When you lose a loved one, you suddenly have only weeks to prepare their funeral – at a time when you are dealing with your own grief, and probably that of people close to you and the deceased. These key questions will help you choose a funeral director who will work with you to shape the farewell you would wish your loved one to have.
For many people, their initial thoughts revert to a funeral they have attended in the past, and if they liked the service and/or the venue. The decision to contact a funeral director based on a positive previous experience tends to be a priority, especially if they are based in the right locality. After all, a funeral is not a life event many of us have attended often, so it’s a useful reference point.
If you don’t have a local funeral director in mind, then seeking out recommendations from friends and family is a good idea. People are all too happy to help and share information when asked at a time like this.
About 90%of families that contact us have been referred, which is such an important indicator for us that we are delivering a tailored service to our clients.
Comparing websites of funeral directors can give you insight into the different businesses, funerals in general and the choices available.
Online reviews and testimonials can give you a good idea of the variety of services on offer and occasionally negative feedback can be given too. As a website is a window to a business and some reviews can’t always be verified, we would advise you still do your research in person before making your final selection.
Family run businesses will often have been trading for many years, even decades – a helpful barometer that good service and experience is passed through the generations. They also typically have good relations with a network of suppliers, such as florists and printers, ensuring a seamless offering from beginning to end. Often the younger generation bring fresher ideas, but the more traditional standards underpin service levels.
Family run doesn’t mean that everyone is a family member. You need several staff in a variety of roles bringing with them a variety of skills.
Remarkably, the answer is no! The industry is not regulated, and there are some stories out there you would not believe! However, for added reassurance, look for funeral directors that are linked to the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), who give guidance to funeral firms, and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), who give guidance to members and uphold the UK’s highest standards among independent funeral directors.
Whatever your first point of contact – a phone call, visit or email – how you are dealt with will give you an instant understanding as to whether you feel heard, understood and looked after from the offset. The personal connection is all important and it’s essential to feel supported. Often, it’s wise to go with your instinct.
If your loved one had decided upon a specific funeral director or you have shortlisted your choices, availability of funeral directors can be a big deciding factor. Longer celebrations are being requested, which can limit availability. Three funerals in a day used to be usual; it is now sometimes difficult to manage two.
So get an idea of who is available for your chosen date, or try to be flexible with dates or the time of day. It’s best to check sooner rather than later, to avoid delays or disappointment.
If your loved one had taken out a pre-paid funeral plan, they might have given some guidance on the type of funeral they wanted and most of the costs might have been paid for in advance. However, if this is not the case or you still have costs to cover, budget can be a defining factor in choice of funeral director and the other decisions you need to make.
Look for a Funeral Director that gives costs upfront with no hidden bills. You might find people have recommended on this basis already. Get a few comparisons to help inform your decision.
There is a trend towards more diverse funerals that are much more a celebration of a life, and so if you want to know about the little touches that can truly personalise a final farewell, ask your funeral director what they can offer.
The request for more eco-friendly funerals has increased. Wicker coffins and burials in woodland are possible. Again, list what is important to discuss with your shortlisted funeral directors.
Choosing the right funeral director can have a significant impact on how you feel about your last farewell to your loved one- both on the day and in the months and years to come. Asking the right questions will help you choose the funeral director who will work with you to shape a fitting commemoration of their life.
With the average funeral in the UK now costing just under £5,000, it’s very common to have concerns about how you can ensure that your estate will be able to cover the costs of your funeral, or how to manage the costs if you have to arrange a funeral for a loved one. We guide you through the different options to ensure the costs of your funeral will be covered, as well as ways to create a fitting tribute to your loved one without breaking the bank.
While some of us don’t want to give any thought to our own funerals, others have a very clear idea of how we would like to be commemorated when our time comes. If you know what kind of funeral you would like, can you ensure that your wishes will be upheld? You may be surprised by the answer.
Most people underestimate the number of decisions involved in organising a funeral, so giving your loved ones some guidance beforehand can take pressure off what is already an emotional time. It can also help their wellbeing if they know that your final farewell was in line with your wishes and they have done you proud.
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