Funeral directors are the unsung heroes of the funeral industry. While many people only see them on the day of the service, their work begins long before the funeral takes place and continues well after.
From transporting and preparing the deceased to supporting grieving families and managing funeral logistics, funeral directors handle everything with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what funeral directors really do—before, during, and after a funeral.
1. First Call: Transporting the Body with Care
As soon as a death occurs, the funeral director’s work begins. Whether a person passes away at home, in a hospital, or under unexpected circumstances, the funeral director is responsible for:
✔ Coordinating the collection of the body (24/7 service)
✔ Transporting the deceased to the funeral home or mortuary
✔ Ensuring all legal paperwork is completed for proper documentation
💡 Did You Know? If a coroner is involved, the body is first taken to a government morgue for an autopsy before being released to the funeral director.
2. Preparing the Body for the Funeral
Before a funeral, the body needs to be prepared according to the family’s wishes, religious beliefs, or legal requirements. This process includes:
✔ Cleaning & Disinfecting – The body is gently washed and sanitised.
✔ Embalming (If Required) – A preservation process that slows decomposition.
✔ Dressing the Deceased – The person is clothed in a chosen outfit, sometimes with jewellery or sentimental items.
✔ Cosmetic Preparation – Hair, makeup, and facial restoration are done to create a natural, peaceful appearance.
💡 Embalming isn’t always necessary—it’s usually done for viewings, open-casket funerals, or if the body needs to be transported interstate or overseas.
3. Behind the Scenes: The Funeral Home’s Role
A funeral home is much more than a place for services—it’s a fully operational facility where funeral directors:
✔ Store bodies in temperature-controlled mortuaries before burial or cremation
✔ Prepare caskets, coffins, and urns based on family preferences
✔ Arrange private viewings for loved ones who want to say goodbye
✔ Plan and coordinate the entire funeral process
💡 Some funeral homes have on-site crematoriums, while others transport bodies to external cremation facilities.
4. Funeral Planning: Helping Families Through a Difficult Time
One of the most important roles of a funeral director is guiding families through funeral arrangements. Behind the scenes, they handle:
✔ Organising legal paperwork (death certificates, burial permits, cremation authorisation)
✔ Helping families choose a funeral package that fits their budget and preferences
✔ Coordinating religious, cultural, or personal funeral traditions
✔ Arranging transportation for the casket, family, and guests
💡 Did You Know? Some funeral directors help with prepaid funeral planning, allowing people to plan and pay for their own funeral in advance.
5. Preparing for the Funeral Service
A lot of work happens before the day of the funeral to ensure everything runs smoothly. The funeral director is responsible for:
✔ Confirming the funeral venue (church, chapel, cemetery, crematorium, or other location)
✔ Organising florists, musicians, and catering if requested
✔ Preparing printed materials (funeral booklets, memorial cards)
✔ Arranging transport for the casket or urn (hearse, pallbearers, or special transport)
✔ Ensuring religious or cultural customs are followed
💡 Some families request unique funeral touches, such as a motorcycle hearse, a horse-drawn carriage, or special music. Funeral directors make sure these details are arranged.
6. The Day of the Funeral: A Funeral Director’s Role
While families focus on saying goodbye, the funeral director is working behind the scenes to make sure everything goes according to plan.
✔ Greeting and guiding guests at the funeral venue
✔ Managing the schedule so the service runs smoothly
✔ Coordinating with celebrants, priests, or speakers
✔ Overseeing burial or cremation arrangements
💡 Funeral directors provide emotional support too—they are trained to help families navigate grief with compassion and sensitivity.
7. Burial, Cremation & Final Farewell
After the service, the funeral director ensures the deceased is laid to rest according to the family’s wishes.
✔ Burial: The casket is transported to the cemetery and lowered into the grave.
✔ Cremation: The body is taken to a crematorium, and the ashes are returned in an urn.
Some families scatter ashes in a meaningful location, while others choose memorial plaques, headstones, or urn keepsakes. The funeral director helps guide these decisions.
💡 Did You Know? Some funeral homes offer biodegradable urns that turn ashes into a tree.
8. After the Funeral: What Happens Next?
Even after the funeral is over, funeral directors continue to assist families with:
✔ Providing the death certificate (needed for legal matters and estate settlement)
✔ Helping with memorial services or anniversary tributes
✔ Offering grief support & resources
💡 Some funeral homes offer ongoing support, including grief counselling and assistance with wills and estates.
9. What Most People Don’t See – The Emotional Side of Funeral Directing
Being a funeral director isn’t just about organising logistics—it’s a deeply emotional job. Behind the scenes, funeral directors:
✔ Comfort grieving families and provide emotional support
✔ Work long hours, often on call 24/7
✔ Balance professionalism with genuine compassion
💡 Many funeral directors say their work is a calling, not just a job. They take pride in helping families navigate one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Final Thoughts: The Crucial Role of Funeral Directors
A funeral director’s job goes far beyond what most people see. From preparing the deceased to supporting families and managing every detail, their work ensures that every funeral is a dignified, respectful, and meaningful farewell.
If you’re planning a funeral and need a trusted, experienced funeral director, eziFunerals helps you compare funeral homes near you.
🔍 Find the Best Funeral Directors Today – Visit eziFunerals to plan a stress-free, personalised funeral service.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
