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
(10 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
(6 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
(18 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

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

Meet Matthew, Matthew, Matthew +1

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

“They guided us through the entire process with care and understanding, making something so overwhelming feel much more manageable. We are truly grateful for their kindness and dedication, and we couldn't have asked for better people to help us through this.” — Dan A.

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
(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

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
(94 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.

“Losing a loved one is never easy but the care and support we received from the moment we walked through the doors — the staff were compassionate, attentive, and truly dedicated to helping us honour Helen's life with dignity and respect. They handled every detail with professionalism and kindness, ensuring that the service reflected who she was.” — Gerry C.

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

    in the last week
    5

    Savannah and team first class.Complete care, empathy and professional from first contact.

    Steven Glass via Google
    in the last week
    5

    Jess and the team at Kiveton Coop Funeralcare made everything so easy for us. They were so respectful and made the day of the funeral so perfect.

    Rosalyn via Google
    5

    Recently had to use for my FinL funeral. The service from first walking through the door to final email was faultless. Kate looked after us and him beautifully, navigated us throu…

    Bizzybeejo Green via Google
    in the last week
    5

    The best funeral directors i have encountered, we chose them after seeing another 5 funeral directors. Fantastic service all round from start to finish, very helpful, accomodating…

    Shirley via Google
    5

    I cannot thank the team enough for the kindness, compassion, and professionalism they showed during such a difficult time. From the very beginning, they treated our family with ge…

    Katie via Google
    5

    From first contact with Carshalton branch Theresa to the ceremony lead by Anita. Everything was handled with dignity and great supportive care. Clear explanation and helpful sugge…

    Mike Cox via Google
    in the last week
    5

    We cannot thank the Co-op Funeralcare teams at Solihull and Hobbs Moat enough for the outstanding care they gave our Mom and our family. Mom had made the decision during her illne…

    Melissa via Google
    5

    I have never owned a Rolls Royce, but if ever I do I will call it Arnold, or, more likely, Lizzie. Arnold Funeral Service worked flawlessly as a team headed up by the amazing and…

    Mike Leake via Google
    5

    I would unreservedly recommend Andrew Grey Funeral Directors for their services. During the recent heartbreaking loss of our beloved mam, we were dealt with with the utmost respec…

    Linda Wind via Google
    5

    I cannot rate the service we received more highly. Cathy Houghton is a credit to the Co op, Rowner and her profession. She treated my brothers and I with kindness, empathy and mad…

    Michael Richardson via Google