When it comes to funeral planning, one of the first things you should do is choose a funeral director to work with. Working with a funeral director can be extremely beneficial — in fact, 65% of people over the age of 40 agree that funeral directors and funeral homes are the best sources of information when planning a funeral. But how do you choose the right funeral director to work with? Let’s take a look at a few key characteristics to look for when meeting with potential funeral directors.
They show empathy: Planning a funeral for a loved one or even planning your own funeral is not an easy task. Making funeral arrangements can be a very trying time and it can be difficult to make decisions easily. This is where a funeral director comes in — a good funeral director should understand the difficulty of this process and show support whenever they can. So if a funeral director is rushing you or pressuring you to make decisions, they’re probably not a good choice. You should work with someone who shows empathy, patience, and support throughout the funeral planning process.
They’re accommodating: No one funeral is alike, and funeral directors should understand that. If you want something unique for your funeral, you should choose a funeral director who can be accommodating for your requests. Whether it’s religious or cultural needs or simply just a unique aspect of the memorial service, funeral directors should be flexible in making plans. You shouldn’t be given a simple list of what options you have available, but rather you should talk openly about what you’re looking for so the funeral director can make your requests happen.
They communicate well: Good communication is one of the most important parts of funeral planning. Making funeral arrangements is often a fairly quick process and you should be kept up to speed with decisions that are being made. So from the time and place of the service to the cost of the casket or cremation services, you should never feel in the dark when planning a funeral. So if you have any questions or concerns, they should be addressed in a timely manner.
Choosing a funeral director is an important step in the funeral planning process. So keep these characteristics in mind and you’re sure to find the right funeral director in no time.