Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Christians believe in an afterlife and resurrection, but the beliefs around the afterlife vary within the different denominations, as do the rituals. Treatment of the body of the person who has died When someone dies, their body is usually taken to an undertaker who will carry out the necessary preparations for the body to be laid out. This is to enable those who wish to view the body to do so.  Funerals and other ceremonies  The funeral, organised by an undertaker, is usually within a few weeks of the death. This usually takes place in a church but sometimes a crematorium or a combination of the two.  Wreaths or flowers may be placed on the coffin and it is traditional for attendees to wear black at a funeral, but this custom varies.  The body will either be buried or cremated, dependent on the wishes of the person who has died and their family. A churchyard grave is often marked by a headstone, but for a c...