Choosing a funeral director is an important decision. Organising a funeral for a loved one – or planning your own funeral – is a key milestone event in your life. But how can you tell whether the funeral directors you are considering will treat you with professionalism, respect and empathy, that they will treat your loved one with dignity, and that they will deliver on the day? Our guide will help you make the right choice.
Remarkably, the answer is no! The funeral industry in the UK is not formally regulated – which means anyone can, in theory, call themselves a funeral director. That’s a surprising reality when you’re relying on someone to help you with something as sensitive as funeral arrangements.
However, there are reputable trade associations that uphold high standards and provide a level of reassurance. Look for funeral directors affiliated with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Both organisations have codes of practice that their members must follow and offer complaints procedures if needed.
At Welham Jones, we are proud members of these bodies, as well as The National Association of Memorial Masons, reflecting our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.
When it comes to choosing a funeral director, personal recommendations are often invaluable. Talk to friends, family, neighbours or local faith leaders – especially if they’ve recently arranged a funeral. A trusted referral can give you peace of mind that others in your community have had a positive experience with a particular funeral director.
Many of the families we support come to us through personal recommendations – often from others in the communities we serve, including Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge, Borough Green, Tunbridge Wells, Orpington and Chelsfield, and Chislehurst and Bromley.
While word of mouth is powerful, many people turn to online reviews when comparing services. Reviews can offer helpful insight into how a funeral director operates – from their responsiveness to the quality of their facilities, and the care shown to both families and the deceased.
Look for reviews that mention:
That said, be cautious of a provider with only a few five-star reviews that lack detail. A well-reviewed local funeral director should show consistency and depth in feedback. Take note of how businesses respond to reviews – especially if concerns are raised. It’s a good indicator of how they handle families in real life.
Opting for a local independent funeral director brings the advantage of familiarity with nearby crematoriums, burial grounds, churches, and registrars. An independent provider often has a more personal stake in the community and can provide bespoke support tailored to local customs and preferences.
At Welham Jones, we have been serving families across Kent and South East London for over 30 years, with branches in:
As funeral directors in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and beyond, we offer local knowledge and compassionate support with everything from funeral arrangements to repatriation of the deceased.
Funeral directors who are family-run often take an especially personal approach. At Welham Jones, we’re proud to be headed by a father and daughter team, supported by a close-knit staff who share our values of dignity, empathy and attention to detail.
When choosing a funeral director, ask whether you’ll be dealing with the same person throughout. Continuity of care matters – particularly at such an emotional time. Our team are experienced, dedicated professionals who guide you from first contact through to the funeral itself – and beyond, if you need further support.
If you want to be sure you’ve found a reputable funeral director, look for personal recommendations, strong online feedback, and trusted local, independent credentials backed by national accreditations.
If you’re looking for support planning a funeral, please contact us
At Welham Jones, our funeral ‘first responders’ are at the heart of our care. We’re currently recruiting a new funeral first responder to join our trusted team, helping local families across West Kent and South East London at their time of need. But what does the job involve, and why is it so meaningful? We spoke to Jason Carr, a long-standing member of our team, to find out why this flexible and rewarding role is unlike any other.
How would you like your life to be commemorated? A recent survey suggests that, while some traditional funeral elements remain evergreen choices, some contemporary ideas are gaining definite ground among those thinking about their own funerals.
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.
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