Are you planning a funeral? If so, you probably require the services of a funeral director. Remember, it will be difficult to mourn your loved one and organise the funeral at the same time. A funeral director brings in the technical expertise required to plan a befitting burial. The extract below details some things that you should discuss with your funeral director.
1. The Director's Experience
Your immediate concern would be the director's ability to plan and execute the funeral. Therefore, ask the funeral director if they have planned similar funerals in the past. It is especially so if your loved one was a prominent person or you intend to hold a cultural funeral. Most directors will claim to have sufficient experience. However, what is the quality of services that they offer? Interview some of their clients to determine their satisfaction with the director's services.
2. The Deceased Affiliations
Since the director will send invites and put up obituaries, it only fits that you inform the director about your loved one's affiliations. For example, did they value family or work? What were their hobbies? Who were their closest friends and family members? It will help ensure an organised funeral and help prevent incidences of people feeling left out.
3. The Deceased's Final Wishes
Some people will have final wishes on how they would want their funeral held. Informing the director about these wishes can go a long way in ensuring that they plan a respectful funeral. Read the deceased's will to establish if they had issued a special letter on their funeral preferences. Additionally, interview some of their close family members to determine if they knew of any final wishes.
4. Your Preferred Burial
How do you intend to lay your loved one to rest? It could be through cremation or ground burial. If you prefer ground burial, the director will look for a suitable resting ground at the local cemetery. At your request, your loved one could also be laid to rest in one of their properties. If you prefer cremation, the director will inform you about the various cremation options, such as direct, traditional, green and memorial. Besides, they will give insights into how you can handle the ashes. Your director will also inform you about wakes and memorials and how best to plan the funeral program.
5. Your Funeral Budget
Your budget determines the services that the director will offer. However, it is not to say that a low budget means an undignified funeral. Most directors have varying packages. For instance, if you have a small budget, the director could urge you to lower the guest count or hold the service at the gravesite to avoid venue charges. Regardless of your budget, remember to negotiate the director's quote.
