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Questions to Ask a Funeral Director

Written by .

9 minute read

When faced with the delicate moments surrounding loss, the anticipation of losing a loved one, or planning ahead for your own arrangements, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the decisions ahead. Planning a funeral, whether for someone who has recently passed or for the future, can bring a whirlwind of emotions, from sorrow to anxiety. At Aura, we believe these moments, though potentially painful, can be softened through understanding and compassionate guidance.

By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to find a funeral director who not only meets your practical needs but also honours the unique life of your loved one. It’s not just about planning a ceremony, it’s about finding a provider that you trust to take care of your loved one, and creating a goodbye that reflects love, memories, and connection. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you ask the right questions when speaking with a funeral director, providing clarity, comfort, and confidence in your decision.

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Taking detailed notes can help to clarify what services matter to you

Why it’s important to ask questions when choosing a funeral director

A funeral director can play an important role in what happens at a funeral, or navigating, helping you figure out how to plan your own funeral, including organising every detail, from the logistics to emotional and administrative support. Their expertise ensures that your loved one’s service goes smoothly, and as intended.

  • Clarity and transparency: Asking questions gives you an understanding of the services being offered, such as what a direct cremation includes, associated costs, and any legal requirements involved.
  • Tailored services: No two funerals are the same, and it’s vital to be sure the services align with your cultural or personal preferences.
  • Comfort and confidence: You should feel at ease with your funeral director, knowing they are compassionate, experienced, and respectful of your needs.

Essential questions to ask about funeral services

Asking the right questions can make all the difference, and can help you understand what’s involved in making sure the service reflects what matters most to you and your family.

It can be helpful to sit down and freewrite about what the most fitting funeral would look like, or go through a pre-made funeral checklist, and go from there. Questions will naturally arise, and lead to other, more specific thoughts and questions. Below are some examples of questions you might like to ask a potential funeral director:

General funeral arrangements

 

Questions about legal and administrative processes

A reliable funeral director will handle much of the paperwork and legalities, easing the pressures on grieving families. Here’s what to ask:

Legal documentation

Transport and logistics

  • How do you manage the transportation of the person who has died?
  • Can you arrange for international repatriation if required?

Questions about cremation or burial options

Deciding between cremation vs burial involves several factors, from personal beliefs to financial considerations.

Cremation options

Not all funeral providers offer the same options when it comes to cremation, and the differences can have a big impact on your experience. Some may focus solely on traditional cremations with formal ceremonies, while others provide more simple, flexible choices like direct cremations. It’s worth asking about what’s included, whether services can be personalised, and if there’s an option for loved ones to attend.

If you’re interested in funeral plans, you might ask providers whether or not they offer direct cremation funeral plans.

At Aura, we specialise in direct cremations, offering several attended solutions for families who want a moment to say goodbye without the formality of a traditional service. 

Aura’s cremation options

Unattended, intimate and fully attended direct cremations

Aura provides top-rated direct cremation options with full transparency, ensuring any additional fees are communicated upfront. Our direct cremations offer a simple, no-fuss funeral option without a ceremony at the crematorium, allowing families to arrange a separate memorial or celebration of life if desired. 

For those wanting a more personal gathering, an Aura Intimate Farewell allows up to 15 close family members and friends to attend for 10 minutes to say their goodbyes in a private, relaxed setting without formalities.

For those who require a larger service, our fully attended direct cremations accommodate more guests (depending on the crematorium) for up to 40 minutes. Families can personalise the service further by involving a celebrant or religious leader if they wish.

Burial options

  • What burial sites do you work with, and are there different pricing tiers?
  • Can you arrange for eco-friendly or natural burials if required?

Questions about prepaid funeral plans

With a prepaid plan, you can choose the type of funeral you want, such as a burial, cremation, or direct cremation, and decide on specific details, like music or readings. These plans often include services such as the funeral director’s fees, transportation of the person who has died, and the cremation or burial itself.

After you’ve compared funeral plans and have narrowed down your potential choices, approach funeral directors with some key questions:

  • What does the prepaid funeral plan include?
  • Are there any services or expenses not covered by the plan?
  • Does the plan lock in costs at today’s rates?
  • Can the plan be paid for in instalments?
  • Is there an additional cost if I can pay in instalments?
  • Is the plan protected and regulated?
  • Can I cancel or amend the plan for free later?
  • What happens if the funeral director goes out of business?

 

Funeral plans with Aura

Aura is a trusted provider of prepaid direct cremation funeral plans in the UK, proudly offering the only two prepaid plans rated five stars by independent experts at Fairer Finance. We have an excellent 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot, and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and our plans are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You can rest assured that, when you purchase a prepaid funeral plan from Aura, your money is secure.

Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel heard and cared for. Aura’s funeral plans are carefully designed to bring peace of mind, easing the pressure on your loved ones when they need it most. 

With clear and transparent pricing, your family won’t face any unexpected costs later and as a family-run company, we are dedicated to providing the same respect, compassion, and dignity we would wish for our own loved ones. That’s why we offer you the flexibility to amend or cancel your plan at any time for any reason, without additional cost, unless you’re upgrading your plan where you’ll only pay the difference.

 

Questions about additional support services

Beyond the funeral, families often need additional support to manage grief, help preserve memories, or offer cremation ashes ideas for keeping loved ones close.

Memorial services and keepsakes

  • Do you help organise memorial services, or remembrance events?
  • What keepsakes are available, such as urns, jewellery, or printed materials?

Grief support

Cost and financial assistance

Funeral costs can quickly add up, and can put extra pressure on families during an already emotional time. That’s why it’s so important to have honest conversations about pricing and what’s included in any package you’re considering. Asking the right questions can help you find options that work for your budget without sacrificing the care and respect you and your loved one deserves. Taking the time to explore affordable choices can make things a little easier and allow you to focus on what really matters—honouring memories.

Costs and payment options

  • Can you provide a detailed breakdown of types of funerals and their costs
  • Are there any hidden fees or additional charges I should be aware of?
  • Do you offer flexible payment plans for your pre-paid funeral options to help with budgeting?

Budget-friendly options

  • What lower-cost funeral options do you offer, such as direct cremation or simple funerals?
  • Are there package deals that include basic services at a reduced rate?

Financial assistance and support

  • Are there any government funeral support or community programs that can help cover funeral expenses?
  • Can you assist with applications for funeral grants or benefits?

 

Final checklist to cover with a funeral director

To help streamline the decision-making process, here’s a concise checklist of essential questions to cover during your conversation:

  1. What types of funeral services do you offer?
  2. Can you accommodate cultural or religious preferences?
  3. What is the total cost, and are there hidden fees?
  4. Do you handle all necessary legal and administrative paperwork?
  5. Are grief counselling or aftercare services available?
  6. Can you explain the cremation or burial options, including eco-friendly alternatives?
  7. What personalisation options are available for the ceremony?
  8. Do you assist with memorials and keepsakes?
  9. Can you provide recommendations for financial assistance programs?
  10. Are there pre-paid plans or flexible payment options?

Aura is here to answer any questions you may have 

By asking these thoughtful and thorough questions, you can plan a funeral service that honours your loved one and aligns with your family’s values and expectations. Aura is here to guide you every step of the way, offering compassionate, transparent, and personalised support. Whether you’re in immediate need to appoint a funeral director like Aura or are interested in a pre-paid funeral plan, we’re just a phone call away to answer any questions you may have. 

Debs Fowler
Debs
Tamsin Ferrier
Tamsin
Roderick Beresford Cole
Roderick
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Call our friendly team for more information

If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.

Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.

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