Local resolution 1: The first step in the case of a complaint against a funeral director or a wedding organiser is to approach the company directly.

Local resolution 2: If your complaint is inadequately handled at a local level then put your complaint to the Head Office or Manager. The internal complaints procedures of Funeral Directors and Wedding Services should resolve your complaint. If not then proceed to step 3.

Authorities: If the Funeral Director in question is a member of the following regulatory bodies: the Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), the Funeral Standards Council (FSC) or the National Association of Funeral Directors, you can submit your complaint to them. The National Association of Funeral Directors will offer a conciliation/arbitration . Otherwise you should seek advice from your local Trading Standards Office or Citizens' Advice bureau. If no resolution is forthcoming then proceed to step 4.

In the case of a wedding organisation you should seek advice from your local Trading Standards Office or Citizens' Advice Bureau. They will give you free advice and may take up your complaint for you. You may also check if the company in question is a member of a trade association. If so then you should be able to seek redress through a conciliation/arbitration scheme that is run by the association.

Court: Failing all else you can still go to court to resolve your dispute. Details of small claims court and other procedures are given in the Legal Section of this site. You can also contact the Community Legal Service (justask.org.uk) that gives access to free advice. Otherwise your local Citizens' Advice Bureau will give you advice and will sometimes organise free legal representation for you.