It goes without saying that the experience of planning a funeral whether that is on behalf of a friend or a family member can be highly distressing. Funeral directors are there to lend guidance and offer support to the bereaved and in addition to this, make sure the funeral ceremony runs smoothly. If you feel that emotional stamina of organising a funeral is going to be something that is too much for you to handle, utilising the services of a funeral home makes complete sense for you. In this blog, we will explore the role of a funeral director and what the specific tasks and various jobs they can carry out for you. To find out more about what a funeral home and a funeral director can offer you, please read on!
Since the beginning of time, there has been some form of ceremony involved in relation to the practice of a funeral. More often than not, a funeral is a way of honouring the deceased and support the friends and family of the deceased individual and the funeral service itself is often a way of coping with grief. Funerals, much like many ceremonies, are related to the society in which they take place. As we move forward as a society, funerals have been established in the format that many of us recognise. The focus on funeral’s in the United Kingdom has shifted throughout recent times. The focus for the funeral service industry carers and concerned lies in the emotional and physical well-being of the family members or friends organising the funeral. This change in outlook has ended in an increased need for sensitivity and empathy in funeral home workers.
What would a funeral directors do?
There are a few duties that a funeral director would be responsible for. Essentially this is facilitating a funeral in addition to organising the day-to-day running for a funeral company. A lot of funeral directors work will involve paperwork and event coordination, they will carry out a few documents for their clients and stick to a regimented timeframe for funerals, in addition to this dealing with many things at once. As well as this, funeral directors will organise financial accounts, employee training, inventory monitoring, and other internal processes. Work hours can be drawn out since they must be on-call at all hours. After organising your needs, a funeral director’s employees will get things started for the ceremony taking responsibility for organising all aspects of the service and making sure it reaches it the best professional standards.
As well as this, it is worth noting that it’s worth taking into account of the funeral director you work alongside is verified by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).
A funeral home will provide these services Organisation
When the worst happens and a loved one passes away, the necessary next step is to get in contact with a funeral home this is so that that the bereaved can start making solid organisational plans and to liaise with a funeral director. After registering a death with the family GP and notifying the relatives, it’s imperative to call a funeral director very soon after to begin getting the wheels in motion for a funeral.
From the very first conversation and further meetings that would need to take place, your selected director will take some time getting to know the deceased as well as their family to figure out of what kind of service might be suited for them. After ongoing conversations, the funeral director will start to plan and organise the service to make sure the day runs as it should and will align with the wishes of the loved ones.
Formal burials and cremation
Burial or cremation ceremonies are often very difficult for the family of your loved one, as this is the a chance to really say a proper last goodbye to the individual they have recently lost, so in turn, this process needs to be treated with respect and sympathy. Funeral directors have the knowledge and no-how and to make it so that the ceremony is dignified, appropriate and should celebrate the life of the deceased person. A funeral home will also be able to provide plenty of facts regarding local cemeteries available so that the family have a thorough understanding of the costs and the potential plan’s that can be implemented.
Lots of funeral directors will need their own variety of coffins on offer to select from and they will be able to offer guidance on various styles and materials. If the deceased felt passionate about something in particular or a specific place, many funeral homes can now also offer environmentally friendly coffins or green burials in order to accommodate the demand for this. Whether you want to have a traditional service or opt for something a little bit more alternative, your funeral director will be able to support you with your choices.
Funeral homes flower and funeral car hire
Flowers
One of the most appropriate ways to express the personality of the loved one you’ve lost is through the floral arrangements you choose. By opting for a range of different flowers you will be able to implement a sense of personality and tastefulness to suit the deceased’s personality. With the support of a funeral home, you’ll be able to make what’s an understandably difficult and upsetting day a little bit brighter.
Transportation
Moreover, picking the ideal type of vehicle – or perhaps opting for a horse-drawn hearse – is an essential part of the service. As a section of this funeral director’s services, they are able to advise on all of the various options available as well as the price and logistics of each choice.
Some of the various other roles of a funeral director would include:
Liaising with families
Funeral homes frequently spend a lot of time discussing the needs and preferences of the family in relation to funeral arrangements. In addition to this, discussing these needs with a level of sensitivity and understanding to support family members of the deceased individual and make the right plans on behalf of them. As well as this, a funeral director will need to help the family in exploring the options they have in regards to cremation or burial options and the conceptualization of obituaries and explain the applicable costs incurred.
Coordinating the funeral
It is the role of the funeral directors to carry out funerals in relation to a family’s preferences. They will plan all of the logistics and as reserve a venue to be arranged for clergy members. The basic priority is making sure that the funeral runs smoothly, those in this position must be alert at all times during these proceedings, and should stay in line with industry regulations.
Filing legal documentation
An important aspect involved with the organisation of a funeral is carrying out legal paperwork such as life insurance or social security. Funeral homes will also organise interviewing the loved ones of the deceased for relevant information and obtaining, filling out, and submitting the important documents.
Managing operations
Funeral directors will organise various sections of a funeral home’s day-to-day running. They often work with accountants to upkeep records, make purchases, organise payroll as well as tax processing, and prepare budgets. Other factors would include creating marketing plans.
Here at Taunton Funeral Service, we understand how difficult it can be for families or loved ones having to organise a funeral whether that is for the first time or the umpteenth time. This is where Taunton Funeral Service comes in. We are a funeral home based in Taunton that offers sensitive, caring services throughout Somerset and Wiveliscombe. Our professional and compassionate staff can support you throughout the process of planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, using our decades of experience and compassionate nature to guide you through this time. To find out more about the services we offer, please get in touch to discover more about what we can do for you.