Choosing a funeral director is one of the first decisions after a death, and it often has to be made quickly. It's completely normal to speak to more than one before you decide, and a good funeral director will be happy to answer your questions.
About cost
Can I see your standard price list?
Every funeral director must publish one, so you can compare like with like. Look for it on their website, or ask for a copy.
What's included in the price you've quoted, and what isn't?
What are the third-party costs?
Sometimes called disbursements, these are fees the funeral director pays to others on your behalf - for example the crematorium or cemetery, the minister or celebrant, and flowers. They're added to your bill.
Can I have a written quote?
Do you need a deposit, and when is the rest due?
Could the final bill be different from the quote?
If so, ask how, and whether they'll check with you before adding anything.
Do you offer a simpler package, or a direct cremation?
About caring for the person who has died
Where will the person be looked after, and can we visit them?
Many funeral directors have a chapel of rest where you can spend time with them.
Is embalming necessary?
It isn't a legal requirement. Ask why it's being suggested, and what it costs.
Can we provide clothes for them to wear?
Can we help to care for them - for example, washing or dressing them - if we'd like to?
About the funeral itself
Can you help us plan the service?
Including a minister or celebrant, music, readings and the order of service.
Can we choose our own coffin, or supply one?
Who will carry the coffin?
Family members can often act as bearers if you'd like.
Can the service be livestreamed
For people who can't attend?
What cars do you provide
And can we use our own? See funeral transport.
Can you help with the wake, flowers, newspaper notices or a memorial?
About the funeral director
Are you independent, or part of a larger group?
Both can be excellent, but it's worth knowing who you're dealing with.
Do you belong to a trade association?
Many funeral directors belong to the NAFD or SAIF, which have codes of practice and a complaints process.
What happens if we're not happy?
Ask how they handle complaints.
If there's a funeral plan
If the person had a pre-paid funeral plan, find the paperwork first and ask the funeral director to check exactly what the plan covers before you agree to anything extra. See paying for a funeral.
Find a funeral director near you
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
Common questions
Is it all right to speak to more than one funeral director?
Yes. It's completely normal, and a good funeral director will be happy to answer your questions.
What are disbursements?
Fees the funeral director pays to others on your behalf, such as the crematorium or cemetery, the minister or celebrant, and flowers. They're added to your bill.
Is embalming a legal requirement?
No. Ask why it's being suggested and what it costs.
Can family members carry the coffin?
Often, yes. Ask the funeral director.
How do I know a funeral director is reputable?
Ask whether they belong to a trade association such as the NAFD or SAIF, which have codes of practice and a complaints process.