There is no requirement to use a funeral director.
If you choose to use one remember that, like anything else you pay for, you should be happy with the price you are paying and the service you receive.
It is important to remember that most funeral directors are commercial businesses.
Some funeral directors are run by corporations - Co-op Funeralcare, Dignity and Funeral Partners being the largest. Others are independent funeral directors or small chains.
Did you know?
- Speaking to a funeral director over the phone or meeting them does not mean you have you use them - it’s your choice.
- In some areas, councils offer a Residents Funeral or Municipal Funeral at a lower rate if you or the deceased live in a certain area. You can check online or ask your local council.
- Friends and family may have recommendations, but be aware that the company may since have changed hands or been bought out by a larger company, even if it has the same name.
- Several comparison websites exist now - do an internet search for ‘funeral comparison’, but use them with care as prices are not always accurate.
- Even if you have signed a contract with a funeral director it can still be possible to change. If they have the collected the body they may charge for any work already done. This charge would be passed to the new funeral director who would then charge you.
Tips
- Get quotes from several different funeral directors to compare their costs and services – if they have prices on their website this is a good start, but speak to them too so you can decide if you are comfortable with them.
- Ask for a written estimate of costs before you decide whether to use them – they should be able to provide this.
- When you are advised of the cost, make sure it includes any disbursements or third party fees, such as the crematorium/cemetery, minister/celebrant and doctor's fee.
- If you are working to a budget, ask funeral directors if they can help you organise a simple funeral within your budget.
- Ask for their payment terms and be aware that they often ask for a deposit before the funeral can take place, some ask for all payment in advance.
- Tell them if you are applying for the Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment or Funeral Support Payment, or for any charitable grants, in case they can offer a lower deposit or wait for the outcome of these applications before going ahead.
Next - Understanding and comparing quotes
Frequently asked questions about choosing a funeral director
Are funeral directors regulated in the UK?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, funeral directors are almost entirely unregulated. In 2021, the Funerals Market Investigation Order was brought into force by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). It placed several legal requirements on UK funeral directors, including displaying prices online and in branch.
Aside from this, funeral directors can voluntarily join trade bodies like the National Association of funeral directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent funeral directors (SAIF), which require members adhere to industry-designed codes of practice. However, this is not legally binding. You can check if a funeral director is a member of a trade body at the links above. They should also display their logos.
In Scotland, funeral directors are legally required to abide by a Funeral Director Code of Practice.
How do I choose a funeral director?
We recommend that you obtain quotes from several different funeral directors to compare their costs and services. Funeral directors are required to display all their prices on their websites and in branch, including a Standardised Price List covering set products and services. This is a good place to start comparisons. Do speak to them about your requirements too, so you can also decide if you are comfortable with the level of service you experience.
What questions should I ask a funeral director?
- When you are advised of the cost, make sure it includes any disbursements or third-party fees, such as the crematorium/cemetery and faith leader/celebrant fee.
- If you are working to a budget, ask funeral directors if they can help you organise a simple funeral within your budget.
- Ask for their payment terms (which must also be displayed on their website and in branch) and be aware that they often ask for a deposit before the funeral can take place, some ask for full payment in advance.
- Tell them if you are applying for the Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment or Funeral Support Payment, or for any charitable grants, in case they can offer a lower deposit or wait for the outcome of these applications before going ahead.
How do I find an affordable funeral?
It is a good idea to shop around to obtain quotes from different funeral directors in your area. You can also consider different ways to keep costs down, for example by traveling in your own vehicles, or taking care of some elements of the arrangements yourself. Click here for more suggestions.
Can I change funeral directors?
Yes, you can change funeral directors at any point, however, funeral directors will charge for any services they have already carried out, and there may be other terms to be aware of if you have signed a contract. If the person who has died is already in the care of a funeral director, you will need to arrange with your chosen funeral directors for them to transfer them.
What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors can take care of all the necessary legal and administrative processes and provide the necessary support to those making the funeral arrangements. They can collect the deceased person and take care of their body until the funeral. They can carry out embalming, where this is requested.
Funeral directors will liaise with the crematorium or cemetery and arrange payments as necessary. They can provide options regarding pall bearers (people to carry the coffin), faith leaders or celebrants to lead a ceremony, floral tributes and order of service booklets. On the day of the funeral the funeral director can take the deceased person to the crematorium or ceremony and liaise with the crematorium/cemetery staff, other professionals, and attendees as needed.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
You don’t have to use a funeral director. Doing all or some of it yourself is also possible. See our doing it yourself – funeral factsheet for more detailed information.