What To Do in the First 48 Hours of a Loved One's Death: The Practical Side of Loss
Updated: Jul 13
When someone dies, the world can feel like it stops.
And yet — while your heart is trying to process what has happened — there are practical steps that need to be taken.
At Complete Funeral Care, one of the most common things families say to us is:
“We don’t know what we’re supposed to do first.”
This guide is here to gently walk you through those first 48 hours — calmly, clearly, and without overwhelm.
Step 1: When the Death Occurs at Home
If the death was expected:
Contact the GP surgery (or out-of-hours service)
A doctor or nurse will confirm the death
Once confirmed, you can contact your chosen funeral director
If the death was unexpected:
Call 999
The emergency services will guide you through next steps
The Coroner may need to be involved
If you’re unsure what to do — you can always call us for guidance, even before making formal arrangements.
Step 2: When the Death Occurs in Hospital or Care
If your loved one dies in:
A hospital
A hospice
A care home
The staff will guide you through immediate procedures. You do not need to rush to choose a funeral director at that moment.
You can take a breath.
Once you’re ready, you can appoint a funeral director to bring your loved one into their care and this will be done as soon as possible after the Medical Examiner has give the authority to do so (after their discussions with you, your family and / or the Coroner).
Step 3: Registering the Death
In England, a death must usually be registered within 5 days (unless referred to the Coroner) however at the time of publishing this blog this can take around 10-14 days on average.
So What do you need to Register a Death:
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which they will receive directly electronically from the Medical Examiner
Personal details (full name, date of birth, occupation, address)
The registrar will issue:
The Death Certificate (currently £12.50 each)
The Green Form (for the funeral - this may be sent electronically to your chosen Funeral Director)
Information about the Tell Us Once service
This step can feel administrative — but it’s an important part of everything that follows.
Step 4: Choosing the Type of Funeral
You do not need to decide everything immediately.
Some options include:
Traditional funeral service
Cremation or burial
Direct cremation (without a service)
Memorial at a later date
Take your time.
The right choice is the one that feels manageable, appropriate, and respectful to your loved one’s wishes.
Step 5: Telling Family and Friends
This can feel daunting.
You don’t have to make lots of phone calls in one go.You can:
Ask a close family member to help
Send a gentle message
Post a simple announcement
There is no “perfect wording.” People will understand.
What You Don’t Have To Do Immediately
You don’t have to:
Write an obituary right away
Choose music on the first day
Decide on flowers instantly
Be strong for everyone else
Grief and administration rarely move at the same pace.
A Gentle Reminder
The first 48 hours are about:
Safety
Care
Clarity
Small, steady steps
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need to take the next manageable step.
And if at any point you feel unsure — that’s where we come in.
💙A Personal Note from Charlie
"In my 16 years as a Funeral Director, I've come to realise that the first 48 hours after someone dies are often the hardest.
It's not just because you've lost someone you love. It's because the world seems to expect you to start making decisions at a time when your mind is struggling to process what's happened. One minute you're making a cup of tea, the next you're being asked questions you never imagined having to answer.
If there's one piece of advice I could give, it's this: you don't have to have everything figured out today.
Yes, there are a few practical things that need to happen, but many of the bigger decisions can wait until you've had a chance to catch your breath. A good Funeral Director won't pressure you. They'll explain your options, answer your questions honestly and give you the time and space you need.
I've sat with families who wanted to arrange every detail immediately, and I've sat with others who simply needed someone to reassure them that they were doing everything correctly. Both responses are completely natural. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is certainly no timetable that says how quickly you should make decisions.
One thing I've learned over the years is that people often remember how they were treated far more than the paperwork they completed. Kindness, patience and honesty stay with families long after the funeral has taken place.
So, if you've found yourself reading this because someone close to you has died, I simply want you to know this: be gentle with yourself. Accept help when it's offered. Take each hour as it comes, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
If I can leave you with one final thought, it's that you don't have to carry the practical side of loss on your own. Whether you choose Complete Funeral Care or another Funeral Director, you deserve someone who will walk alongside you, explain everything clearly and never make you feel rushed.
That has always been my approach, and it always will be."
— Charlie Wilkinson
Licensed Funeral Director (BIFD)
How We Support You
At Complete Funeral Care, we:
Guide you through each step calmly and step-by-step so as not to overload you with information
Liaise with doctors, hospitals and registrars
Give you time to make decisions
Manage your Expectations of timescales
Offer clear, transparent costs
Remain available after arrangements are made, it doesnt matter if it's 10 o'clock at night or 2am in the morning, we're here for you in the small hours too.
We believe funeral care should reduce pressure — not add to it.
If You’re Reading This Because Someone Has Died
Please know:
You are not expected to know what to do.You are not expected to handle everything alone.You are allowed to feel overwhelmed.
When you’re ready, we’re here.
If you're at need support following a bereavement, as well as Traditional and Bespoke Funerals, Complete Funeral Care offers Direct Cremation, Simple Cremation Services and Personal Farewell Gatherings throughout the New Forest and Southampton.
Our team at Complete Funeral Care are always happy to offer guidance, even if you simply need reassurance or advice.
📞 0800 7555 385
We’re here to serve, not to sell.
***You may also find the following pages useful ***
Comments