Losing a loved one is never easy and arranging a funeral can be tough, especially when your world has just been turned upside down. Whether you’ve organised a funeral before or it’s your first time, feeling overwhelmed or underprepared is completely understandable.
Funeral arrangements will depend on several factors, including your loved one’s religion and their final wishes. Knowing what you want for their service and what to expect when making funeral arrangements can make the process a little easier.
So, what questions will a funeral director ask you? Read on for our essential guide on what to expect at your first appointment below.
What to expect when visiting a funeral director
Firstly, it is important to understand that funeral directors are highly empathetic and understanding of your situation. If you don’t feel ready to go to the funeral home, it is perfectly acceptable to request that the funeral director come to you instead.
Nor do you have to visit the funeral director straight away. Once the death has been registered, you will be given a green form which you must take with you to the funeral home (or have with you at the home visit). The time frame in which you decide to do this is up to you.
Funeral directors understand that losing a loved one is a life-changing event, and they are there to guide and support you through the process in whichever way is best for you.
Questions to expect
Funeral directors are not cold or indifferent, there to bombard you with questions about your dearly departed. They are there to listen, give advice and offer guidance. However, they will need to ask you a few questions to make sure that the funeral goes ahead smoothly and that all your wishes are respected.
To help you prepare for the funeral, our dedicated Bristol funeral directors will ask you some of the following questions:
- Do you want a burial or a cremation?
- Would you like to choose the deceased clothes yourself or would you prefer the funeral home to prepare a gown?
- Would you like the deceased to wear their own jewellery or would you like any jewellery to be removed?
- Would you like to visit your loved one at the Chapel of Rest?
- Are there any religious practices to be observed?
- Will there be flowers or donations? Or both?
- Would you like to play music?
- Any particular hymns or prayers to sing or read?
- Do you require catering?
- Will a car be required? If so, how many drop-offs and pickups?
Depending on how you answer, there may be follow-on questions to ensure the funeral director fully understands what your wishes are and how best to arrange them.
Questions to ask a funeral director
You may have lots of questions to ask, but don’t worry if you don’t. Your appointment with one of our female funeral directors is a conversation – not a questionnaire. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Common questions that we encounter from our customers are:
- Where will my loved one be kept until the day of the funeral?
- May I visit my them before the funeral?
- Who will take care of us on the day?
- Can I personalise the service?
- What is and is not included in the price?
- What religions do you cater for?
You may have questions not included on this list – and that is fine too. All in all, your appointment to discuss the arrangements will take around an hour, in which you will have the opportunity to make your final goodbye as special as possible.
If you’d like to book an appointment at our funeral home in Bristol or you want more information about our services, call our 24-hour phone line on 0117 956 4796 or email us at directors@jamiesonfunerals.co.uk and we’ll be in touch soon.