details, including:
- Floral tributes and flowers in church
- Newspaper notices
- Printed service sheets and memorial cards
- Acknowledgement cards
- Catering and venue recommendations
- Grave memorials and monuments
- Accommodation advice for travelling relatives
We can also advise you on financial support or benefits that may be available to help with funeral costs.
On the day of the funeral
Your funeral director will oversee everything, manage timings, liaise with all service providers, and handle any fees or disbursements on your behalf — so you can be fully present.
We're here for you
Our team understands how painful this time can be. That’s why we do more than just arrange funerals — we provide calm, consistent support and a familiar face throughout the process.
You’ll have a dedicated funeral director who is there whenever you need them — someone who’ll treat you like family and ensure everything goes exactly as it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when someone dies?
Call us as soon as you’re ready. We’ll guide you through what to do next, whether the death has occurred at home, in hospital, or elsewhere.
What should I do first?
Call the GP or hospital. Once the death is confirmed, call us, we’ll guide you from there.
Can you help if I’m not sure what to do?
Yes. You don’t need to have anything figured out, we’ll talk you through everything step by step.
Do I need to register the death first?
Not immediately. You can contact us as soon as you’re ready. We’ll help you understand what’s needed and when.
What if the coroner is involved?
Don’t worry, we’ll speak with the coroner’s office on your behalf and explain the process clearly.
When can the funeral happen?
As soon as the legal steps are complete, we’ll help you choose a suitable date and take care of the arrangements.
Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here
You don’t have to have all the answers — just a starting point.
If you need advice, support, or someone to talk things through with, we’re only a phone call away.