Mission Funeral Home

Arranging a funeral: Essential Information

Arranging a funeral after the death of a friend or relative can be a daunting experience. But help is at hand, with professional bodies such as the NAFD and Saif are there to guide you through the process. These agencies can help you find a funeral director who will help you plan a funeral that will meet your individual needs.

Choosing a funeral director

In choosing a funeral director who is accredited to a professional body, you can be assured of a high quality service, professional competence and personal commitment at any time.

NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors)

Companies that are members of NAFD operate under a strict code of practice which requires them to provide a service of consistently high quality, professionalism and transparency of costs. The NAFD is an independent professional association. Joining the national covers a wide range of providers of funeral services, including funeral directors and funeral homes, funeral homes and suppliers. Address: NAFD, 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 1AA; Website: www.nafd.org.uk , Tel: 0845 230 1343.

SAIF (National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors)

SAIF members are generally undertakers who work in private or family to meet the needs of their local communities. SAIF funeral directors are known for their ability to personalize the funeral services for all budgets and financial situation, while refusing to compromise on quality. Above all, pride SAIF members themselves on treating people as individuals, while offering a personal touch. The site SAIF: www.saif.org.uk (mission, "work to mourn more bearable"), provides useful information for members of the funeral profession and to the bereaved. Address: SAIF Business Centre, 3 Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, CM21 9DB, tel: 0845 230 6777.

Funeral Services

Your chosen funeral director will handle all the funeral arrangements for you, in accordance with the wishes of the family. Although they vary in the range of services they offer, most funeral directors offer a combination of the following, including:

• discuss the type of funeral planned;
• explaining options and providing appropriate information;
• arranging for the burial or cremation;
• advise on the procedures of coroners, if any;
• assist in the completion of all documents;
• comply with legal requirements and local regulations;
• provide information on prepaid funeral plans;
• offering a choice of coffins for all tastes and budgets;
• the organization of the death chamber
• placing the obituary in the local / national press;
• Transfer of deceased from place of death to be temporary resting of your choice, before the funeral;
• liaise with necessary parties, in accordance with your instructions, to agree a date and time for the funeral service;
• providing the form of transport chosen for the day of the funeral;
• writing and placing the obituary;
• preparing the eulogy;
• liaise with the officiating on order service;
• process all special requests for music and arranging for personal tributes;
• .