Role of Funeral Director
Master of ceremonies and guardian of the deceased
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
This is, for most people, the image they have of a funeral director, with the traditional black suit, top hat; very formal in their approach, style and manner.
Although attitudes towards funerals have become more relaxed and informal in recent years, people still expect the old traditions and customs. For those who attend the service, this image of a funeral director is all they see. Funeral directors tend to be portrayed as serious and sombre people, when in fact they are just like everyone else.
CUSTODIAN OF THE BODY
Another role you would expect the funeral director to perform is looking after the deceased person in the funeral home.
Almost everyone is concerned about how their loved one will be cared for at the funeral home. The fundamental role of a funeral director is to care for the deceased, and to ensure they are looked after in a dignified and respectful manner.
This can involve the laying out, which means general washing, grooming and dressing prior to the body being placed in the coffin. In some funeral homes, embalming is another procedure the funeral director may perform.
The funeral director will provide a chapel of rest for the family to come and visit their loved one before the day of the funeral. This will give them the opportunity to say goodbye, and help them come to terms with the death.
TECHNICAL ADVISER
The funeral director is someone specially trained to deal with the problems involved in arranging a funeral. They will advise on the many options the family have, and will try to tailor the funeral to their particular needs and wishes.
For most families, it will be the first time they have had to arrange a funeral, and they will rely upon a professional to guide them in the right direction.
AGENT
As an agent the funeral director is responsible for dealing with those people necessary in providing a full and complete service.
The funeral director will make all the necessary phone calls, arrange for, complete and deliver documentation, arrange for flowers, obituaries, and many other things not obvious to the family at the time.
CONTRACTOR
The funeral director is also responsible for ensuring that all the family wishes are carried out. This can include the provision of a coffin, funeral staff, facilities for the family, mortuary facilities for the deceased and many other services and products that you would expect a funeral home to provide.