Planning a Funeral

Most people choose to entrust the organisation of a funeral to a professional funeral director. They do so partly for reasons of convenience at what is generally a stressful time, but also to ensure that the remains of the deceased are disposed of with dignity and propriety. Friends, family, clergy or your doctor may be able to suggest reputable organisations, but the trade associations might also be helpful. There are two trade associations which operate within the funeral business: 
Each operates its own code of practice, although none of the codes is currently supported by the (Office Of Fair Trading OFT). Each code of practice requires its members to:

• 1. Provide information on charging, including displaying a price list on the premises and providing an individual copy 
• 2. Provide a written estimate of the cost of the funeral 
• 3. Offer a basic or simple funeral. 

The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (UK) (SAIF)
3 Bullfields
Sawbridgeworth
Hertfordshire CM21 9DB

Web: www.saif.org.uk

National Association of Funeral Directors (UK)
618 Warwick Road 
Solihull 
West Midlands B91 1AA 
Tel: 0845 230 1343
Web: www.nafd.org.uk

When choosing a funeral director:

• ask for a detailed description of costs when getting a quote 
• when asking for a telephone quote make sure that it is put in writing as well 
• be sure to get quotes from more than one company, (if possible), and find out if he/she is a member of any of the trade associations.
• Remember that just because a firm has been there for many years it does not mean that it is still Family owned. If this is important to you ask who is the owner - even ask to meet him or her! A Family owned firm will reflect it owner.
  
• Funeral Directors (UK) are amongst the most open professionals. They are usually entrenched in the local community. You can talk openly about the funeral arrangements you want to make.