Funeral director checklist: what to ask before you commit

Pricing questions

Always ask for a written itemised quote. This is your legal right under Consumer Rights Act rules. Compare prices line by line, not just the overall total.

1. Can you provide an itemised price list breaking down each cost?
2. What is your professional fee for coordinating and managing the funeral?
3. What does your professional fee include (collection, preparation, coordination, attendance)?
4. What costs are separate from your fee (cremation, burial, flowers, catering)?
5. What is the cost of a basic coffin, and what alternatives are available?
6. Are there any optional extras (flowers, printing, catering, vehicles) and what do they cost?
7. What is the cost if I want a service at the crematorium or burial ground?
8. Do you offer discounts for direct cremation without a ceremony?
9. Are there any additional costs I should know about?
10. What payment options do you accept (cash, card, cheque, bank transfer)?

Service and arrangements

These questions clarify what the funeral director will do and how they work.

1. What is included in collection of the deceased (time of day, distance covered)?
2. How do you prepare and care for the body?
3. Will the same named member of staff coordinate the funeral from start to finish?
4. Are you available 24 hours a day for enquiries and emergencies?
5. What happens if I want to make changes to the arrangements after I have committed?
6. Can I view the deceased before the service?
7. Do you provide a hearse and staff to attend the crematorium or cemetery?
8. Can you help with printing order of service sheets or flowers cards?
9. Do you help with notice to the press or other notifications?

Accreditation and complaints

Professional accreditation is a sign of standards and accountability. Ask about their credentials and how you can complain if something goes wrong.

1. Are you a member of NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) or SAIF (Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors)?
2. If so, what standards must you meet as a member?
3. If you are not a member, what professional standards do you follow?
4. What is your complaints procedure if I am unhappy with the service?
5. Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
6. Can you provide references or a list of previous clients I can contact?

Crematorium and burial ground

The funeral director coordinates with the crematorium or burial ground, but you can choose where the cremation or burial takes place. Confirm they can work with your preferred venue.

1. Which crematoriums or burial grounds do you normally work with?
2. Can you arrange cremation or burial at a different venue if I request it?
3. What are the fees at each crematorium or burial ground?
4. How long does the crematorium typically take to complete cremation?
5. For burial, what is the cost of a grave plot, and are there plot options at the cemetery I prefer?

Religious and cultural requirements

If the funeral needs to follow specific traditions or religious customs, check the funeral director is experienced and comfortable.

1. Have you arranged funerals following [your religion/cultural tradition] before?
2. Are you familiar with the specific requirements and customs involved?
3. Can you accommodate requirements around body washing, dressing, or prayer?
4. Can you liaise with religious leaders or community organisations involved?

Pre-paid and payment plans

Some funeral directors offer pre-paid funeral plans. These are regulated financial products. If you are considering one, be aware of the risks and requirements.

Do not enter a pre-paid funeral plan unless you fully understand the terms, the cost, what happens to your money if you die before the plan is used, and what happens if the funeral director goes out of business. Check that the plan provider is authorised by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). A plan that is not FCA-authorised is not protected.

1. Do you offer pre-paid funeral plans?
2. If yes, what are the terms and conditions?
3. Is the plan provider FCA-authorised?
4. What happens to my money if I die before the plan is used?
5. What protection is in place if you go out of business?
6. Are there flexibility options if I change my mind?

Your rights and other useful information

Itemised price list: You have a legal right to an itemised price list under CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) rules. The list must show every cost separately. If a funeral director refuses to provide one, this is a red flag.

No pressure: You do not need to decide immediately. Take time to compare at least two funeral directors before committing. Get everything in writing before you agree to anything.

Changing your mind: You can change funeral director at any point before the service takes place, though you may incur additional costs if the first director has already arranged and paid for statutory fees.

Complaints: If you are unhappy with a funeral director's service, contact their professional body (if they are a member) or Citizens Advice Consumer Service. The FCA does not regulate funeral directors unless they also offer funeral plans or other financial products.