Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral is both an emotional and practical process. Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or arranging things after the death of a loved one: this guide helps you step by step.

Immediately after death

After death, a doctor must establish the death. Then you engage a funeral director. The funeral director helps with all practical matters and is your main point of contact.

Report the death to the municipality (within 5 working days) and to the funeral insurance.

Burial or cremation

In the Netherlands, about 65% choose cremation and 35% choose burial. Cremation costs are generally lower. With burial, grave rights are a significant cost that can recur annually.

The funeral ceremony

You can choose a religious, humanist or free ceremony. The location can be a church, hall, crematorium, own garden or a special location. Discuss the possibilities with the funeral director.

Think about: music, speakers, flower arrangements, a condolence or reception, and the order of service.

Costs and financing

An average funeral costs €8,000 to €12,000. The largest cost items are the funeral director, the location, the coffin and the grave rights or cremation costs.

Funeral insurance covers (part of) these costs. Without insurance, the costs fall to the estate or the bereaved.

Timeline

In the Netherlands, the funeral usually takes place within 3 to 6 working days after death. Day 1-2: initial arrangements and choices. Day 2-3: detail planning. Day 3-4: preparation. Day 5-6: the funeral itself.