Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mumsnet classics

Relive the funniest, most unforgettable threads. For a daily dose of Mumsnet’s best bits, sign up for Mumsnet's daily newsletter.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

As promised Funeral Director here (waves)

388 replies

oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:08

I am ready for your questions!

I will do my best to answer, I have a few bits I am doing at home but will answer regularly throughout the evening as much as I can.

SmileWineGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:21

Advice to get into it? Keep looking on funeral home websites for jobs. You generally don't need qualifications to arrange funerals. Most of the time admins experience is important due to all the paperwork, a caring nature and attention to detail. Oh and smart and presentable.

Start at the bottom and get yourself in there, most people don't come straight in a direct funerals.

OP posts:
jimijack · 01/06/2018 20:20

But where do funeral companies advertise? What qualifications and experience is needed would you say?

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:19

Most funeral homes will have a mortuary where the loved ones are kept. So they are in a cold environment. Some families choose to have loved ones embalmed so that can help with presentation and preservation.

OP posts:
Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:18

I got into it because I saw the job advertised and wanted a change. I have been doing it for 11 years. I am actually a manager now so over see all the funeral arrangers, driver bearers, ambulance teams and directors. I have done all aspects of the job though.

Never had an issue being female, very rarely now do you get requests to a 'male FD'

OP posts:
Motherduckling · 01/06/2018 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
oohnarna · 01/06/2018 20:15

Quirky - funerals are expensive for lots of reasons - a few being:

Lots of competition so lots of investment in top facilities and equipment, vehicles and staff training etc. That has got to be paid for somehow.

Of the 4K there will be third party costs to which we have no control over, crematorium fees for example can cost up to £1000 if not more. Doctors charge money for paperwork when cremation, minister fee etc.

OP posts:
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 20:15

I assume you are female how do you find doing your job as a woman?

jimijack · 01/06/2018 20:14

I want to do your job, always have, how did you get into it? Any advice about where to start for me?
Thanks x

Arkengarthdale · 01/06/2018 20:13

I know someone died recently and it was three weeks before the funeral. How is the body stored in the intervening time?

nottakenpersonally · 01/06/2018 20:13

Do most people leave wedding rings etc on the deceased, or is it more common for family to remove them?

myrtleWilson · 01/06/2018 20:13

Thanks for doing this oohnarna - the Crematorium thread was so enlightening.

First off from me - why/how did you end up being a Funeral Director? And is it what you wanted/thought it would be?

TrickOrRuddyTreat · 01/06/2018 20:12

I don’t have a question (that I can think of right now) but I just wanted to say that the funeral directors we dealt with when my grandad died (somewhat unexpectedly) were some of the kindest most compassionate people I’ve ever met. The job you do is so important and I for one thank you for doing it

qu1rky · 01/06/2018 20:11

I heard a news piece today about the cost of funerals, average £4k.

Why so much?