The death of a family member, close relative, or friend can leave you shell-shocked. You hardly know what to do next. And even before the hospital writes a death certificate, you need to plan his/her funeral. Everything happens so fast that you almost don’t have time to grieve for your loss. But a few quick tips below will keep you prepared for such situations. You can at least find a funeral director and hand over the responsibilities of the funeral to him. 

Here are some of the things you should keep in mind while choosing a funeral director in Brisbane, Australia.

1. Don’t rush

Remember, you are dealing with a loss. Therefore, it is easy to make hasty decisions during this time. Funeral directors may want to explain the funeral plan as soon as possible so that they get your booking. But don’t let them rush your decision. If you are not yet ready, let the funeral director know about it. 

2. Take written estimates

According to local laws in Brisbane, Australia, funeral directors should provide a written estimate of the disbursements and funeral charges before working with a client. You should check the contract and breakdown of costs of the memorial process. From arranging a coffin to performing the last rites, the funeral director should specify the cost of every step in detail. 

3. Ask about cemetery fees

Some funeral directors may not want to share the cemetery fees to earn a few extra bucks. But make sure you ask in detail about the different cemetery fees already included in the written estimates. Some of the pre-paid funeral packages include cemetery fees, but they don’t appear separately on the agreement papers or the contract. If you have any confusion, ask the funeral director. He should guide you through the process and explain where and when you need to pay different types of fees.

4. Know the services

A funeral director should provide the following services:

• Arranging the transport to bring the deceased from the funeral home.

• Working closely with the crematorium or cemetery that you select.

• Partnering with worship locations or spiritual figures if you want.

• Taking care of the legal documents required for the deceased. 

• Preparing your loved one for viewing in the crematorium.

• Preparing your loved one for embalming. He/she should also provide the cost breakdown for this process.

5. Does the Funeral Director need a license

A funeral director, or any non-government funeral industry occupations, does not need to hold a licence in Queensland. Nonetheless, there are a number of laws and guidelines, common to the funeral industry, which must be adhered to.  An example is the Australian Consumer Law.

It is depressing to think that you will have to plan all these things ahead of time before you lose someone. But it is a practical decision because last-minute decisions lead to unsatisfactory memorial services.