In many places, a funeral is usually held about 3–7 days after death, but the exact timing can vary.

Typical timing

• In the U.S. and U.K., most funerals happen within about one to two weeks after the person dies, often closer to a week.

• Some services, especially when there are delays or many people traveling, may be scheduled up to around two weeks or occasionally longer.

What affects how soon it is

• Paperwork and logistics: Death certificates, booking a funeral home, religious venue, and crematorium or cemetery can all affect timing.

• Family travel and planning: If close family live far away, the funeral may be pushed back to give people time to arrive and make arrangements.

Religious and cultural practices

• Jewish and Muslim funerals are often held as soon as possible, ideally within about 24 hours of death, when local law and logistics allow.

• Other traditions may prefer more time for rituals and gathering family, keeping the timing closer to the common 3–7 days or up to about 10 days.

If this is for a specific situation, a local funeral director can say what’s normal in your area and what options you have for holding the service sooner or later.