Comments on: What Funeral Directors Wish They Could Tell Families About Planning A Funeral

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 19:26:50 +0000

When a family snaps at you don’t take it personally just remember that they just lost a love one and you might be the first person they saw after they got the news. Just continue to be kind and most of them will apologize after they settle down. Just remember the stages of grief at all times. They don’t happen in a particular order in fact sometimes they will readdress a stage they went through already.

By: WRay

WRay — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 11:30:44 +0000

I have been a licensed funeral service provider for 34 years and have worked everywhere from my home town in rural South Mississippi to Jackson, MS to Broward/Miami-Dade Counties in South Florida. I agree that everyone should do some type preneed planning! It just makes a most difficult of times much easier to complete. That being said and in my opinion and experience, “prearrangement” should only be done by a licensed mortician, not a sells representative! I have personally witnessed the ugly face of greed and actions of preneed planners who are not liscensed or well versed in funeral arrangements. Usually, Preneed sales are commisioned based and when you are compensated with commission, that opens up an avenue for greed to stroll right in. In no way am I insinuating that ALL preneed representatives are greedy! Most are not. I have serviced many a preneed accounts at time of death and the families were told several things by the sells representative that was just incorrect and the FD is left to deal with the anger and frustration of families because the preneed councilor did not know anything about what the process of servicing a preneed funeral is like. In South Florida where I worked, the non liscensed preneed representatives made up to 10 times more money than a liscensed mortician who has to honor the preneed contract and do all of the REAL work!

By: Sarahi

Sarahi — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 19:54:55 +0000

If this is your best friend, pabusmrely you knew his/her grandfather as well and would be mourning his loss. Why don’t you ask your friend for guidance in this: Would you like me to come to the funeral and/or wake? If you wouldn’t feel comfortable at the funeral, perhaps you could offer to help set up the food where the wake is.

By: Rilee Chastain

Rilee Chastain — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:09:29 +0000

In reply to Bobbie. We're so glad to hear you had such a positive experience, Bobbie!

By: Rilee Chastain

Rilee Chastain — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:08:40 +0000

In reply to Doug Gilchrist. Well said, Doug! We agree!

By: Doug Gilchrist

Doug Gilchrist — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 20:22:26 +0000

In my 35 years in funeral service i have always maintained that we must “sell” the value of what we do, both at need and preneed. Too often during preneed discussions there is not a lot of time spent on helping the clients understand what we in funeral service believe in, what they should believe in. Take the time to understand who your clients are, their backgrounds, their interests; show you care. Stop trying to close the sale and treat them the way you would want your family treated.

By: phoebeminderhoud

phoebeminderhoud — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:59:03 +0000

Let’s us help you plan your final day in advance, so no more stress, no more worry, just grieved.

By: Bobbie

Bobbie — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:46:11 +0000

When our family member passed away she wanted to be cremated. So our funeral director suggested waiting a few weeks to put together the memory service. This gave us time to grieve and gather her special things instead of rushing through everything.

By: Lin Webb

Lin Webb — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:52:29 +0000

Timeless hours and effort are put into every detail of every aspect of each funeral that is planned to assure we are honoring the families and the loved one that was lost. Most of us are selfless and it truly is an honor to serve. Thank you for this article!!!!

By: Valentine Miele

Valentine Miele — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 13:29:32 +0000

In addition ,I would like to say as far as pre planning goes,very challenging, trust fund interest at a extremely low rate, families who may be planning for a spend down need also monies for cemetery and headstone plus engraving. These items go on final statement and make funeral home charges look astronomical.Make sure enough money put aside because interest will not cover inflation.