How to compare funeral directors

Since 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all funeral directors in England, Scotland, and Wales to display their prices online. This includes a standardised price list for their most commonly purchased funeral packages.

This means you can compare costs before you speak to anyone. If a funeral director does not publish prices on their website, that is a reason to ask why.

Look for the total cost, not just the headline figure. A low starting price can rise quickly once add-ons are included. More on that in step 3.

A funeral director's own website will only show positive feedback. Look at their Google reviews instead. They are harder to curate and tend to reflect the actual experience of families.

Pay attention to how they respond to negative reviews. A director who handles criticism with care and professionalism is showing you how they deal with people under pressure. That is exactly when you will need them.

Also check whether they are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Both organisations have codes of practice and complaint procedures.

A quoted price often covers the basics: collection of the person, a coffin, and the funeral service itself. Many things are commonly charged as extras.

Items that are often priced separately include: the cremation or burial fee (paid to the crematorium or cemetery, not the funeral director), the death certificate, flowers, an order of service, a limousine, and the minister or celebrant's fee.

Always ask for a full written itemised estimate before you agree to anything. A good funeral director will give you one without being asked.

You are allowed to ask direct questions. Funeral directors expect it. Here are the ones worth asking:

• What is your total price, including all third-party costs?
• Are you independent, or part of a larger group?
• Where will the person be kept, and can we visit them?
• Do you offer a direct cremation if we want a simpler option?
• What happens if costs change after we have agreed a price?
• Are you a member of the NAFD or SAIF?

If any question makes them uncomfortable, that is useful information too.

It is entirely reasonable to speak to two or three funeral directors before choosing. They understand. You are not obliged to proceed with the first one you contact.

If you have a family member or friend who can make some of these calls on your behalf, let them. The practical burden does not need to fall on one person.

Many online directories allow you to search and compare local funeral directors in one place, which can reduce the number of separate calls you need to make.