10 Questions to Ask Your Funeral Director

When someone is tasked with arranging the funeral of a loved one, they typically have little time or industry knowledge to make informed decisions. And even if they ask all the right questions, they may not know what could differentiate one funeral home from another.

We’ve put together our top list of questions to assist you or your family members in making informed decisions when it comes to selecting a funeral home or funeral director:

1. What is the background of your organization?

It’s always helpful to hear how someone got started in their industry, and why they chose the role of funeral director. You’ll gain a lot of insight into the values and work ethic of an organization by asking.

2. What types of services do you provide?

Every funeral home is different, and services may vary from place to place. While most funeral homes will provide basic burial and cremation services, some tend to provide more traditional services, while others cater to non-traditional life celebrations. Make sure that whoever you select is able to properly honor your loved one with the services available.

3. Are you locally or nationally owned?

Many funeral homes that were once owned and operated by generations of the same family are now owned by a national conglomerate, while still retaining the original name. While this is not always a red flag, corporate-owned organizations tend to have higher expenses, and often pass this on to their clients through increased fees.

4. Do you hire services from other providers?

Even if a funeral home handles all of your arrangements, from storing, transporting and burying or cremating the deceased, some of them contract with outside providers for these services. For example, a funeral home without an on-site crematory would have to contract with another funeral home to provide this service.

5. What are the costs associated with your services?

Final arrangements can be a significant expense, and you should never be embarrassed to ask for a price list. Funeral homes are also required to publish their pricing and what services are included.

6. Would you come to our home to discuss funeral arrangements?

The role of a funeral director is to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Make sure whoever you select will be able to accommodate your needs, at your convenience.

7. Can I customize a funeral?

Some funeral homes have very specific packages that can be purchased, and there’s very little room for customizing to memorialize the deceased. Make sure you ask about how much flexibility you’ll have with the service, and encourage suggestions from your funeral director.

8. What memberships and licenses do you and your staff maintain?

Practicing funeral homes should be licensed in the areas they practice, just like any professional organization. Standard licenses include a Funeral Establishment License, Funeral Director & Embalmer’s License, Cinerator Facility License (for cremations), Pre Need Branch License, and Life and Annuities Insurance License. You can also inquire if the funeral home is active in any local organizations or non-profits, such as a Chamber of Commerce or Hospice.

9. Can you still provide funeral services if a loved one is cremated?

Cremations are becoming a more common option for final arrangements, but many families still want to hold a formal ceremony to pay their respects. Talk to your funeral director about what options you’ll have if your loved one elects to be cremated.

10. How can I plan ahead?

Most funeral homes encourage what’s referred to as “pre-planning,” or “pre-arranging” your funeral. In addition to outlining your wishes for how you would like to be remembered, there are also pre-payment plans that allow you to lock in costs.