How to choose a funeral provider
When someone dies, it is often their loved ones who will arrange their funeral. The first step in doing so is choosing a funeral provider to help you with the funeral arrangements.
At first, it may appear that all funeral providers are much the same, or that there are too many to choose from, but there are a few things you should consider when making your choice.
Considerations when choosing a funeral provider
At Simplicity, we understand how difficult it can be to choose a funeral provider. Because a funeral is an emotional and sensitive occasion, it should be carried out by a funeral provider you feel comfortable with. Remember, you're trusting them to deliver the funeral that your loved one would have wanted.
We've noted some important considerations and questions you may want to ask a potential funeral provider, which they should not be afraid to answer transparently.
1. Do they offer the type of funeral you are looking for?
There are lots of types of funerals, as well as funeral providers and funeral packages to choose from.
From direct cremations to a more traditional funeral or eco burial, it can be a lot to take in. For this reason, prior to choosing a funeral provider, it may be helpful to decide what type of funeral you’d like for your loved one, as different funeral providers specialise in different types of funerals. At Simplicity, we offer three simple funeral options:
- Unattended Funeral - a direct cremation without a funeral service or any mourners present.
- Intimate Funeral - allows a short time for reflection in the crematorium chapel and to say a few words for up to 12 people.
- Attended Funeral - provides a cremation with a funeral service arranged by the family.
2. Does the funeral provider have the right mortuary facilities and transport?
There are many providers that will offer burial or cremation services, but they do not all operate to the same standards or include the same services.
To ensure that your loved one is treated with the utmost care and respect, we’d advise you to choose a funeral provider with an established history and the right facilities.
Many providers will only collect the deceased from a hospital or coroner with a significant charge to collect from anywhere else. This usually denotes a lack of facilities, nationwide or otherwise.
At Simplicity Cremations, we bring your loved one into care at one of our high-quality mortuary facilities, where they will be prepared, dressed and cared for until the day of cremation. Our staff are professional and highly trained and we only use specialised funeral vehicles for transportation.
3. What's included in the funeral costs?
Prior to choosing a funeral provider you should compare funeral prices, paying close attention to what is and isn’t included in each provider’s funeral package. The initial price may seem reasonable but there may be a host of added costs that need to be included to get the funeral you want for your loved one.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask to see a breakdown of all costs, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for and why. You should ask questions including:
- Is the cremation fee included? This can be an extra cost of up to £500 if not.
- Are there extra costs for mileage? There could be costs per mile added to your bill if the body is resting outside of a certain radius. We won't charge you extra fees for mileage, because we have facilities nationwide.
- Are their extra charges for bariatric clients? Bariatric clients often require larger coffins and specific facilities in order to accommodate their needs. You could be charged around £250 for this. Simplicity Cremations do not charge anything extra where a larger coffin is required.
- Are doctor’s fees included? These cost around £164 and many providers do not include these. At Simplicity, we include doctor’s fees as part of our funeral package.
4. Are any services optional?
A funeral provider can organise some or all of a funeral. So, if you want to source the coffin, or arrange your own transport, check how flexible they can be.
Be realistic about your budget, and don’t feel you need to spend more than you can afford, or more than what’s available from the money they’ve left behind. There’s nothing wrong with asking what the simplest service they offer would cost, or opting for a low key funeral or direct cremation.
5. Is the service available in your area?
Some providers do not operate outside of a certain radius (this is usually a radius of a few miles around the provider) so it’s important to check that your location is covered.
Unlike many funeral providers, our cremation services are available throughout mainland Great Britain.
6. When do you pay the bill?
Do they need a deposit, and when will the full payment need to be made? It’s important you understand whether they will need payment upfront or after the funeral.
They may also allow you to spread the payments over time. If you think you may need assistance with covering the cost of the funeral, you may find our help with funeral costs guide helpful.
Before you go ahead
Once you’ve spoken to the funeral provider and discussed the services you’d like, there are a few final things worth doing before agreeing to their services:
- Check for recent reviews - Choosing an experienced and professional funeral provider will ease the burden and stress of arranging a funeral for your loved one. Some funeral providers will have online reviews from previous clients, although this may not be the case for all.
- Spend time looking at the providers website (if they have one) - It’s worth spending some time looking at their website to get the feel of a company you’re thinking about choosing. Don’t think you only have a choice of the funeral companies nearest to you, if you find one you like the look of who isn’t local (there are now a number of funeral providers who operate nationally), give them a call and have a chat.
- Consider if they’re sensitive to your needs - It’s important you feel comfortable with your chosen funeral provider. Did they show empathy and kindness, and did they listen during your conversation? Were they flexible, if you want to only use some of their services? If not, look elsewhere; you need to feel confident that they’ll make things easier for you and understand your needs and approach, at what will be a difficult and emotional time.
Choosing Simplicity Cremations as your cremation provider
At Simplicity, we specialise in providing affordable, simple cremation services without the ceremonial excess often associated with a traditional funeral. Our funerals include cremation fees and doctor’s fees, provision of a simple wooden coffin, transportation in a specialised funeral vehicle and care and preparation for cremation in our quality mortuary facilities.
A Simplicity Cremation can be arranged in just a few phone calls with our team of expert funeral arrangers. Unlike most funerals in the UK, our funerals are arranged without face-to-face interaction with a Funeral Director, saving your valuable time and money at what will already be a difficult time for you and your family.
Along with our friendly team of telephone-based funeral arrangers, we also guarantee:
- A choice of three simple funeral packages to suit your loved one’s funeral wishes
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Immediate arrangements by our arrangement team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- A promise to treat your loved one with the respect and care that they deserve
Learn more about arranging a funeral with Simplicity.
Choosing the best funeral plan provider
Looking to plan ahead for your own funeral? There are lots of funeral plan options on the market, varying considerably in cost and levels of cover. The things you need to look for in a funeral plan provider will differ slightly compared to choosing a funeral provider to arrange a funeral for a loved one who has recently passed away.
Find out how to choose the right funeral plan provider or browse our range of prepaid funeral plans.
For help arranging a funeral for a loved one, or to plan ahead for your own funeral in the future, contact us today. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.