A great funeral director is compassionate, organized, detail-oriented, and able to provide comfort and support to grieving families. Some of the key traits and skills that make a great funeral director include:
1. Compassion: A great funeral director must have empathy and compassion for the families they serve. They must be able to understand and support the family's emotional needs during the funeral planning process.
2. Organization: A great funeral director must be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously. They must also be able to keep accurate records and handle administrative tasks.
3. Attention to detail: A great funeral director must have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of the funeral service is executed flawlessly. They must also be able to anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.
4. Communication skills: A great funeral director must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with families, staff, and vendors.
5. Creativity: A great funeral director must be able to think creatively and offer innovative ideas to families who are planning a funeral service. They must also be able to adapt to unique requests and circumstances.
6. Knowledge: A great funeral director must have a deep understanding of funeral industry regulations, traditions, and best practices. They must also be current on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
7. Problem-solving skills: A great funeral director must be a skilled problem solver, able to quickly and effectively address any issues or concerns that arise during the funeral planning process.
Overall, a great funeral director must be dedicated to serving families with care and compassion, while also possessing the skills and expertise necessary to plan and execute a memorable funeral
service.
FAQ's about Funeral Directors
1. What does a funeral director do?
A funeral director is a professional who specializes in organizing and managing funeral services for
families who have lost a loved one. Their responsibilities typically include:
Meeting with the family: Funeral directors meet with the family of the deceased to discuss the
arrangements for the funeral service. They provide guidance and support, and help the family
choose a casket, urn, and other items necessary for the service.
Preparing the body: Funeral directors work to prepare the body for the funeral service, which may
include embalming, dressing the body, and applying makeup.
Arranging the service: Funeral directors help the family to plan the funeral service, including
selecting a location, arranging for transportation, and coordinating with any clergy or other service
providers.
Coordinating logistics: Funeral directors are responsible for managing the logistics of the funeral
service, including arranging for pallbearers, selecting music, and preparing any necessary paperwork.
Providing emotional support: Funeral directors offer emotional support to the family during this
difficult time, providing comfort and guidance throughout the funeral planning process.
Overall, the funeral director's role is to ensure that the funeral service is conducted in a respectful
and meaningful way that honours the memory of the deceased, while providing support and
comfort to the family.
2. How do I choose a funeral director?
Choosing a funeral director is an important decision and it's important to take the time to
find someone who is right for you and your family. Here are some tips to help you choose a
funeral director:
Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends, family members, or religious leaders who have
recently planned a funeral to see if they can recommend a funeral director. You can also
check online reviews and ratings.
Review their services and prices: Funeral directors offer a range of services, so make sure
you understand what they offer and what you will be paying for. Compare prices from
different funeral homes to ensure you understanding what you are paying for.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, you want to work with someone you trust and feel
comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable with a particular funeral director, it's okay to
look for someone else.
3. Can a funeral director help me with cremation or burial arrangements?
This is exactly what we are here for. We can help you plan a funeral including cremations
and/or burials. Bunurong Memorial Park and Springvale Cemetery are local to our Funeral
home in Hallam, but we travel all over Victoria. Lilydale Memorial Park, Altona Memorial
Park, Fawkner Memorial Park, and Traralgon Cemetery are just to name a few.
4. What do I need to know before meeting with a funeral director?
Before you meet with a funeral director, it's important to have an idea of what type of funeral or
memorial service you want to have for your loved one. You may also want to consider the following:
Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on the funeral and related expenses, such as
cemetery plot, headstone, and flowers.
Location: Decide where you want the funeral or memorial service to take place, such as at a funeral
home, church, or other venue.
Burial or Cremation: Decide whether you want to bury or cremate your loved one.
Pre-planning: If your loved one had pre-planned their funeral, make sure you have a copy of their
plans and any relevant paperwork.
Legal Documents: Gather any legal documents related to your loved one's passing, such as their
death certificate and will.
Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the funeral director, such as pricing, services offered,
and options available.
Support: Bring a trusted family member or friend
The 20th of May 2022 is a date that is forever etched in our minds, a date that Ambulance Victoria lost one of their own, A family lost their beloved mum and as funeral directors, we had to dig deeper than we ever had before.
Pauline Smith, A wife, mother, sister, and friend of many. A paramedic and former policewoman was killed in a car accident on her way home after working nightshift by an impaired driver. A phone call that would change everyone’s lives.
It was only eight short weeks before this phone call that Pauline had reached out to Brember Family Funerals to arrange her beautiful mum, Betty’s funeral. Pauline wanted to give her mum the best farewell she could. Betty would have been so proud; Pauline gave it her all, and with our help, we gave Betty a beautiful funeral that will be discussed for years to come. Our director and celebrant, Chris Brember made people laugh as much as they did cry, He honoured Betty’s wonderful long life perfectly.
A week before this phone call, I returned Betty’s ashes to Pauline and her family. They welcomed me into their home like I was family to them, it was an emotional time, but we laughed and cried and promised to stay in touch.
Pauline’s husband was in utter shock, but he was adamant Pauline wouldn’t want anyone else to care for her family, Brember Family Funerals, to her, were family.
Disbelief and sadness washed over us, knowing the emotional connection and bond we all shared with this family. The day of the funeral arrangement, I walked along the path to the Smith’s front door, familiar faces, big hugs, and lots of tears. No one could believe we were meeting again so soon.
During the arrangement, Pauline’s husband knew exactly what he wanted. Pauline was the kind of person that gave endlessly to others, He wanted to give her a farewell that was fit for a queen. His queen.
The involvement from Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police was incredible, we couldn’t have asked for better support. They co-ordinated an ambulance, a police car, both AV and VP Helicopters as well as the police pipers and drummers. Epic doesn’t begin to describe the effort made.
Chris delivered an incredible service, it was emotional, heartfelt and at times quite humorous. Pauline’s family, friends and co-workers all contributed with stories they told and the memories they shared.
Hundreds of Police and Ambulance officers made a guard of honour upon leaving the chapel at Bunurong Memorial Park. An ambulance, police car, drummers and pipers lead her hearse away as the helicopters made a pass above.
Truly spectacular service for a spectacular woman.
Once the day was over, we shared our own stories and shed our own tears. The people we care for become an extension of our Brember family.
One week later, I returned Pauline’s ashes home to her family to rest beside her sweet mum.
. 
