Ultimate Guide to Funeral Directors

What do funeral directors do and why are they important?

In this guide we take a look at their role and the jobs they carry out, to learn more about how they can help you.

When a loved one dies, one of the first things you will need to do is speak to a funeral director. Although you can choose to arrange the funeral yourself, choosing an experienced and skilled funeral director can help unburden you from the stress of funeral arrangements.

Who's who?

The funeral profession includes people who do many different kinds of jobs. Sometimes, terms such as funeral director, mortician and undertaker are used by people to mean the same thing, but there are a few differences as you’ll see below.

Funeral Director

The modern term for a person who helps organise all elements of a funeral service, liaising with the bereaved, local government services and industry providers. The funeral director oversees all funeral arrangements. Modern funeral directors can provide a comprehensive range of services and help you with every aspect of your loved one’s funeral.

Funeral Arranger

A funeral arranger works closely with the funeral director to ensure all funeral arrangements go to plan. They listen to the bereaved about their needs and provide the relevant information that will help them make decisions. A funeral arranger may also help organise specific elements of the funeral service, under the guidance of the funeral director.

Undertaker

People historically used the word undertaker to mean somebody who undertakes responsibility for your loved one’s body. Typically, this person only provided a coffin and worked with other professionals to provide a full funeral service. Though this term is still used, particularly in the United States, the term funeral director is now more widely used.

Embalmer

Embalming is a process which temporarily preserves someone’s body when they die and may be performed prior to a viewing. Not all funeral directors are embalmers, and vice versa, although some people are qualified to do both. Some funeral homes may have their own embalmers, while others will enlist the services of an independent embalming expert.

Mortician

This term is more commonly used in the US to refer to a funeral director. In the UK, the term mortician is more likely to refer to someone who works in a hospital. They may be involved with post-mortem examinations and looking after your loved one’s body, before the funeral director arrives to collect the person who has died and prepare them for their burial or cremation.

Funeral attendant

Funeral attendant is a term generally used to refer to someone who helps with the practical organisation of the funeral on the day. This may include acting as a pallbearer to carry the coffin, driving a funeral car, or arranging floral tributes prior to the funeral ceremony. Funeral attendants also escort the mourners and direct them to their seats.

All in a days' work

A funeral director’s role involves a wide range of skills and tasks. A funeral director oversees other people in their roles, is skilled at event planning and treats people with consideration and courtesy.

A funeral director can help you arrange every element of the funeral service, from collecting and looking after your loved one, to helping you arrange the funeral service and organise the wake.