Your Guide to Choosing a Local Funeral Director

Choosing the right local funeral director is important when planning a funeral. Planning a funeral is an emotional process, especially when coping with grief.     

Read our guide to help you understand what to expect from a funeral director and how to choose the right one for you.  

What Does a Funeral Director Do?  

Funeral directors are responsible for planning every aspect of a funeral. They have a vast array of responsibilities, but first and foremost their job is to support and guide the family of the deceased through their loss.   

Their role includes all administrative duties relating to the funeral, including writing obituaries, planning logistics like transport and helping you choose a burial or cremation spot. Alongside organising the funeral service, they can handle legal paperwork on your behalf or support you with paperwork. Funeral directors will also often be able to provide grief support and recommend local services to help people through the mourning process. 

Duties of a Funeral Director often include:  

• Attending to all necessary legal and administrative arrangements

• Guidance and booking of burial plot or cremation  

• Collection and transportation of the deceased to the funeral director’s care 

• Care of the deceased

• Family viewing at any pre-arranged time  

• Providing suitable coffin options  

• Embalming, if applicable  

• Providing limousines for transportation, if applicable 

Finding a Local Funeral Director  

The first step in finding a funeral director is checking whether the deceased already has a funeral plan in place with a specific funeral company. Often, people will pre-pay for a funeral plan that outlines the details of their funeral. A pre-paid funeral plan not only helps your loved ones with the financial aspect of your funeral, but it can help relieve stress and the emotional burden of making decisions after you are gone.  

Finding the right funeral director for you is important. You need someone who you can trust to help you make the right decision. A skilled funeral director will take the time to understand what’s important to you and support you in your grief. At James Ashton & Son, our team provides compassionate support, treating your family like our own and guiding you through every step with empathy. Our personalised service is based on your own unique needs, ensuring a personal and meaningful farewell for your loved one.  

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?  

At James Ashton & Son, the cost of a funeral is divided into two parts – fees due to us for services we provide and fees due to third parties, often called disbursements, which we pay on your behalf.     

There are some fixed costs that apply to the practicalities of the process, and variable costs dependent on the type of service you would like. Fees you must pay include burial or cremation fees. In the local area, the typical cost of a burial in Dundee range between £687.50 to £2417 and cremation fees typically range between £550 to £1250. In St Andrews, the typical cost of a burial range between £922 to £1878 and cremation fees typically range between £445 to £895.

At James Ashton & Son, we offer a range of packages starting from £1245 and will guide you through the process of choosing the right package for you and your needs.  

Questions to Ask Your Funeral Director  

• When do we pay the bill?  

The final bill is usually sent soon after the funeral. There are a number of financial assistance options available to you and your family. You should inform your funeral director on your financial situation upfront so they can help guide you through the process of applying for funding and getting financial support.   

• Where will we discuss the arrangements? 

As your funeral director, it’s our job to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you are going through a difficult time. We have four premises across the local area, all of which are part of the James Ashton & Son Ltd group but operate independently so that your arrangements are taken care of by a team you know and at a premise you are familiar with. Our locations are listed below: 

• • 1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 
  • 188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN 
  • 132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ 
  • 56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors) 

• Do you offer 24/7 support? 

Losing a loved one can be unexpected so it’s important that support is available at any time of day. James Ashton & Son are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support and guidance. You can reach the team at 01382 452 110 in Dundee and 01334 472 456 in St Andrews, or via our contact form. 

Choosing a Local Funeral Director 

Arranging a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. James Ashton & Son is there to help you along every step of the way. Your dedicated local funeral director will work with you to create a lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, supporting you and your family during this difficult time.