Organising a funeral in Switzerland: steps, deadlines and responsibilities

Legal deadlines to be observed in Switzerland

One of the first questions that arises when organising a funeral in Switzerland concerns the legal deadlines to be observed. Unlike certain countries where these deadlines may be more flexible, Swiss legislation imposes strict time constraints for sanitary and public health reasons.

As a general rule, funerals must take place between 2 and 5 days after death, depending on the canton in which you are located. This deadline begins from the moment the burial or cremation permit is obtained, issued by the civil registrar.

However, exceptions exist:

Extension of the deadline: In certain exceptional situations (repatriation of the body, waiting for relatives living abroad, additional medical examinations), it is possible to obtain an extension from the cantonal authorities.
Cantonal variations: Each canton has a certain autonomy in matters of funeral legislation. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud or Zurich may have slightly different rules.
Preservation of the body: In the event of an extended deadline, the body must be kept in appropriate conditions, generally in a refrigerated funeral chamber.

These deadlines may seem short, but they are justified by sanitary considerations related to the natural preservation of the body. It is therefore essential to contact a funeral home quickly, which will guide you in complying with these legal obligations whilst giving you the necessary time to organise a dignified and personalised ceremony.

Practical advice: Enquire with the civil registry office of your municipality from the first hours following the death to know the exact deadlines applicable in your canton.

Step 1: The first administrative procedures

Even before being able to begin planning the funeral, several urgent administrative formalities must be completed. These steps to prepare a funeral ceremony are essential and determine the rest of the organisation.

Immediate procedures include:

Having the death certified: A doctor must issue a medical death certificate, whether at home, in hospital or in a care home.
Obtaining the medical certificate: This document is essential for all subsequent procedures.
Declaring the death to the civil registry: This declaration must be made within two working days to the civil registry office of the municipality where the death occurred.
Obtaining the burial or cremation permit: Issued by the civil registrar after verification of documents, this permit is mandatory to proceed with the funeral.

These formalities may seem complex, but they are essential to comply with the Swiss legal framework. For detailed support during these critical first hours, consult our complete guide on what to do immediately after a death in Switzerland.

Furthermore, other administrative procedures will need to be carried out in the following weeks (termination of contracts, succession, etc.). Our article on administrative formalities after a death provides you with a complete checklist of documents not to be forgotten.

Once these first procedures have been completed, you can truly begin to organise the funeral ceremony.

Step 2: Choosing between cremation and burial

One of the most important choices between cremation or burial when organising a funeral concerns the method of burial. This fundamental decision will influence the entire rest of the organisation: the type of ceremony, the location, the costs and the deadlines.

Cremation consists of incinerating the body of the deceased in a crematorium. The ashes are then returned to the family in a funeral urn. This option offers great flexibility regarding the fate of the ashes: scattering in an authorised place, storage in a columbarium, burial in a cinerary grave, or private storage depending on the cantons.

Burial (or interment) consists of placing the coffin in a grave at the cemetery. This traditional option offers a permanent place of contemplation for the family and loved ones.

The main differences between these two options:

Costs: Cremation is generally less expensive than burial (no perpetual concession, simpler coffin possible).
Deadlines: Cremation can sometimes allow a little more flexibility in organising the ceremony.
Place of remembrance: Burial offers a fixed and permanent location, whilst cremation allows more freedom.
Environmental impact: Both options have different impacts, with emerging ecological alternatives for each.
Cultural and religious aspects: Some religions favour or prohibit one option or the other.

Important: Absolute priority must be given to the wishes expressed by the deceased during their lifetime, whether in a will, last wishes provisions, or during conversations with loved ones.

Criteria for making your choice

Faced with this important decision, several criteria can guide you:

The wishes of the deceased: This is the primary criterion. Check whether there is a will, written provisions, or whether the deceased had expressed their wishes to loved ones.
Religious and philosophical convictions: Some religions such as Islam and Judaism favour burial, whilst others accept or encourage cremation.
Practical aspects: The distance from the burial place, the family's mobility, the possibility of regular contemplation.
Financial considerations: The available budget can guide the choice, knowing that both options can be adapted to different levels of means.
Environmental impact: For people sensitive to ecology, alternatives exist for both methods (biodegradable coffin, carbon-offset cremation, etc.).
Family tradition: Some families have a family burial plot or an established tradition.

There is no "right" or "wrong" choice. The essential thing is to make a decision that respects the wishes of the deceased and that brings comfort to the family. Do not hesitate to discuss it with the funeral home, which can enlighten you on the practical implications of each option.

Legal particularities in Switzerland

Swiss legislation strictly regulates funeral practices, with important cantonal specificities to be aware of:

For cremation:

A 48-hour reflection period is imposed in certain cantons between death and cremation (except medical exceptions).
A specific cremation authorisation must be issued by the competent authority.
Cremation must be carried out in an authorised crematorium.
The coffin must be made of combustible material and without significant metallic elements.

For scattering of ashes:

Scattering is authorised in Switzerland, but in specific places and according to precise rules.
It can be done in nature (forest, mountain, lake, river) whilst respecting certain conditions.
Some cantons require prior authorisation.
Scattering must be done discreetly and respectfully.

For burial:

It must obligatorily take place in an official cemetery.
Concessions have a limited duration (generally 25 to 30 years), renewable.
The coffin must comply with certain sanitary and environmental standards.

Warning: As regulations vary from one canton to another, it is essential to enquire with the civil registry office of your municipality or your funeral home to know the exact rules applicable.

Step 3: Selecting a funeral home

The choice of a funeral home is a crucial step in organising a funeral in Switzerland. These professionals support you throughout the process and take care of numerous complex procedures, thus allowing you to focus on your grief and the tribute to be paid to the deceased.

Services offered by funeral homes generally include:

Transport of the body: From the place of death to the funeral chamber, then to the place of ceremony.
Preservation care: Mortuary toilet, presentation care, thanatopraxy if necessary.
Placing in the coffin: Supply and preparation of the coffin or urn.
Organisation of the ceremony: Coordination with the place of worship, crematorium or cemetery.
Administrative procedures: Help with death declaration, obtaining authorisations, etc.
Funeral articles: Flowers, commemorative plaques, ceremony booklets, condolence register.
Personalised support: Advice and support in your choices.

To find a trusted company suited to your needs, Wolky provides you with a complete directory of funeral homes in Switzerland, with detailed information on their services, their specialities and reviews from other families.

Advice for comparing offers:

Do not hesitate to contact several companies to obtain detailed quotes.
Check that all costs are clearly indicated (some fees may be hidden).
Ensure that the company is properly registered and has the necessary authorisations.
Favour a local company that knows the specificities of your canton.
Trust recommendations and reviews from other families.

A good funeral service provider must demonstrate empathy, transparency and professionalism. They must listen to you, respect your wishes and your budget, and guide you without imposing choices.

Questions to ask funeral homes

During your first contacts with a funeral home, here are the essential questions to ask to ensure you make the right choice:

On services and provisions:

What services are included in your basic package?
What additional options are available?
Do you offer support for administrative procedures?
Do you have a funeral chamber for visits?
Can you organise personalised ceremonies?

On financial aspects:

What is the estimated total cost for the services I need?
What are the mandatory fees and optional fees?
Do you offer payment facilities?
Do you accept payment by death insurance?
Are there possible additional fees?

On practical organisation:

What are the deadlines for organising the ceremony?
Are you available 24/7?
Can you handle religious or cultural specificities?
Do you offer an online streaming service for the ceremony?
How does coordination work on the day of the funeral?

On personalisation:

Can I personalise the coffin, urn or decoration?
Can we choose the music and texts for the ceremony?
Is it possible to integrate personal elements (photos, objects, videos)?

Important advice: Always ask for a written and detailed quote before committing. Do not hesitate to take time to reflect and compare several offers, even if deadlines are tight.

Step 4: Organising the funeral ceremony

The funeral ceremony is an essential moment in the grieving process. It is an opportunity to pay a final tribute to the deceased, to gather as family and friends, and to begin grieving collectively. Organising a funeral ceremony requires making several important decisions.

Choice of location:

Several options are available to you depending on your convictions and those of the deceased:

Religious place of worship: Church, temple, mosque, synagogue for a ceremony according to the rites of a religion.
Crematorium: Most have suitable ceremony rooms, often neutral and able to accommodate secular or religious ceremonies.
Cemetery: For a ceremony at the graveside, often more intimate.
Civil hall: Some municipalities offer halls dedicated to secular funeral ceremonies.
Private location: In some cases, it is possible to organise a ceremony in a place that had particular significance for the deceased.

Format of the ceremony:

Religious ceremony: According to the rites and traditions of the deceased's denomination (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, etc.).
Secular ceremony: Without religious connotation, centred on the life and personality of the deceased.
Mixed ceremony: Combining religious and secular elements to respect the diversity of the family's beliefs.

Conduct of the ceremony:

A typical funeral ceremony generally includes:

A welcome for participants
Readings or significant texts
Carefully chosen music
Personal testimonies and tributes
A moment of contemplation or prayer
A final farewell before burial or cremation

The essential thing is to create a ceremony that truly reflects the personality of the deceased and that allows everyone to say goodbye in an authentic and meaningful way.

Elements to plan for the ceremony

For the funeral ceremony to proceed harmoniously, several practical elements must be organised in advance:

The celebrant or master of ceremonies:

For a religious ceremony: priest, pastor, imam, rabbi or other minister of worship.
For a secular ceremony: professional master of ceremonies or someone close to the deceased.
Meet with them beforehand to convey information about the life of the deceased.

Music and readings:

Select 3 to 5 significant musical pieces (deceased's favourite music, soothing pieces).
Choose texts, poems or readings that resonate with the life of the deceased.
Check the technical constraints of the venue (audio system, possibility of playing recordings).

Speeches and testimonies:

Identify people who would like to speak.
Help them prepare their interventions (duration, content).
Plan an order of speaking and a limited time for each intervention.

The ceremony booklet:

Document given to participants with the proceedings, texts and music.
Can include a photo of the deceased, important dates, and thanks.
Your funeral home can help you design and print it.

Flowers and decorations:

Floral compositions for the coffin or urn.
Floral arrangements for the ceremony venue.
Photos of the deceased, candles, symbolic objects.

Reception after the ceremony:

Convivial moment allowing loved ones to meet.
Can be organised in a restaurant, community hall, or at home.
Provide drinks and refreshments for participants.

Practical advice: Do not hesitate to delegate some of these tasks to loved ones or to your funeral home. You do not have to manage everything alone in this difficult time.

Personalisation of the ceremony

Making the ceremony unique and faithful to the memory of the deceased is essential to create an authentic and comforting moment. Here are ideas for personalising the tribute:

Visual elements:

Photo exhibition: Create a visual journey retracing the life of the deceased, from childhood photos to recent moments.
Slideshow or video: Montage of photos accompanied by significant music, shown before or during the ceremony.
Personal objects: Display objects that represented the deceased's passions (musical instruments, tools, books, sports trophies).

Active participation:

Personal testimonies: Invite family and friends to share anecdotes, joyful memories.
Live music: If loved ones are musicians, they can perform a significant piece.
Symbolic gestures: Release of biodegradable balloons, planting of a tree, individual flower laying.

Atmosphere and decoration:

Choose colours that represented the deceased rather than traditional black.
Create an atmosphere with candles, incense, or natural elements.
Use flowers they particularly liked.

Thematic elements:

If the deceased was passionate about travel, integrate elements evoking their favourite destinations.
For a nature lover, favour an outdoor ceremony or with natural elements.
Reflect their passions: sport, art, cooking, gardening, etc.

Keepsakes for participants:

Small cards with a favourite quote from the deceased.
Seeds to plant in their memory.
Bookmarks with their photo.

Personalising the ceremony allows you to transform a painful moment into an authentic celebration of the life of the deceased. Do not be afraid to be creative and to step outside conventions if it better corresponds to their personality.

Step 5: Informing those around you

Announcing a death and communicating the details of the funeral ceremony is a delicate but essential step. It is important that all those who were close to the deceased can be informed and have the opportunity to attend the funeral if they wish.

Different means of information:

Telephone calls: For close family and intimate friends, personal announcement by telephone remains the most appropriate and respectful.
Written messages: For a wider circle, messages by SMS, email or social networks can be used, taking care to adopt an appropriate tone.
Death notice: Publication in local newspapers and/or on online platforms to reach a wider audience.

The importance of the death notice:

The death notice fulfils several important functions:

Officially inform of the death
Communicate practical details of the ceremony (date, time, place)
Allow distant acquaintances to be informed
Pay a public tribute to the deceased
Create a lasting memorial trace

To better understand the role and usefulness of this tool, consult our detailed article on death notices in Switzerland.

Today, families have the choice between traditional formats (paper newspapers) and online platforms. Each option presents specific advantages in terms of reach, costs and flexibility. Our comparative guide on online obituaries vs. traditional formats will help you make the best choice.

Wolky allows you to publish an obituary online quickly and easily, with the possibility of creating a memorial space where loved ones and friends can share their condolences and memories.

Writing a death notice

Writing a death notice requires finding the right balance between practical information and personal tribute. Here are the essential elements to include and some advice for creating a respectful and complete notice.

Essential information to include:

Identity of the deceased: Surname, first name(s), possibly maiden name for married women.
Dates: Date of birth and date of death, sometimes age.
Place: Place of death (town, canton) and possibly place of residence.
Circumstances (optional): "Peacefully", "surrounded by loved ones", "after a long illness" - according to what the family wishes to share.
Family: Mention of bereaved loved ones (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.).
Ceremony details: Precise date, time and place of the funeral.
Practical information: Public or private ceremony, wishes concerning flowers, possibility of making a donation to an association.
Thanks (optional): To care staff, loved ones, etc.

Writing advice:

Appropriate tone: Adopt a sober and respectful style, whilst personalising according to the personality of the deceased.
Length: For paper newspapers, remain concise (cost per word). Online, you have more freedom.
Quote or poem: You can include a significant quote, a biblical verse, or a short poem.
Photo: A recent and dignified photo of the deceased generally accompanies the notice.
Proofreading: Have the notice proofread by a loved one to avoid errors and verify that all information is correct.

Distribution channels:

Local newspapers: Regional dailies, municipal newspapers (24 Heures, Tribune de Genève, Le Temps, etc.).
Online platforms: Specialised sites like Wolky that offer wider reach and additional functionalities.
Social networks: For rapid distribution to a wide circle, with caution and respect.

Publishing a well-written death notice not only allows effective information, but also pays a final public and dignified tribute to the deceased person.

Step 6: Managing financial aspects

The financial aspects of organising a funeral constitute a legitimate concern for many families. In Switzerland, the cost of funerals varies considerably according to the choices made, but it is important to understand the different expense items and possible assistance.

Average price range in Switzerland:

The total cost of funerals in Switzerland is generally between 5,000 and 15,000 francs, with significant variations depending on:

The type of funeral (cremation generally less expensive than burial)
The canton and municipality
The level of services chosen
Personalisation of the ceremony

The main expense items:

Basic funeral services (2,000-5,000 CHF): Transport of the body, placing in coffin, standard coffin or urn, basic organisation.
Ceremony (500-3,000 CHF): Room hire, celebrant, music, flowers, booklets.
Burial concession (1,000-5,000 CHF): For burial, purchase of a concession at the cemetery (limited duration).
Headstone or monument (2,000-10,000 CHF): Very variable according to materials and personalisation.
Administrative fees (200-500 CHF): Certificates, authorisations, various procedures.
Reception (500-2,000 CHF): According to the number of guests and type of service.

Possible financial assistance:

Death insurance: Many people have taken out insurance that covers all or part of funeral costs.
Employer benefits: Some collective agreements provide assistance in the event of death.
Social assistance: In situations of financial precarity, municipal social services can provide support.
Pension fund: Can pay death benefit to beneficiaries.

Advice for controlling the budget:

Request several detailed quotes and compare them carefully.
Do not hesitate to negotiate certain elements or opt for less expensive alternatives.
Distinguish the essential from the superfluous: a simple ceremony can be just as dignified and moving.
Enquire about insurance and assistance from which you could benefit.
Be transparent with the funeral home about your budget from the start.

Important: Financial difficulties should not prevent organising a dignified funeral. Solutions exist, and professionals in the sector are accustomed to adapting their services to different budgets.

Who is responsible for organising the funeral?

The question of responsibilities in organising a funeral can sometimes be a source of confusion or even family conflicts. In Switzerland, the legal framework establishes a clear hierarchy, whilst leaving room for practical organisation within the family.

Legal responsibility:

According to Swiss law, the responsibility for organising the funeral falls primarily on:

The surviving spouse or registered partner
The adult children of the deceased
The parents of the deceased
Brothers and sisters
Other relatives according to degree of kinship

This hierarchy may vary slightly according to cantons, but the general principle remains the same: responsibility falls to the most direct relatives.

In case of family disagreement:

Unfortunately, family tensions can sometimes complicate the organisation of funerals. In these situations:

The person with legal priority has the final say on important decisions.
Wishes clearly expressed by the deceased (will, written provisions) prevail over any disagreement.
In case of major conflict, municipal authorities or a mediator can intervene.
It is recommended to favour dialogue and compromise in the interest of the deceased and the family.

Financial responsibility:

The person responsible for the organisation is also, in principle, responsible for payment of funeral costs. However:

These costs can be deducted from the deceased's estate.
If the deceased had death insurance, it generally covers the costs.
Relatives can share the costs amicably.

Advance designation:

To avoid any confusion or conflict, it is possible to designate during one's lifetime a trusted person to organise one's funeral. This designation can be made:

In a will
In last wishes provisions
By a written and signed document

This anticipation represents a precious gift for loved ones, sparing them difficult decisions and potential tensions.

Distribution of tasks among loved ones

Even if one person is legally responsible, the practical organisation of the funeral benefits from being shared among several family members. This distribution helps lighten the emotional and practical burden, whilst involving everyone in the tribute to the deceased.

Examples of distribution of responsibilities:

General coordination:

One person (generally the legal responsible) supervises the whole and makes final decisions.
They coordinate with the funeral home and ensure the link between everyone.

Administrative procedures:

An organised person can take care of formalities with the civil registry.
Gathering of necessary documents.
Follow-up of procedures with insurance companies.

Organisation of the ceremony:

Choice of music and texts (can be entrusted to someone close who knew the deceased's tastes well).
Coordination with the celebrant or master of ceremonies.
Preparation of testimonies and speeches.

Communication:

Writing and publication of the death notice.
Telephone calls to loved ones.
Management of condolence messages.

Practical aspects:

Organisation of the reception after the ceremony.
Management of flowers and decorations.
Preparation of ceremony booklets.
Welcoming participants on the day.

Financial aspects:

Budget and payment management.
Contacts with insurance companies.
Distribution of costs among the family if necessary.

Advice for good distribution:

Communicate openly: Organise a family meeting to discuss the distribution of tasks.
Respect everyone's capabilities: Some are more comfortable with administration, others with practical organisation.
Take into account emotional state: The most affected people should not bear the heaviest responsibilities.
Use coordination tools: Shared list, discussion group, so that everyone knows who is doing what.
Do not hesitate to ask for help: Close friends, neighbours, colleagues can provide valuable support.

Sharing tasks is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It allows everyone to contribute to the tribute according to their capabilities, whilst preserving their energy to go through grief.

Advice for simplifying the organisation

Organising a funeral can seem overwhelming, especially in a moment of great emotional vulnerability. Here is practical advice for simplifying this process and allowing you to focus on the essential: honouring your loved one and taking care of yourself.

1. Get support from professionals

Funeral homes are there to relieve you of a large part of the logistics. Do not hesitate to delegate to them:

Complex administrative procedures
Coordination with different stakeholders
Technical and logistical aspects
Advice on choices to be made

A good professional guides you without imposing, respects your wishes and your budget, and provides you with benevolent support. Consult our directory of funeral homes to find a trusted provider near you.

2. Use checklists

A clear task list helps you not to forget anything and to progress step by step:

Download or create a checklist of procedures to be completed
Tick off each completed step to visualise your progress
Share this list with loved ones who are helping you
Prioritise urgent tasks vs. those that can wait

3. Take your time for important decisions

Even if legal deadlines are short, do not rush into major decisions:

Take time to reflect on the cremation/burial choice
Consult several funeral homes before choosing
Think about what would really have pleased the deceased
Do not let yourself be rushed by anyone

4. Delegate and accept help

You do not have to carry everything alone:

Accept offers of help from those around you
Entrust concrete tasks to those who offer their support
Let others prepare the reception, take care of flowers, etc.
Do not be ashamed to show your vulnerability

5. Simplify when possible

A simple ceremony can be just as dignified and moving as a complex organisation:

Favour quality over quantity (a few significant elements rather than an overload)
Opt for turnkey solutions offered by funeral homes
Use online platforms to simplify certain procedures (death notice, condolences)

6. Take care of yourself

Do not forget that you are going through grief:

Allow yourself breaks and rest
Eat and sleep as much as possible
Accept your emotions without judging them
Do not hesitate to consult a professional for psychological support if necessary

Anticipating to relieve loved ones

If organising a funeral is difficult for those who remain, there is a way to make the task considerably easier for them: preparing one's own funeral during one's lifetime. This approach, far from being morbid, represents an act of love and responsibility towards loved ones.

Why anticipate one's funeral?

Relieve loved ones: They will not have to guess your wishes nor make difficult decisions in urgency and grief.
Express your wishes: You ensure that your funeral truly reflects your values and your personality.
Avoid family conflicts: Clear instructions prevent disagreements among loved ones.
Control costs: You can plan the budget and even prefinance your funeral.
Gain peace of mind: Knowing that everything is planned brings a form of peace of mind.

How to prepare one's funeral in advance?

1. Express one's wishes in writing:

Write last wishes provisions detailing your wishes.
Specify: cremation or burial, type of ceremony (religious/secular), place, desired music, texts.
Indicate your preferences for flowers, donations to associations, etc.
Sign and date this document, and give a copy to your loved ones and your notary.

2. Take out death insurance:

Allows guaranteeing that necessary funds will be available.
Relieves your loved ones of the financial burden.
Different formulas exist according to your age and situation.

3. Prefinance one's funeral:

Some funeral homes offer funeral planning contracts.
You choose and pay in advance for the desired services.
Prices are guaranteed, protecting against inflation.

4. Inform loved ones:

Talk about your wishes with your family, even if the subject is delicate.
Indicate where your important documents are located (will, insurance, provisions).
Designate a trusted person to ensure that your wishes are respected.

5. Update regularly:

Your wishes may evolve over time.
Review your provisions every few years.
Inform your loved ones of any changes.

Preparing one's funeral is not resigning oneself to death, it is on the contrary an act of life: that of taking one's responsibilities and offering loved ones the priceless gift of not having to decide everything in pain. It is also an opportunity to reflect on what really matters to you and the legacy you wish to leave.

Useful tools and resources

To support you in organising a funeral, several tools and resources can be of great help to you. Here is a selection of practical supports to simplify your procedures.

Checklists and practical guides:

Checklist of first steps: Consult our guide on what to do immediately after a death for a complete list of urgent actions.
Checklist of administrative formalities: Our article on administrative documents not to be forgotten guides you step by step.
Ceremony planning guide: Create your own list of elements to plan to personalise the ceremony.

Useful contacts:

Civil registry of your municipality: For all official death declaration procedures.
Funeral homes: Explore our directory of funeral homes in Switzerland to find a trusted provider near you.
Religious services: Contact details of places of worship in your region if you wish a religious ceremony.
Bereavement support associations: For psychological support after the funeral.

Wolky online platforms:

Wolky provides you with several digital tools to facilitate your procedures:

Publication of death notices: Create and publish a death notice online quickly and easily, with the possibility of creating a memorial space to collect condolences.
Consultation of notices: Browse death notices published in Switzerland to inspire you or find a notice.
Directory of funeral homes: Compare services and find the company that corresponds to your needs.
Blog and resources: Access numerous informative articles on all aspects of grief and organising funerals.

Applications and digital tools:

Shared calendar: To coordinate tasks among several family members.
Discussion groups: WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal to communicate quickly with all involved loved ones.
Cloud storage: To share important documents (certificates, quotes, etc.) among the family.

Official documentation:

Canton websites: Each Swiss canton has an official website with information on specific funeral procedures.
Federal register: For certain national administrative procedures.

These resources are designed to support you at each step, allowing you to navigate more serenely through this difficult period whilst honouring the memory of your loved one with dignity.