by Stella Coles

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: December 09, 2009

Isn't it a relief that we can turn to a professional for guidance at a time when we're at our lowest and most stressed. When a loved one has passed away, it is extremely difficult to function properly. Our emotions are all over the place, we're lost and scared, and completely overwhelmed by all the vital tasks ahead of us. Even if the death was expected and we're one of the most organised people in the world, we still cannot prepare ourselves for the emotions we are going to feel. Just when we need to be in charge of the situation, somehow we have to struggle to find the energy to carry on.

This is where the Funeral Director steps in to help. We put our trust in him to guide us through all the necessary procedures, and he'll do just that. A funeral director will be of a compassionate nature, and he will be contactable for services at any hour. He will know of all the laws regarding burial and cremation, and will be able to offer expert help and organisation in order to provide your loved ones with the funeral that you wish to have for them.

He will be accustomed to all of the emotions people go through after a bereavement. Emotions such as grief, anger, guilt, loss and bewilderment. He will be a good listener and be compassionate to your needs. You might have certain requirements and he could tell you whether they could be met. When arranging a funeral, there are so many things to organise and he will make sure that everything is taken care of, thus taking some of the strain away from you.

The funeral director will first of all, remove the body from the place of death to a place of rest. Relatives will be able to view their loved one there if they so wish. Of course, some relatives may wish for the body to be taken home until the funeral and this can alternatively be arranged.

There will be factors to consider such as whether burial or cremation has been decided, and then paperwork will need to be filled in, which he will do. A date and time has to be arranged, and if it is to be a cremation, he will arrange the times for the cremation, the service and the internment of ashes, if required. He liaises with the church, cemetery or crematorium to make sure everything is planned as you wish. He can also be in touch with the person who is going to conduct the service to make sure he has all your requirements.

Funeral directors must be up to date with regulations and any changes that may come about. They must know how to repatriate bodies to and from abroad and be prepared to cater for the needs of different nationalities. Part of their duties is to deal with the Coroner and to know where the death must be registered.

There are lots of other things to be arranged. The type of casket and lining, flowers, hymn sheets if required, vehicles, and any other requests such as arranging a choir, a piper or soloist for the service. He can organise notices in the paper, a list of people who attend the funeral for you to keep afterwards, and accept donations for a nominated charity of your choice. He will oversee the funeral and make sure that everything is arranged with a total professionalism. At your time in need, you can be sure that you can depend on him.

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