Choosing a funeral director is an important decision. During an already difficult time, you need someone you feel comfortable with, who communicates clearly and who will take the time to understand your family’s wishes.
Funeral directors can differ considerably in their approach, level of personal service and the options they provide. Asking a few important questions before making a decision can help you understand what to expect and choose a funeral director who is right for your family.
At Remembrance Funerals, we believe families should feel informed, supported and comfortable with the arrangements they make.
Ask who will be responsible for your funeral arrangements and who your main point of contact will be.
Having someone who understands your family’s wishes and remains familiar with the arrangements can provide reassurance throughout the process.
It is also worth asking who you should contact if you have questions or need to make changes after the initial arrangements have been made.
Experience matters when arranging a funeral.
An experienced funeral director can guide families through the practical requirements while also helping them consider the many personal decisions involved in creating an appropriate farewell.
Ask about the funeral director’s experience, the families they assist and their knowledge of funeral arrangements in Perth.
Remembrance Funerals is led by John and Susie Lombardi, who bring more than 20 years of funeral industry experience to the families they support.
Before proceeding, make sure you understand exactly what the funeral director will arrange.
Depending on the type of funeral, this may include:
Ask what is included and whether there are additional services that may incur extra costs.
Funeral costs can vary depending on the arrangements your family chooses.
Ask for a clear explanation of the costs involved and what is included in the quoted price.
You should feel comfortable asking questions about individual costs and discussing alternatives if you are working within a particular budget.
Understanding the costs from the beginning allows your family to make informed decisions without unnecessary uncertainty.
A funeral doesn’t need to follow exactly the same format for every family.
Ask how much flexibility you have to personalise the farewell.
Personal touches might include:
A personalised funeral can help create a farewell that genuinely reflects the individual being remembered.
If your loved one did not leave clear instructions, your family may need to decide between burial and cremation.
Ask the funeral director to explain the available options rather than feeling pressured towards a particular choice.
They should be able to explain the practical differences and help your family understand what each option involves.
Religious, cultural and family traditions can be extremely important when someone dies.
If your family has particular customs or requirements, discuss them with the funeral director early in the planning process.
Ask whether these traditions can be incorporated and whether the funeral director has experience coordinating the type of service your family requires.
Some families want to participate actively in the farewell.
This might include delivering the eulogy, choosing music, providing photographs, carrying the coffin, giving readings or contributing personal memories.
Ask your funeral director how family members can be involved and discuss anything that is particularly important to you.
It can be reassuring to understand what happens once the initial funeral arrangements have been discussed.
Ask your funeral director to explain the next steps, including what they will organise, what decisions your family still needs to make and when you can expect to hear from them again.
A clear process can make funeral planning feel much more manageable.
Not every important consideration can be reduced to a checklist.
You should also consider how you feel when speaking with the funeral director.
Do they listen?
Do they explain things clearly?
Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
Do you feel that your family’s wishes are being respected?
A funeral is deeply personal. You should feel confident that the people looking after the arrangements understand what matters to your family.
Remembrance Funerals provides compassionate and personalised funeral services for families throughout Perth.
Led by John and Susie Lombardi, our experienced team takes the time to understand each family’s wishes and provide clear guidance throughout the funeral planning process.
We believe families should have the information and support they need to make their own decisions, while knowing the practical details are being handled with care and professionalism.
If you’re comparing funeral directors or beginning to make arrangements, you may also find our Funeral Planning Checklist, Funeral Costs in Perth, Burial Services, Cremation Services, and guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral helpful.
If you would prefer to speak with someone directly, contact Remembrance Funerals to discuss your family’s circumstances and the funeral options available to you.
