What next?
A simple guide to how we’ll support you
What happens next
After someone dies, you must register their death, but other decisions can wait. Taking time can help you explore what’s right for you.
• We will call soon to talk about next steps, including dates, times and locations for the funeral. We can research options if you wish and will make the bookings for you. Feel free to call or email us before then, if you prefer.
• We’ll send you our Terms & Conditions to sign, via email.
• You will meet with one of our Funeral Directors to talk through all your personal choices and the finer details for the funeral. They will then support you up until the day of the funeral and will, most likely, be with you on the day.
Poppy’s is a fresh approach to funerals. We’re here to create a funeral that works for you.
You can call us on 020 3589 4726, anytime between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or email hello@poppysfunerals.co.uk
Poppy’s, The Gatehouse, Lambeth Cemetery, Blackshaw Road, SW17 0BY poppysfunerals.co.uk
How to register a death
You, or a relative, will need to register the death with the register office in the area where the person died.
1. A doctor completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and sends this to the local Medical Examiner.
2. The Medical Examiner reviews the MCCD along with any relevant medical records. You have the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.
3. Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied with the cause of death, they send the MCCD to the registrar. If the cause of death cannot be confirmed, they refer the death to the coroner.
4. The register office contacts you to make an in-person appointment to register the death. Registration should happen within five days after they notify you.
5. Please let us know when you have booked an appointment at the register office. Give our email forms@poppysfunerals.co.uk to the Registrar to send us what’s called the ‘green form’ which gives permission for burial or cremation. If they give you a hard copy, take a photo/scan and email it to us.
6. The register office gives you copies of the death certificate. We don’t need a copy.
Use our estimator to explore options & costs: poppysfunerals.co.uk/estimator/
“There’s no rush.”
Thinking about the funeral
Here are some prompts to get you started. Your Client Support Advisor will talk everything through with you and answer any questions.
• Will the funeral be a burial or cremation?
• If a cremation, will there be a service?
• If a burial, will this be in a cemetery or a natural burial ground?
• Which location or general area would you like the funeral to take place?
• Where would you like the main service to take place?
• If you’re arranging a wake, reception or celebration for after the funeral service, where would you like this to be?
• Is there a particular day or time that you’d prefer for the funeral?
• How important are environmentally friendly choices to you?
• Would you like your person to be dressed? Washing hair, shaving, painting nails and make-up are all possible too.
• Would you like to visit your person at Poppy’s, in our Friends and Family Room?
Payment and financial support
After meeting your Funeral Director and making all your choices, we will issue a final invoice.
We don’t ask for a deposit, but we do require full payment three working days before the funeral date. We accept payment through bank transfer, debit card, credit card (not Amex). However, we cannot accept payment via solicitors, personal cheques or credit cards registered outside of the UK.
A funeral payment can be made from the bank account of someone who has died, if there are sufficient funds. The funeral director’s invoice and death certificate need to be presented to the relevant bank. Speak to the bank’s bereavement team about this process as soon as possible.
If you need any help or advice with finding financial support for a funeral, such as the Government’s Funeral Expenses Payment, let your Client Support Advisor know and they can talk you through this. We also have a helpful guide on our website: poppysfunerals.co.uk/finance/
