You could compare choosing a funeral director to choosing a wedding planner – except that when planning a funeral you don’t have the luxury of time to be too selective. Moreover, you will be overcome with grief and sadness which will also make the decision more difficult. You will need a funeral director local to you or where the deceased lived, which also needs to be taken into account. If you’re ever in the position where you need to select a funeral director to help you plan a funeral, here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
Check they are a member of an official body
Like most industries, funeral planners are governed by official bodies and any good director will be a member of these organisations. In the UK, the two main bodies to look out for are The National Association of Funeral Directors and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. If a funeral director is a member of a governing body, they will have to meet industry standards and put your interests first. You can search for local members of these organisations on their websites.
Price comparison
The price of a funeral shouldn’t have to be a consideration, but unfortunately it is for many families. The costs of funerals keep on rising, so if you’re worried about your current financial situation then you should compare prices of a few different funeral directors. Essentially they all do the same job, so why pay more? Funeral directors fees make up the bulk of the total funeral cost.
Make sure you feel comfortable
To make an informed decision, it is important to have an initial meeting with the funeral director. They are hired to take the stress out of planning a funeral, so make sure you feel confident with their services. If you visit their premises, have a look around and check you feel comfortable with having meetings here, and choosing this place as the final resting place for your loved one before the funeral. The staff should make you feel at ease – if they don’t look elsewhere. You should never be forced into making any decisions or signing a contract before going away to think about it, and comparing with other funeral directors.
This decision is a tough one because it has to be made almost immediately after the death of a loved one – and there is no time to examine the funeral companies as much as you’d like. If you need further help choosing a funeral director, you can always ask around in the local area for recommendations.