Because death is usually something we avoid speaking of, meeting with a funeral director for the first time can be difficult. Most people are uncertain of the role a funeral director plays. A funeral director will help you plan, advise and coordinate a respectful and meaningful farewell. They are there to advocate for you and your family with utmost honesty and respect.
Funeral directors are professionals who are very proficient in assisting you to make suitable decisions in planning a funeral. They have solutions to all kinds of problems and will also suggest alternatives.
Along with the coordination of a funeral, funeral directors can also act as mediators between various groups in a family and can provide that extra support and practical expertise to help get decisions made.
Your funeral director will take care of practical tasks like arranging for the transport and care of your loved one. They can also act as your representative should any government offices need to be informed following an unexpected death.
The first meeting with your funeral director should take place as early as possible. Ask a friend or family member to go with you to this meeting. You’ll find there will be a lot of information to process. Having another person to lean on for support will help immensely.
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There are usually legal obligations when somebody dies and your funeral director will make certain that these are met.
A funeral director’s roles and responsibilities.
- Coordinate and help execute a memorable and meaningful funeral based on your loved one’s ethnic, religious, spiritual beliefs and background.
- Advise on appropriate goods and services such as flowers, counsellors, celebrants, funeral venues and other third party services you may wish to incorporate into the funeral.
- Ensure all paperwork is requested, completed and submitted to the appropriate medical and governmental parties.
- Provide you with several copies of documentation you might need at a later stage when settling your loved one's estate or other personal matters.
Funeral Plans
Planning Information
Useful checklists to help you with the funeral plan that you can use straightaway and download to keep or print out.
Required Decisions
Some of the key decisions and choices that need to be made when planning a funeral.