April 2025 – When should I call a Funeral Director?

Calling a funeral director is one of the hardest calls any family has to make.  For some, it’s in the wake of a painful, shocking and unexpected death.  For others, it’s the next step of a process they’ve been anticipating for a while.  It’s not surprising that we’re often asked, “when should we call you?”

We know how tough it can be to acknowledge, let alone dial our number.

Our advice is simple.  It’s never too early to speak to a funeral director.  But as every situation is unique, we’ve set out three possible scenarios to help explain how we can help at any time.

Clarifying a loved one’s wishes when all is well

In an ideal world, we have made and shared choices and decisions for our own funerals.  Even better, we have that insight for someone we may be responsible for at a later time.  The reality is quite different. 

In the UK, death is still a taboo subject so it’s hard to broach and often ignored until it’s too late.  This year’s SunLife Cost of Dying report points to 99 out of 100 people know nothing about a loved one’s wishes. 

Speaking to a funeral director when all is well makes for an easier conversation all round.  We help individuals, couples or families explore a range of funeral choices, guiding through options and costs, and developing plans that reflect their personal wishes and preferences. 

These plans can be as detailed or simple as required, stored away safely for a future date. The person whose funeral it will be, and their loved ones, have a clear plan to follow which removes doubts and provides greater peace of mind when the time comes.

Triggered by a change in circumstances

End of life planning can be triggered by a sudden diagnosis, a change of circumstances such as moving to a care home, or even something as simple as a big birthday.  Speaking to a funeral director means we can not only guide families through the funeral event choices but also help with cost-related conversations. 

Funding a funeral through a pre-paid funeral plan helps families prepare for care assessments. And for executors, preparing funds ahead of time makes sense.  Using the opportunity presented by a change in circumstances allows families to have these essential conversations ahead of a time when it may become more challenging. 

Following an unexpected death

This is the most painful of times.  We know how hard it is to pick up the phone as it makes the circumstances very real and it’s not a call people want to make.  Our advice again is simple.  Call us as soon as you feel ready, and this can be done as early as you are able. 

There is no requirement to wait for certification, registration or any other administration.  We can support you at any time and guide you through the process of what’s next depending on your circumstances. 

Bringing your loved one into our care will be an early priority, and this can be arranged no matter where the place of death is once the death has been verified by a medical professional.

No matter what you need, when you need it or how we can help, it’s never too early to lean on our experience.  Worth noting also, is that UK Power of Attorney rights cease when someone dies.  The responsibility for decisions made after a death can only be made by authorised next of kin or formally appointed executors. 

Being able to plan for future funerals – even those not anticipated in the short term – lifts the burden of decision making from our loved ones at an already difficult time.  So why don’t you speak to one of our local teams who can meet you in person in your home to discuss choices or make an appointment at a branch near you. 

We’re here to help.