A recent BBC News report has highlighted the importance of trust, transparency and communication when arranging a funeral. While every family’s experience is different, the story serves as a timely reminder that choosing the right funeral director is about far more than comparing prices.
Choosing the right funeral director is one of the most important decisions a family will make following the loss of a loved one. During one of life’s most difficult moments, families deserve to feel confident that their loved one will be cared for with dignity, compassion and professionalism.
A recent BBC News report has prompted discussion across the funeral profession after highlighting concerns raised by some families about their experiences with certain large national funeral providers. While many organisations provide excellent care and every family’s experience is unique, the report reminds us how important it is to understand who will be looking after your loved one, how the funeral will be arranged and what level of personal support you can expect.
At Forsey and Son and Trotman Funeral Directors, we welcome conversations that help families make informed choices. Rather than comparing providers, we believe the focus should always be on understanding what good funeral care looks like and asking the right questions before making a decision.
A Funeral Is About More Than Cost
Funeral costs are understandably an important consideration, and families should always expect clear, transparent pricing.
However, choosing a funeral director is about much more than the price quoted.
It is about placing your trust in people who will care for your loved one, guide your family with compassion and ensure every detail is carried out with professionalism and respect. Those qualities cannot always be measured in pounds and pence, but they often make the greatest difference to a family’s experience.
Five Questions Every Family Should Ask
Whether you choose a local independent funeral director or a larger national provider, asking a few simple questions can help you make an informed decision.
1. Who will be caring for my loved one?
Ask where your loved one will be cared for and who will be responsible for them throughout the arrangements.
Many families find great comfort in knowing their loved one remains close to home and is being looked after by experienced local professionals.
2. Will I have one dedicated point of contact?
Having a familiar funeral director guiding you throughout the arrangements provides continuity and reassurance at a time when clear communication matters most.
Knowing who to contact with questions can make the process feel considerably less overwhelming.
3. Are all costs explained clearly?
Professional funeral directors should provide transparent pricing and explain exactly what is included in their fees, together with any third-party costs such as crematorium or officiant fees.
Families should never feel uncertain about what they are paying for.
4. Can the funeral reflect our wishes?
Every life is unique, and every funeral should have the opportunity to reflect that.
Whether you are arranging a traditional funeral, a direct cremation or a personalised celebration of life, your funeral director should listen carefully and help create a service that reflects the wishes, beliefs and personality of your loved one.
5. What reputation does the funeral director have?
Long-standing local businesses build their reputation through trust, personal recommendation and consistently high standards of care.
Reading independent reviews, speaking with friends and family or choosing a funeral director with strong community roots can provide valuable reassurance.
Why Independent Local Funeral Directors Continue to Matter
Independent funeral directors have served their communities for generations.
Unlike businesses operating on a national scale, local family-owned funeral directors are part of the communities they support. Their reputation is built one family at a time, through personal relationships, professional standards and compassionate care.
For families across Glastonbury, Somerton, Butleigh, Shepton Mallet, Wells and the wider Central Somerset area, local knowledge can make a genuine difference.
A local funeral director understands the area’s churches, crematoria, cemeteries, celebrants and traditions, helping arrangements run smoothly while providing advice tailored to each family’s individual circumstances.
Just as importantly, you are far more likely to meet the people who will be arranging the funeral and caring for your loved one, providing continuity and reassurance throughout.
Supporting Every Family’s Choice
Funeral preferences continue to evolve, and today’s families have more choice than ever before.
Some prefer a traditional funeral attended by family and friends. Others choose a simple direct cremation or a small private farewell. There is no single “right” way to say goodbye.
We believe our responsibility is not to influence that decision but to explain the options available honestly, answer questions openly and help every family choose the arrangements that feel right for them.
Choosing With Confidence
The recent BBC report has encouraged an important conversation across the funeral profession.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson is that families should feel comfortable asking questions before making a decision. Understanding who will care for your loved one, how the funeral will be managed and what support you can expect provides reassurance at a time when it is needed most.
Choosing the right funeral director should never feel rushed. Taking a little time to understand your options can provide lasting peace of mind.
Choosing a Funeral Director – A Quick Checklist
Before making your decision, ask yourself:
✓ Do I know who will be caring for my loved one?
✓ Have the costs been explained clearly?
✓ Will I have a dedicated funeral director?
✓ Can the funeral reflect our family’s wishes?
✓ Do I feel comfortable placing my trust in this team?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, it may be worth asking for more information before making your decision.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you need immediate support following the loss of a loved one or are planning ahead for the future, our experienced team is here to help.
We will always take the time to answer your questions honestly, explain your options clearly and offer guidance without obligation or pressure.
If you would like to speak with one of our funeral directors, please contact your nearest Forsey and Son or Trotman branch. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are here whenever you need us.
Find your nearest branch • Call us on 01749 880271 • Contact us by email
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is choosing the right funeral director so important?
Choosing the right funeral director gives families confidence that their loved one will be cared for with dignity, professionalism and compassion, while ensuring arrangements are managed clearly and sensitively.
What questions should I ask a funeral director?
Ask who will care for your loved one, whether you will have a dedicated point of contact, how costs are explained, where your loved one will be cared for and how the funeral can be personalised.
Are independent funeral directors more expensive?
Not necessarily. Independent funeral directors often provide a wide range of funeral options with transparent pricing, allowing families to choose arrangements that suit both their wishes and their budget.
Does Forsey and Son and Trotman offer both traditional funerals and direct cremations?
Yes. We arrange everything from simple direct cremations to fully personalised funeral services, helping families choose the option that feels right for them.
Written by Sam Forsey ACA MBIFD, Managing Director of Forsey and Son Limited.
Sam is a fourth-generation funeral director and Managing Director of Forsey and Son and Trotman, an independent family business that has been caring for families across Central Somerset for almost 80 years. He is committed to promoting transparency, compassionate care and informed choice within the funeral profession.
