In our “First Steps” guide we have explained when to contact your Funeral Director and others in the event of a death. Here we want to give a little advice on when it is advisable to begin selecting your Funeral Director.

When to make a decision

It is a good idea to start thinking about which Funeral Director you would like once you become aware of an impending loss. This may be the result of a diagnosis, an accident or clear deterioration in your loved one’s health. At this point you have the time to look around and make a decision without pressure.

If your loved one is taken into a care home or a hospice then it is important that you make a decision about your preferred Funeral Director so that you can inform the home or hospice about who to call in the event of death. This enables the staff and the Funeral Director to run things smoothly and saves you from the need to make practical decisions when you are dealing with a very personal loss.

Take your time

Take your time when choosing a Funeral Director, after all you want to find the best service available and make sure you are comfortable with who will be caring for your loved one. Do not be afraid to visit a few directors and speak to them directly so that you can make an informed decision. Above all do not let yourself feel pressured, after all a Funeral Director should provide the service you request and the information you need without pressuring you into spending more or making a snap decision.

Feel free to talk

In all circumstances you should feel free to speak to the funeral director and let them know your wishes ahead of time. Having a meeting before the passing will not only make it easier for family members at the point of death because they have already met the Funeral Director, it will also allow the Funeral Director to plan for your wishes and care for your loved one as you would want. We are more than happy to take the time to talk things through with you and put your mind at ease.

In Summary

While there is no pressure to choose a funeral director until after a death has occurred it is actually very helpful to have things decided and arranged before this happens. Dealing with death can be a very emotional and disorienting experience so the more you can decide and plan ahead of time the less you need to worry about when it happens.

Planning for you...and your family

It is a good idea to think about planning ahead so that everything is in hand should something happen to you or your partner. This not only locks a funeral to todays prices it also saves family and loved ones from having to worry about finances and other details at a time of deep personal loss. You can see our plan details here or contact us for a personal brochure.

Can we help you?

If you wish to talk to one of our funeral arrangers about our services please get in touch.
01702 436000 Contact us online Get A Bespoke Quote

What to do next

All the contacts and details you will need

Testimonials

Dear Brendon,

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the kindness you have shown over the past few weeks. From the very moment we met you we knew you were the perfect person to provide Dad with the care he truly deserved. Your empathy and support has meant a lot to us and we will never forget everything you have done for us. You are a credit to Penrose.

Margaret, Lauren and Jessica Hudson - July 2021

Dear all,

We would like to thank you for all the care and attention you gave towards our relative Eva Wright recently. You were all most respectful at all times and we greatly appreciated your help before, during and after the funeral. We are also very impressed with the quality of the recordings of the service and in these times it will be greatly valued by the family and friends.

Thank you once again

Sally and Andy on behalf of Steven Wright and family - October 2020

Thank you for arranging a lovely service for Colin, your support and kindness in a difficult situation was much appreciated. With Love…

The Coe Family - February 2017

I really can’t thank the team at Penrose enough for the beautiful funeral they managed for my dear husband Fred. Especially Nathan for helping us plan the day with such care and dignity.

I met Nathan’s dad Jeremy for the first time when he arrived with the cortege to collect us from home. Immediately I felt totally at ease with this charming charismatic gentleman leading the service perfectly from begining to end.

Thank you so much

from Georgie

Georgina Bateman - February 2020

Thank you all at Penrose for the care and support you gave us for my wife Amanda. The funeral was so beautiful!
Again, a Big Thank you

Many Regards

Peter Kirby - Feb 2024

To Nathan an all staff at Penrose

Thank you for making the worst day of my life bearable.

The difficulties I faced arranging a funeral for my beloved husband were made easier with your empathy, compassion and professionalism, particularly considering the added pressure during the Pandemic.

Love always

Tina Arthur – wife of Geoffrey Arthur - August 2020

To all at Penrose,

we just wanted to say thank you for looking after our mum. You have all been so kind, nice and caring at one of our darkest times. She would of felt safe and happy…

The Stevens Family and Donna xo - February 2025
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you on behalf of myself and my family for the caring, compassionate and professional manner in the way you dealt with the loss of my father.
Caroline - October 2024
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