How to choose a funeral director that is right for you

Choosing a funeral director.

Choosing a funeral director that is right for you is so important. You will be working closely with this person and you must feel able to discuss your thoughts and needs with them. A good funeral director will be someone you’re happy to have attending the funeral with you. They should respect your wishes, and won’t ‘up-sell’ or push you to make certain choices. You should feel that they listen to your wishes and requirements, whilst allowing you time to think and grieve.

When choosing a funeral director look at the reviews other families have left, and ask family and friends who they used and why. Look at their costs and what is or isn’t included. Ask for an itemised breakdown of costs.

Choose one who is affiliated with a professional body. There are a number of associations out there that provide training and qualifications for funeral directors, such as the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).

These associations have codes of conduct that their members must abide by. That said, you don’t need qualifications to be a great funeral director – some excellent funeral directors have none whatsoever.

 

Your funeral director should be compassionate, a good communicator, organised and reliable.

How do you know a funeral director is independent? 

 

At first glance, it can seem like they’re all much alike or that there are too many to choose between.

Do not be deceived by the name above the door. Many smaller independent funeral directors have been bought by the larger corporate companies but still use the familiar family name. Corporate companies keep the family name, because they know families recognise and trust its reputation. The ownership of the company should be clearly stated on their website and in branch too.

An independent Funeral Director is normally a small privately-owned business consisting of a close-knit team, who are passionate about providing dedicated care to you as a family and your loved one. They pride themselves on the quality of service provided and tend to go that little bit further for families, as they are not restricted by profit driven target set by shareholders.

Independent funeral directors also have strong links within the community they work in and often get involved with local good causes and fundraising events.

 

What is the benefit of having an independent funeral director.

 

• An independent funeral director tends to have lower overheads, therefore funeral costs are more reasonable then larger corporate companies.
• If you choose an independent funeral director, you will get continuity. Your dedicated arranger will help advise and guide you through the arrangements, and be there on the day of the funeral to support you.
• Independent funeral directors manage their own time. This enables them to spend as much time as is needed with you, to arrange the perfect farewell for your loved one.
• Independent funeral directors, will continue to support you after the funeral.

 

 

What does a funeral director do?

The role of a funeral director is many

• Supporting and guiding you through the process of arranging a funeral. This removes the stress and allows you to spend time family.
• Arranging all necessary paperwork required for a cremation or burial
• They liaise with you, keeping you informed at all times
• Bringing your loved one in to their care and caring for them until the funeral
• Co-ordinate with third parties, such as arranging a celebrant or minister, flowers, printed order of services and alternative transport
• Arrange for you to visit your loved one in the chapel of rest, if you wish to do so
• Help with DWP applications, if necessary
• Provided ongoing bereavement care

We would be happy to answers any questions you have, contact us on 01252 941415.