After a Death in Dorset | Funeral Directors & Support | Funeral Directory

Dorset

Bereavement support & funeral directors

If someone has died in the Dorset area, this page will help you understand what to do next, find a trusted funeral director, and access free support tools.

What to do after a death

1

Register the death

This must be done within 5 days (8 in Scotland). Contact your local register office to book an appointment.

2

Choose a funeral director

Pick from vetted, NAFD-accredited directors in your area. They'll guide you through everything.

3

Arrange the funeral

Your funeral director will help plan the service, handle paperwork, and take care of practical details.

4

Sort out the estate

You may need probate. Use our free checker to find out, or speak to a specialist for advice.

Need more detail? Our step-by-step guides cover everything from costs to what happens on the day.

Funeral directors near Dorset

All NAFD-accredited with verified Google reviews

Grassby Funeral Service logo

1. Grassby Funeral Service

7.9 miles away

5
(9 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Have had to use their services 3 times in the last 10 years and have made sure that they get to arrange my funeral when I pop my clogs.” — Shep S.

“They were patient when we dithered over making decisions and calmly and efficiently dealt with unusual requests. Everything went seamlessly from the first contact to the delivery of the ashes.” — Jan Z.

2. Woods & Tapper Funeral Service

8.0 miles away

5
(5 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation from £1695

“From initial contact in anticipation of an inevitable passing once end of life medication had been prescribed, and through that passing to the planning and delivery of the funeral, Woods & Tapper Funeral Service were commendable throughout — from discreet prompt liaison with the Care Home when the time came, to supportive guidance navigating the certification process.” — Stephen H.

“Harry was friendly and efficient, making sure at every stage that we were happy with the arrangements, and on the day maintaining a quiet and dignified presence throughout. He and the whole team were kind and patient, ensuring all went smoothly, and helping to make a difficult day more bearable.” — Sally P.

Co-op Funeralcare logo

3. Co-op Funeralcare

8.0 miles away

5
(17 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“The staff were so friendly and welcoming, wonderful service and a very calm atmosphere.” — Leah P.

“Excellent help, service & I couldn't fault the Co-op Funeral service at a sad time. I would recommend them to people.” — Deborah T.

Grassby and Close Funeral Service logo

4. Grassby and Close Funeral Service

8.1 miles away

5
(4 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“We were very pleased with the excellent and professional service we received, and would fully recommend.” — Ben C.

“Making sure not only that my partner was treated with respect and making sure everything ran smoothly.” — Sharon M.

Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors logo

5. Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors

8.7 miles away

4.9
(35 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £3073 Cremation from £1575
Matthew Lucas Matthew Lucas Matthew Lucas

Meet Matthew, Matthew, Matthew

“Thank you Matthew and all your team for the great respect and dignity you've showed my late Father, Adrian. Everything was very well done and such a comfort to my family.” — Matthew T.

“Matt has been amazing, helpful and supportive. They make the process so much easier and as pleasant as it can be.” — Rebecca B.

Lesley Shand Funeral Service logo

6. Lesley Shand Funeral Service

8.9 miles away

5
(9 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £2049 Cremation from £1300

“I cannot imagine how much she pours into her work — she deserves a million holidays. Thank you Kathryn, there aren't words to describe what an amazing support and friend you were through this difficult time.” — Carrie

“Kathryn and all the staff at Lesley Shand were brilliant, professional and compassionate. It was an incredible service managing to put all of the mourners at ease, whilst giving us thanks for the life of Anthony.” — john s.

Colin J Close Funeral Service logo

7. Colin J Close Funeral Service

9.1 miles away

4.2
(5 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Affordable funeral service and easy to arrange. Very pleased.” — polarccc

“We have been very happy with Colin Close and his company over many years for several members of our family.” — Philip B.

8. A J Wakely and Sons Ltd

11.7 miles away

NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“With the new Government rules on no more than 10 people in attendance, funerals have to be quieter and smaller.” — Becky H.

Bracher Brothers Ltd logo

9. Bracher Brothers Ltd

11.9 miles away

5
(6 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Made a very difficult time much easier by providing a friendly and reliable service.” — Luke K.

“The King Family would like to thank Hazel and the Team for all the hard work they put in for our Mother Beryl Doreen King's Funeral... many many thanks to all concerned.” — June K.

Albert Marsh logo

10. Albert Marsh

13.8 miles away

4
(4 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £2049 Cremation from £1300

“Jonathan Stretch came round our house several times to assist with planning, took on the adverts, website, funeral service and donations aspects, helping us all at a very difficult time.” — Tom B.

“Gemma was very approachable, displayed genuine care and compassion and was easy to talk to at a very difficult time.” — Simon B.

Harbour View Crematorium, Funeral Home and Woodland Burial Ground logo
4.7
(92 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Jon was professional, sensitive and respectful throughout. Ellie Lomas, celebrant, conducted the service. Her level of efficiency alongside an empathetic and human manner was very much appreciated at a difficult time.” — Melanie E.

“It made the whole process easier and the nicest experience of a funeral I have ever had. Being that it had a kind, calm, and gentle feel about it.” — Matt B.

Grassby and Stockting Funeral Service logo

12. Grassby and Stockting Funeral Service

14.4 miles away

5
(2 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Terry was brilliant. They managed to allow us to personalise everything and considered all of our requests throughout. I would not hesitate in recommending them in the future.” — RIK S.

“What an amazing team, more like a family that make you feel welcome and nothing is too much. They all went above and beyond for my son and our wishes. Words don't even reach it for me.” — Stephanie B.

Free tools

Work things out at your own pace

No pressure, no sales — just simple tools to help you understand costs and next steps.

Towns and cities in Dorset

What families are saying

Real 5-star reviews from Google, updated regularly

    5

    We cannot thank Rhonda and the staff enough for demonstrating such compassion and professionalism provided during this difficult time. Everything we requested was attended to with…

    Shane Wickins via Google
    5

    We cannot thank you enough Christopher for ensuring that my mother’s funeral was as good as it possibly could be. You helped us through the process and guided us when we needed it…

    Caroline Burnard via Google
    in the last week
    5

    The staff at co-op were fantastic from the day the family met them at the allenton branch under the circumstances They did family proud

    Christopher Doolin via Google
    5

    If I could give 10 stars I would. Sheila at Shanklin Office couldn't have been more helpful, friendly, compassionate, understanding, interested and professional. Sheila kept me in…

    Andrea Tabberer via Google
    5

    the co op Wendover, were absolutely amazing with my mums wishes, they helped make everything so easy and as stress free as possible. always going above and beyond. a great big th…

    Leanne mills via Google
    in the last week
    5

    This business dealt with my mothers funeral. They were kind and respectful, went above and beyond to meet hers and our wishes the funeral ran perfectly. Probably one of the most i…

    Cj Scarborough via Google
    5

    We used James Brown and Sons for my father’s funeral. They were exceptional. It was the first funeral my siblings and I had had to organise and they walked us through the whole p…

    Cormac Kennedy via Google
    5

    My parents passed away within a month of each other and from the first phone call everything was made simple and straightforward. Nothing was too much trouble and all stages were …

    Deborah Lavin via Google
    5

    The care and compassion from Vicky at the Shaftesbury branch was absolutely first rate. She spent time with me helping to plan and advise on options for my late mothers funeral a…

    Gillian Collins via Google
    5

    Excellent personal service from JJ Burgess, I would especsially like to thank Becky for her kind, considerate and sympathetic conduct, this was really helpful at such a difficult …

    Keith Fallon-Norris via Google