Questions to ask a funeral director

We recommend asking the following questions to ensure you receive a high quality service which is best for you and your loved one:

• What is and isn’t included in your costs?
• What services do you provide?
• Can we choose a burial or cremation funeral?
• Would you come to our home to discuss the arrangements?
• Where will the deceased be kept until the day of the funeral?
• Can the funeral be personalised?
• Is there a range of coffins, caskets and urns to choose from?
• Can I visit my loved one before the funeral?
• What happens if I move house?
• Do you liaise with third parties and take care of the paperwork?
• Can we choose the day and time of the funeral?
• What funeral transport do you provide?
• What type of funeral ceremony could we have and where?
• Do you offer 24/7 advice and support?

Caring for your loved one

Your Funeral Director should ensure your loved one is cared for with the utmost respect and professionalism in high-quality, climate controlled facilities. They should arrange for the deceased to be collected, prepared and transported to the funeral in line with your wishes.

Communication

Your Funeral Director will take the time to listen to your thoughts on how you would like the funeral to be conducted, offering professional guidance and support every step of the way.

They’ll be present on the day of the ceremony, managing the service and making sure the day runs smoothly.

Collecting charitable donations

Your Funeral Director should take responsibility for managing and collecting any donations, if you wish. They’ll make sure everyone knows where, when and how to make a contribution. They’ll also make sure all donations are sent to your chosen charity.

Dealing with your loved one’s ashes

Deciding what to do with ashes after the cremation is an essential part of the grieving process. But before you decide anything, it’s important that you explore your options and learn what legal requirements you must abide by. Your Funeral Director will be able to guide on this.

Coordinating the day

Your Funeral Director should:

• Meet with you prior to the day of the funeral to ensure all your requirements are met, confirm arrangements and ensure all instructions are correctly recorded and any changes noted and acted upon
• Be present at your side on the day to supervise the occasion and direct all in attendance
• Ensure sufficient pallbearers are available and instructed to escort the coffin with dignity and respect
• Prepare all locations for the service and committal and liaise with any Minister or officiants
• Personally see to every detail, including the collection of cards from floral tributes, charitable donations, book of remembrance and other memorials from the day for you to treasure and keep

At Dignity, we spend time getting to know you, helping you decide on the most fitting tribute, honouring any final wishes and ensuring that it has your own personal touch.

Families choose us because the little details matter to us just as much as they matter to you. We understand this is one of the most difficult times in your life, and we’re here to look after you and your loved one as if you were a member of our own family.

As a collection of the country’s finest Funeral Directors, we are honoured to serve the local communities we are a part of with expertise and uncompromising compassion.

Each and every one of our professional Funeral Directors is committed to setting superior standards and we promise to provide unequalled support, reassurance and attention to detail when arranging a funeral.

More on arranging a funeral and what it costs.