Choosing a funeral director
What to look for when comparing funeral directors – local availability, itemised pricing, the care given to the person who has died, and how well they listen.
How to choose a funeral home
If you're planning a funeral for a loved one, then you'll want everything to be just right. You'll need a caring, compassionate and professional Funeral Director who'll listen to your wishes and support you every step of the way.
Sometimes, loved ones may leave their particular funeral wishes in advance. But in many cases they don't. Don't worry, an experienced funeral director will be able to help you with all the arrangements
You may have family or friends who have been through a similar experience and previously organised a funeral. It's always worth asking them about which funeral home and director they would recommend.
When making arrangements for your loved one’s funeral, there are a number of things which will determine the overall cost. Funeral costs vary depending on where you live and the requirements for the funeral, so please keep this in mind during your time of need.
A funeral home should be able to offer you advice and guidance on every part of your funeral arrangements.
Ashes and cremation
Funeral rites and customs
How to register a death
Information about a coroner
What to wear to a funeral
Non-religious funerals
How to personalise the service
Options for coffins and caskets
- 15 September 2026
Get in touch
If you need any help in understanding what to do after someone dies, or arranging a funeral, we're here for you. If you have any questions about the funeral arrangement process, please don't hesitate to ask. With over 500 Funeral Directors across the UK, we're here to support you to every step of the way.
Call us 24/7 on 0800 456 1047 or find your local Dignity Funeral Director
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Step 1: Choose the funeral arrangements
Your loved one may have discussed with you just how they want their funeral to be. However, don't worry if your loved one didn't leave any specific wishes or instructions. A good Funeral Director will help take away the stress of planning a funeral, making sure your loved one's send-off is a personal and unique celebration of their life.
One of the first things to decide is whether you want a cremation or burial. This can be a difficult decision, so please reach out for further information if you need to.
Next, choose which type of funeral service you would like. One that matches your loved one's personality and best commemorates their life can often be a good way of selecting, be it a traditional or more contemporary service.
Consider the special touches you may want to add to the funeral service. Flowers, music, poetry, vehicles. It's these little details that can make all the difference.
What to do now
Step 2: Listen to recommendations
It may be a good idea to sit down with your family and discuss which Funeral Director you feel will be able to best fulfil you and your loved one's wishes. Look at their reviews - what do other people who have used their services say about them?
Things to consider might include them giving you as much time as is necessary to discuss your needs with someone always available on the phone 24 hours a day. Additionally, personal, face to face contact to discuss your individual requirements and take instructions either at their premises or your home.
They should liaise with third parties on your behalf whilst booking and managing the timings of all aspects of the funeral service; including venues, transport and required personnel – to a time and day that suits you
Step 3: Decide a budget with your family
Have a chat with you family about what how much you wish to spend on the funeral. It can be a huge relief knowing that all your relatives are agreed on an amount for funeral costs and came negate the potential for future disagreements which can arise.
It's also a good idea to look at a breakdown of funeral costs. Once you know what elements you want in the funeral, your Funeral Director should be able to provide a breakdown of costs.
Reviews for Dignity Group
- Included:Over 200 years of caring for families
- Included:Local service from over 500 branches
- Included:Funerals, plans, probate and more
Frequently asked questions
We’re here to answer all your questions. If anything isn’t clear, please ask us.
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Related guides
Read more about arranging and paying for a funeral.
Questions to ask a funeral director
Fourteen questions worth asking before you appoint a funeral director – on costs, care, personalisation and paperwork – and what the answers tell you.
What does a funeral director do
What a funeral director actually does, before the day and on it, how they care for the person who has died, and whether you have to use one at all.