question on British funeral practices

[Sternel]

Hi all --

well, love or hate the movie, I've been all inspired to get cracking 
on my fic, which usually is done in bursts of activity and then sits 
dormant for weeks, but I've encountered a big gap in my (admittedly 
spotty) Brit-culture knowledge.

I was hoping the Brits on the list might explain how funerals work -- 
I imagine they're rather similar to US customs, and the religious 
aspect obviously is quite set, but what about wakes?  I realized I 
have no idea if funeral homes are a big thing in the UK, or how wakes 
are generally conducted.  (Well, other than the stereotypical Irish 
type, and as this isn't for Seamus... ::grin::)  

If you don't want to post on list, just pop an email to me at sternel 
@ livejournal.com.  I promise that these aren't main characters I'm 
ruthlessly killing off, btw, so no worries there.  =)  Thanks in 
advance!

-Sternel, who enjoyed the film for the most part, and had a great 
time cheering with everyone at POA Imax, but also agrees that it 
needs more Snape.  ^^