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
(11 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Respectful and supportive on the day of the funeral. Can't fault the service from Grassbys. Obviously have a lot of experience in planning what is required.” — Lou S.

“Extremely Professional and Respectable funeral directors with impeccable attention to detail fulfilling all our requests. 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.

Co-op Funeralcare logo

2. Co-op Funeralcare

8.0 miles away

5
(19 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“They are really accommodating and friendly.” — Ryan R.

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

Grassby and Close Funeral Service logo

3. Grassby and Close Funeral Service

8.1 miles away

5
(4 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

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

“Maxine and her team were amazing from the day my husband passed away all the way through this heartbreaking process.” — Julia P.

Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors logo

4. Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors

8.7 miles away

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

Meet Matthew, Matthew, Matthew +2

“The professionalism, care and the attention to detail from Matt and Karen was second to none. I commend them without any hesitation whatsoever.” — Charles E.

“Nothing was too much trouble for them and knowing we could hand everything over to them during this difficult time with the knowledge that they would carry out all our requests made a huge difference to our family.” — Brendan M.

Lesley Shand Funeral Service logo

5. 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. I have no doubt that they tailor each funeral to each set of circumstances.” — john s.

Colin J Close Funeral Service logo

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Bracher Brothers Ltd

11.9 miles away

5
(7 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

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

“The team are very knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding about their role and supportive of the local community.” — Paul P.

Albert Marsh logo

9. 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
(96 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Your friendly help and guidance was fantastic and much appreciated. You made it very personal and a true celebration of Dad's life.” — Stuart S.

“You looked after my son David Wieland and you let me spend an hour with and talking to him. Thank you so much for all your help, the staff are very kind and caring.” — Loraine M.

Grassby and Stockting Funeral Service logo

11. 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.

12. Cotton and Son Ltd

14.7 miles away

5
(8 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Jane and her staff were fantastic. If you want a caring, personal service they were perfect.” — matthew w.

“He went about his duties in a very professional manner and relaxed the family. He gave Richard the send off that he deserved and we can't thank you enough.” — Ian P.

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 recently used the services of D. Hollowell & Sons (The Oaks Funeral Home) for my dad's funeral. As soon as I met with Anthony I knew straight way that I wanted to use his servi…

    Rob Tierney via Google
    a week ago
    5

    Can honesly say this funaral directors go above and beoned they took great care of my late husband and did everything that was asked they are a amazing Highly recomend them thank…

    Simone Walker via Google
    5

    Just used them for our father's funeral which was slightly more bespoke than most and they helped us every step of the way to achieve our vision. No pressure. Let us do what we wa…

    stephen crocker via Google
    5

    We received an excellent and professional service from Greg & Anthony when we entrusted them with our Mum, The arrangements were excellent and they dealt with all the aspects of …

    Sue Hannan via Google
    5

    It's difficult to express how grateful me and my family are to Ian Hazel Funerals and in particular Luke, Tim and other staff. From the first phone call to the very end they were …

    Pip Smith via Google
    5

    Ballard and Shorthall Crawley recently took care of my mother’s funeral, Maureen Assanah. They had also looked after Dad in 2013. They are a brilliant team, and supported us every…

    S N via Google
    5

    Lewis is an exceptional funeral director. Professional, kind and compassionate throughout, and nothing was ever too much trouble. He was incredibly organised, guided us through ev…

    Afreen Cole via Google
    5

    There are no words or enough stars to describe how amazing and exceptional Nicholas O Haras services and Team are !! Right from the beginning of arranging a funeral plan with Anth…

    Pauline Kelly via Google
    5

    Right from the start to end of communication parkgrove have been so compassionate and thoughtful , they went out their way to accomodate any help or information we needed at the…

    Lindy Ross via Google
    5

    We have used Chadwick’s for our family funerals for years and mum wanted us to use them for her funeral too. They are always so respectful, helpful and compassionate and this time…

    June Pryce via Google