Today, more than ever before, the role of funeral directors has to evolve in order to keep up continual changes in cultural expectations. The profession has come a long way since its beginnings in the late eighteenth century. Gone are the days of heavy mourning, the black-plumed horses and somber ceremony.

Over the past ten or twenty years, society has started to think about death in new ways, and the role of the funeral director has adapted to meet these new needs. These days, funeral homes are more of a ‘one stop shop’, offering services that range from lasting keepsakes to floral tributes.

For a growing number of people, whilst grief is obviously still at its core, the funeral of a loved one is an opportunity to celebrate their life, rather than focus on mourning. Strictly black attire and solemn hymns have slowly been giving way to the occasional introduction of subtle color and even favorite pop songs. Funeral directors have needed to adapt to this cultural drift and offer a broader range of services to fit both with this more contemporary approach as well as the traditional one still favored by many people, particularly by the older generations.

Since the option of pre-payment was introduced around thirty years ago, pre-paid funeral plans are now as common as post-paid ones. A growing number of people also go beyond this, not only paying for their own funeral in advance, but also planning the ceremony itself, so the families can tell funeral directors the exact wishes of their loved one.

To act as efficient as they can, funeral directors also need to be aware of the shifting business of life. In addition to dealing first-hand with grief, they can offer counseling, help with legal matters and financial guidance, and signpost families to support groups and aftercare services. Rather than the ‘body-centered’ service of earlier years, these days the profession is significantly more knowledge-based.

Funeral directors will need to persist with adapting their services in the future. However, whatever changes the future brings with it, their role will remain sensitive and practical.

With origins dating back to 1853, E.F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK. They offer a range of funeral services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.