Category: News

 “Grandad, what’s an Obit-u-ary?”…….. Of course grandad knows but how do you explain it to a 7-10 year old? Grandad’s reply, “It’s a message in a newspaper or on a website that tells people that someone has passed away. It usually tells about the person’s life and how much they meant to their family and friends. It also says when and where the funeral will be.” Funeral Directions have published their first “Funeral terms and End of Life expressions Glossary for younger children (generally primary school age) for use by Teachers,…

In 2002, the UK government introduced Child Trust Funds and invested £2bn for children born between 2005 and 2011; £250 per child plus a further £250 for children from low-income families and those in local authority care. But, a YouGov survey in 2019 showed that one in six parents were unaware of the scheme! In fact, 28% of accounts were set up by HMRC for parents who didn’t sign up in time. The total value in April 2021 of all the trusts was £10,500,000,000 (£10.5bn), averaging £1,911 per trust but it’s…

If you are in the funeral business, it’s highly likely that you are on two or three business directories under the banner of “Funeral Director”. To all intents and purposes that’s probably the two words you would use to describe your business. But given the chance to expand that narrative, I’m sure you would widen the explanation of your services. You might describe yourself as a Traditional Funeral Director providing the usual arrangements, and assistance. Alternatively, are you a non-traditional service catering to specific needs and preferences; arranging unique ceremonies, distinctive…

We could say, “instead of”, “in place of” or even “rather than” but perhaps sticking with the Latin “In lieu“ gives it a bit more gravitas! So, “in lieu of flowers the family would be pleased if a donation were made to the XYZ charity” is often used in notices and on the order of service. Then just a link to the donation page, the JustGiving  or totalgiving site, even, on occasions, a PayPal reference. I believe QR codes are being printed on some order of services. Often when you follow…

According to SunLife’s 2023 report on the cost of dying, the average funeral expense in the UK has decreased for the second consecutive year. However, due to increasing professional fees and higher costs associated with the funeral arrangements such as venue hire and catering, the overall cost of the entire process has now exceeded £9,000. Reports indicate that one out of every six families has expressed significant financial concerns when it comes to funerals, particularly in situations where they have not made pre-paid plans. With the additional strain caused by the…

It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can help you keep track of your funeral planning tasks, prioritize them and stay organized and there are many benefits to using a handwritten checklist. When you write down your tasks by hand, you’re able to focus better and avoid distractions. This helps you prioritize the tasks effectively. Writing also engages your memory, which means you’ll remember your plans better. Seeing your tasks written down on paper can be a huge motivator and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check them off.…

A viral prank that’s been going around social media lately has been causing a lot of drama. Basically, people film someone (usually a parent) and tell them that a celebrity they like has died. This prank started around Christmas and has continued into the new year. At first, a lot of people thought it was funny, but as it’s gone on, more and more people are calling it distasteful and saying it needs to stop. Recently, the son of Angela Bassett and Courtney B Vance did a version of the prank…

As census statistics go, I find these quite unsettling. There are around 12 million 40 to 54 year olds in the UK, many of whom work in Professional Occupations, Senior Management, Company Directorships and so on. Data suggests that between age 45 and 54 around half will lose their father. Similarly, a third will lose their mother. Having vast business experience and at a particularly demanding time in their working life, the death of a parent is often the first time they have had to organise a funeral and deal with…

Are you an Independent or Dignity Funeral Director? Are you based in the UK? Funeral Directions needs you! Funeral Directions is a new online platform that helps families and individuals coping with loss, dealing with Funerals and managing the estate after death. Our platform covers everything that someone will need during the whole process of loss and future death planning. Why do we need you? We have relaunched our platform and rebranded. Funeral Directions has been around since 2008 and helping connect people that need help. We have rebranded and redesigned…