Losing a loved one is one of life's toughest challenges, and making funeral arrangements is often the absolute last thing we want to be doing, so the process can feel overwhelming and complex.
However, choosing the right funeral director is crucial in making sure that your loved one's farewell is handled with dignity, respect, and their wishes are carried out. In this article, we will cover the five key points to consider when choosing a funeral director in Australia.
Connection.
In a time of loss and mourning, finding a genuine connection with your funeral director is paramount in creating a more simple and less stressful experience.
Consider the following questions when you talk to the funeral director for the first time.
- Do you feel comfortable speaking to them about your loved one's funeral arrangements?
- Do they listen to your needs and offer suggestions that meet your expectations?
- Do they respect your boundaries, or push to upsell and encourage more expensive packages?
- Do they rush you, or do they make the time to talk with you and learn about your loved one who’s passed away?
A good funeral director should make you feel at ease and should be someone you can trust to handle your loved one's funeral with the care and respect it deserves. Overall, they should make the process of planning a funeral less overwhelming.
Suitability.
The funeral director you choose should be suitable for your specific needs. Do they offer the type of funeral services that you are looking for? Do they have the experience and expertise to handle your loved one's funeral in the way that you want it to be handled? It's important to choose a funeral director who is knowledgeable and can provide the services you need, in a way that meets your expectations.
An example of what isn’t a suitable match could be that you’re looking for a direct cremation, however the funeral director is trying to offer you an elaborate cremation and service package.
At Bare, we’ve had other funeral homes and funeral directors recommend us to their customers when Bare has been better suited for what the customer has asked for. And likewise at Bare, if someone enquires about a simple burial, we’ll advise them that we’re not the right fit for their needs.
Transparency.
Transparency is important when choosing a funeral director. In the past, many funeral homes gave the entire industry a bad reputation for hiking up prices, pushing expensive coffins so employees could get higher commission and not being transparent about extra fees and services that are tacked onto the cost.
But now times have changed, and the push for transparency with prices and services is stronger than ever.
The funeral director should provide clear and accurate information about the services they offer and the costs involved, including an itemised cost breakdown. They should be honest and upfront about their services and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your loved one’s funeral arrangements. Because what you need is simplicity and honesty for peace of mind during an already difficult time.
Affordability.
Given the average funeral can cost anywhere from $6,000 for cremation to $19,000 for a burial, it’s no wonder many families struggle wit.
Funeral costs can add up quickly, and it's important to choose a funeral director that offers affordable services. Do they offer packages that meet your budget? Are they transparent about the costs involved and do they offer options for financing? It's important to choose a funeral director who can provide you with the services you need, at a price that you can afford.
They may also offer options for financing and paying off over a period of time, which can make the process of paying for a funeral less stressful.
At Bare, our prices are transparent and accessible without compromising on quality of care. Click here to get a free quote for a direct cremation or funeral in your area, or give our team a call on 1800 071 176.
Flexibility.
Finally, it's important to choose a funeral director who is flexible and can change and adapt to your needs. No two people are exactly the same, so why should our funerals all look the same?
The right funeral director should be able to offer services that are directly tailored to your needs and accommodate most requests, no matter how left of field they might be. Flexibility is a skill not many funeral homes and directors have adopted yet, but at Bare, we provide our families options that they can choose from that best suit their needs. You may wish to add a memorial or funeral to your simple cremation with a Bare Funeral. We can assist in organising and conducting the service, while we take care of the cremation process.
Final thoughts on choosing a funeral director.
In conclusion, choosing the right funeral director is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By taking the time to consider the five key points outlined in this article, you can ensure that your loved one and their funeral is handled with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.
deserve.
At Bare, these five key points are what we strive to achieve with every family and every person that comes into our care. Whether you are looking to organise a direct cremation, a memorial or funeral service, we would be honoured to support you. To find out more, visit our Bare website here, or call 1800 071 176.
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