Planning a funeral is an emotional and personal process. One of the most important decisions you’ll make, especially when you’re deciding on the details of your own prepaid funeral plan, is choosing the right funeral director. 

A caring, experienced funeral director can make all the difference in how supported your family feels – not just on the day of the funeral, but also in the lead-up. Funeral directors offer far more than just logistics. They are compassionate experts who play a pivotal role in helping people navigate grief. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 key factors to keep in mind when researching funeral directors, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values, needs and wishes.

Not all funeral directors offer the same services. Some funeral homes specialise in traditional burials, while others focus on cremations or religious ceremonies. 
When selecting a funeral director, ask for a list of the services they provide and check how they approach personalisation. 

Key questions to ask

• Do you provide traditional burial services, cremation, or both?

• Can we personalise the funeral service?

• Are there any special services available, such as eco-friendly options or home funerals?

Look for directors with positive reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Listen to your intuition, too. Just because someone you know had a great experience with a particular director doesn’t mean they are the right fit for you. Gather as many recommendations as you can so you have ample choice.

Key questions to ask

• Can you provide references or testimonials from past families you’ve worked with?

   

• How do you handle complaints or negative feedback?

   

Funerals can be costly, and the last thing you need is a funeral director that’s not transparent about pricing. A reputable director should be upfront about all costs, including those for burial plots, caskets, cremation and any additional services. Ask them for a detailed quote early on in your research process and read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure no surprise costs are hiding in the fine print. 

 Key questions to ask

• Can you provide a detailed, itemised quote?

• Are there any hidden fees or additional costs that might arise later in the process?

• Do you offer any payment plans or financial assistance? 

Did you know? Our prepaid funeral plans allow you to lock in today’s prices, which can help protect your loved ones against future inflation.

A good funeral director will adapt to your needs and wishes. Enquire about the personalisation options available, such as customisable caskets, memorial services, special music, readings or themed ceremonies. 

Key questions to ask 

• What options do you offer for personalising the service?

• Are themed or unique ceremonies something you accommodate?

• Do you offer custom caskets, urns, or memorial items?

   

Try to visit the funeral home to assess travel time, parking and the surrounding neighbourhood. You’ll also want to check out the facilities. It’s important to find a place that feels right and meets the logistical needs of your family. 

Key questions to ask

• What facilities do you have available?

• Is your venue easily accessible for all guests, including elderly or disabled visitors?

• How much parking is available?

   

Check the director complies with local regulation regarding funeral services, including those related to embalming, cremation and transportation. Funeral directors should also be knowledgeable about necessary documentation, such as death certificates and permits.

Key questions to ask

• How do you ensure compliance with local laws?

• Can you assist with the legal paperwork, such as death certificates and permits?

   

You’ll want a director that’s available when you need them. Ensure they’re easy to reach and responsive to your questions and requests. A compassionate director will make themselves available to discuss plans, answer questions and offer guidance wherever needed.

Key questions to ask

• How accessible are you after hours or during weekends? 

• What is your usual response time to phone calls or emails?

• How soon can you help with the immediate needs after one passes?

   

Your funeral director should be a port of calm in a storm, offering advice and assistance based on years of first-hand experience. A good tell that a funeral director is well-seasoned? They’ll be particularly nimble and reassuring during challenging times, or when unexpected issues crop up.

Key questions to ask

• How long have you been in the funeral service industry?

• Can you share examples of similar funerals you’ve managed?

• How do you handle unexpected issues or last minute changes to plans?

   

Choose a funeral director that understands and respects your cultural, religious or personal beliefs. The director and their team don’t have to be part of the same religious or cultural group as you (this won’t always be feasible), but it’s essential they can adapt to your needs.

Key questions to ask

• Are you familiar with our religious or cultural practices and preferences?

• Do you have staff members with specific expertise in cultural or religious customs?

• Can you help with any special requests related to traditions or rituals? 

  
   

A funeral is about so much more than what happens on the day. A great funeral director can help you with planning and with aftercare services. Some directors also connect you with grief counselling and support services to help you and your family navigate loss. 

Key questions to ask

• Do you offer grief counselling services or support groups for family members?

• Are there any follow-up services or resources available once the funeral has finished? 

• Can you recommend any additional resources for dealing with loss?