When we lose a loved one, we want to give them the best funeral service we can. But it can be hard to know how to find a good funeral director: with so many providers to choose from, how can we be sure we’re making the right decision?
At The Farewell Guide, we know that researching different providers can be upsetting, time-consuming, and overwhelming. We also know that it isn’t just about the cost of a funeral: it’s also important to consider our loved one’s wishes, as well as the date the service can be facilitated. Our comparison tool makes considering all of these factors — not just cost — as simple as possible, supporting you to find the best funeral director for your requirements.
How to Find a Good Funeral Director in Four Steps
From choosing a provider in line with a loved one’s funeral plan to comparing different costs, here are four key factors in choosing between funeral directors. 1. Date of service
When can the funeral be organised? Availability is a key factor in choosing a funeral director. Most funerals are typically held around one or two weeks after a death, although it can sometimes take longer. If you have any specific requirements — for example, Muslim funerals tend to take place within twenty-four hours of the death — then it’s important to check the funeral director’s availability. Remember that you don’t need to accept the first date you’re offered: you can look for another provider with more flexibility to find something better suited to you, your family and religion.
2. Pricing
Does the funeral director offer services within your budget? For many families, cost can be the biggest obstacle in knowing how to find a good funeral director or even how to plan a funeral. But there are many options for low cost funerals: many providers offer green funerals or direct cremation. Other funeral directors may also offer options to tailor the service to your budget — by reducing send-off expenses like service cards or offering an affordable payment plan.
3. Services
Do the services provided match your budget and your loved one’s wishes? It can be hard to know how to choose a funeral director, but comparing their services is a good way to make the right choice. Do they offer memorial brochures? Do they work with a florist your loved one liked? Do they offer eco-friendly services? Comparing their services against the funeral plan can be a good way to find the right provider and honour your loved one’s wishes.
4. Reviews
Does the funeral director have positive reviews? Do they mention respectful and compassionate staff, clean premises, and reassurance before the service? This is a key factor in how to find a good funeral director: many providers will have reviews on their websites, and this can be a reliable way to help you make your decision. If many of the reviews emphasise careful planning, for example, this may indicate a good match if you’re looking for a very detail-oriented service. Funeral directors are not officially regulated in the UK, but you can also take a look at a number of different independent associations, such as the National Association of Funeral Directors, and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. .
Want to know more about how to find a good funeral director? The Farewell Guide is here to help. With our comparison tool, it’s easy to compare availability, costs, services, and reviews at the touch of a button — providing you and your family the support you need to make the right choice.
Start you plan today