What Does a Funeral Director Do?
When a loved one passes away, making funeral arrangements can be difficult while you are grieving. A funeral director’s role is to provide assistance organising the funeral as well as offering understanding and support during this difficult time. The funeral director can guide you through all the necessary considerations and options while relieving you of some of the burden of arranging a funeral service for your loved one.
Taking Care of the Body
When a loved one passes away, a death certificate needs to be completed and signed by a medical professional, such as a physician, coroner or medical examiner. This person will note the cause of death, time of death and the identity of the deceased individual.
After that, the funeral director can take the body into their care. It’s then their responsibility to transport the body safely, securely and professionally while working with family members on making the funeral arrangements.
Helping You Make Arrangements
Unless the deceased person’s funeral was pre-planned, your funeral director can guide you through all the options and decisions to be made while arranging a funeral. This includes:
- Whether to choose cremation or burial
- The date and time of the service
- Where to hold the service (e.g. a church, park, at your home, etc.)
- Type of coffin or casket
- Whether you need catering
- Choosing flower arrangements or other decorations
- Organising music, photo tributes and other programmes
- Who should lead the ceremony (e.g. a celebrant, family member, friend, minister or other relevant member of your faith)
Your funeral director can offer different levels of support and guidance depending on your particular needs and wishes.
Carrying Out the Wishes of the Deceased
It’s common practice for people to pre-plan some aspects of their funeral with a funeral director. In these cases, their role is to inform loved ones of these wishes and guide them through the necessary steps of executing them. The funeral director may take care of details such as venue hire as well as providing the necessary information towards completing paperwork upon their death. Pre-planned funerals also tend to involve a funeral bond to put towards the financial aspect of making funeral arrangements.
Handling Logistics
A funeral director can take care of logistical matters on your behalf. They can liaise with third parties and make essential arrangements for you if you require, including:
- Registering the death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Collecting medical certificates and registration of death
- Arrangements with the venue you choose for the funeral service
- Coordinating the cremation or burial with a memorial park or cemetery
- Organising embalming by qualified personnel if required
- Arranging and preparing a viewing of the deceased
- Advice on wording and placement of death notices
- Help writing a eulogy
- Organising floral arrangements and music
- Organising stationery such as ‘thank-you’ cards and orders of service
- Video recording or live streaming for those unable to attend
- Assistance organising a wake or event after the service
- Providing referrals for grief support.
Funeral directors exist to help take care of the difficult tasks and personalise the ceremony, so families can celebrate the life of their loved one.
Compassionate Funeral Directors in Maitland
Arranging a funeral can be a daunting task, but the compassionate and professional team at Fry Bros Funerals are here to help you every step of the way. We can help you plan a meaningful funeral in Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and all surrounding areas. Call us on 02 4933 6155 or contact us online.