It is a funeral director's responsibility to ensure that a funeral meets the wishes of the family. They will ensure that the funeral is appropriate, dignified and carried out in a professional manner. They will also ensure that each element of the funeral complies with the law.
A funeral director will help you with the practicalities of arranging a funeral and the following is a list of the things you might expect your funeral director to take care of. It isn't exhaustive and all funeral directors offer their own distinct services.
As a general guide your funeral director may:
- Move the person who has died from the place of death to their premises, or your home if you would prefer
- Provide help and advice on matters relating to death
- Provide appropriate facilities for families who wish to view the person who has died
- Ensure paperwork is in place to allow burial or cremation to take place
- Arrange repatriation overseas for burial or cremation
- Arrange to transfer the body to another area of the country for burial or cremation
- Help you arrange a date and time for the funeral. The funeral director will contact the church, crematorium/cemetery and the person you would like to conduct the service. They will agree a time convenient to all that meets your wishes
- Place notices in local newspapers, and ‘thank you’ notices following the funeral
- Order floral tributes on behalf of families and friends and care for any floral tributes left with the funeral director prior to the funeral
- Accept charitable donations on the family’s behalf, and record names and details of the donation
- Provide appropriate vehicles and trained staff to enable the funeral to proceed with dignity, and in accordance with your instructions.
- At the funeral, to arrange any music you have specifically requested and distribute Order of Service sheets
- Arrange for the disposal of remains after cremation
- Offer caskets to suit individual choice and a range of budgets
- Help you arrange a pre-paid funeral plan
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
Some families arrange the funeral themselves. See arranging a funeral yourself.
Common questions
What does a funeral director do?
They look after the person who has died, sort out the paperwork for the burial or cremation, book the date with the crematorium or cemetery and whoever will lead the service, and provide the hearse and staff on the day. Many also place newspaper notices, order flowers and collect donations.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
No. You can arrange a funeral yourself. See [arranging a funeral yourself](/advice/arranging-a-funeral/arranging-a-funeral-yourself/).
Can the funeral director look after the ashes?
Yes. They can collect the ashes after the cremation and arrange for them to be scattered or returned to you.
How do I choose a funeral director?
Compare their standard price lists, and ask what's included. See [questions to ask a funeral director](/advice/arranging-a-funeral/questions-to-ask-a-funeral-director/).