INSTRUCTING THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Most funeral directors are helpful and sympathetic in sorting out the arrangements, but it is wrong to leave all the arrangements to them. To get the best out of them the next of kin (or whoever is in charge) need to formulate a clear idea of their requirements and then issue clear instructions.

• To clarify matters ask yourself the following questions and write down the answers.
• How much do you want to pay? (If you want a no-frills basic funeral you need to stipulate this from the outset.)
• When and where do you want the funeral to take place?
• Who do you want to conduct it?
• Where should the hearse leave from?
• Is there a special route you would like the funeral procession to take?
• How many mourners will need transport?
• What kind of coffin do you want?

• In case of a burial, where is the body to be buried? (If the body is to be buried in a family tomb or grave, precise instructions need to be given.)

As I indicated at the beginning of this section, it is not strictly speaking necessary to employ a funeral director and some people opt to arrange everything themselves. Most cemeteries are prepared to accommodate DIY funerals. However, doing it yourself can involve a good deal of time and careful planning is required in order to avoid any hitches. Generally speaking, most people are happy to entrust the arrangements to professionals at what can be a particularly stressful time.