Why Choosing the Right Funeral Director Matters
A funeral director does far more than transport a coffin and organise a service. They are the person who will care for your loved one, guide your family through an unfamiliar and emotional process, and coordinate dozens of details so that you do not have to. The relationship you have with your funeral director can make a real difference to your experience of this difficult time.
Start with Recommendations and Research
Most people choose a funeral director in one of three ways: a personal recommendation from someone they trust, an online search, or simply using the nearest local firm. All of these are valid starting points, but it is worth taking a little time to consider your options before committing.
Ask People You Trust
If a friend, neighbour, or family member has recently arranged a funeral and had a good experience, their recommendation is valuable. Ask them what made the funeral director stand out — was it their kindness, their attention to detail, or their transparency about costs?
Search Online
The NAFD Funeral Director Search allows you to find NAFD member funeral directors near you. You can also check online reviews, though look for specifics rather than just star ratings.
Consider More Than One
There is absolutely nothing wrong with contacting two or three funeral directors before making your choice. A good funeral director will not pressure you to commit on the spot. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) actively encourages families to compare providers.
What to Look For in a Funeral Director
Transparent Pricing
Since September 2021, all funeral directors in the UK have been legally required to display a standardised price list. A good funeral director will provide you with a detailed written estimate specific to your arrangements before you commit to anything. This estimate should clearly separate their own fees from disbursements (third-party costs like cremation fees and the officiant).
For a full understanding of what funeral costs look like, see our guide to UK funeral costs.
Genuine Listening
The right funeral director will ask about your loved one — who they were, what mattered to them, what kind of farewell would feel right. They should listen more than they talk. If you feel rushed or steered towards a particular package, that is a warning sign.
Professional Premises and Staff
If you visit the funeral director’s premises, pay attention to how they are maintained. The building should be clean, quiet, and respectful. Staff should be courteous, unhurried, and willing to answer your questions.
Flexibility
No two funerals are the same. Whether you want a traditional church service, a woodland burial, a non-religious celebration of life, or something entirely unconventional, a good funeral director should be willing to help you make it happen.
Professional Membership
Membership of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is one of the most reliable indicators of quality. NAFD members are bound by a strict code of practice covering everything from transparent pricing to the dignified care of your loved one.
Questions to Ask a Funeral Director
About Costs
- Can you provide a full written estimate before I commit?
- What is included in your standard fee, and what costs extra?
- What disbursements (third-party costs) should I expect?
- Are there any circumstances where the final bill might be higher than the estimate?
- What are your payment terms — when is the bill due, and do you offer payment plans?
About the Service
- What options do you offer for coffins, vehicles, and venues?
- Can you help us arrange a non-traditional or personalised service?
- Will you handle all the paperwork?
About Care of the Deceased
- Where will our loved one be kept before the funeral?
- Can we visit them in the chapel of rest?
- Is embalming included, and is it necessary?
About the Firm
- Are you a member of the NAFD or another professional body?
- How long has the firm been established?
- Who will be our main point of contact?
- Do you offer any aftercare or bereavement support?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to provide a written estimate — any reputable funeral director will provide this without hesitation
- Pressure to upgrade — if you feel pushed towards a more expensive coffin or package, take a step back
- Vagueness about what is included — if you cannot get a clear answer on what the fee covers, that is a problem
- Dismissing your wishes — a funeral director who is unresponsive to your preferences may not be the right fit
- No professional membership — the absence of any professional affiliation removes an important layer of accountability
- Unusually low prices without explanation — important services may have been excluded
Why NAFD Membership Matters
The National Association of Funeral Directors has been the UK’s leading professional body for funeral directors since 1905. NAFD members conduct over 80% of all funerals in the UK.
When you choose an NAFD member, you are guaranteed:
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- A code of practice — covering dignified care, honest communication, and professional standards
- An independent complaints procedure
- Regular quality inspections
- Ongoing professional development for staff
Visiting vs Phoning: What to Expect
Your first conversation with a funeral director might be over the phone, in person at their premises, or even at your own home. A good first meeting will feel unhurried and supportive. The funeral director will ask about your loved one and gently guide you through the decisions that need to be made.
It can be helpful to bring someone with you for support. If you have any of the following, they can be helpful:
- Any wishes the deceased expressed about their funeral
- Details of any pre-paid funeral plan — see our guide to pre-paid funeral plans
- The medical certificate of cause of death if it has been issued
- A rough idea of your budget
Comparing Quotes
When reviewing estimates from different funeral directors, make sure you are comparing like for like:
- Check that both quotes include the same services
- Look at the disbursements — these third-party costs should be similar across providers
- Pay attention to what is not included
- Consider the overall impression — price matters, but so do kindness, professionalism, and the feeling that your loved one will be well looked after
Find an NAFD Funeral Director Near You
Choosing a funeral director is one of the most important decisions you will make during this time. It is worth taking a little care to find someone who will treat your family with compassion, honesty, and respect.
This guide is provided by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which represents funeral directing businesses conducting over 80% of all UK funerals. Find a trusted NAFD funeral director near you.
