What is an honorarium?
The monetary donation paid to the presiding religious celebrant of the funeral service.
Who is the honorarium paid by?
Usually paid by the family.
When should the terms for honorarium be discussed?
When the funeral director coordinates with the church on the family's behalf.
Do you turn in the honorarium to the celebrant or does the family?
The FD collects the funds from the family, and personally hands them to the celebrant, usually in a private setting, like an arrangement room.
What should you do when you first notify the clergy?
You should let them know of the requests the family may have to see if they are plausible.
Who decides on the place of service?
The family and may take place at the funeral home, the church, or in rare cases, the family home.
What can you as a funeral director, NOT DO, when it comes to pricings?
Make last minute changes to your GPL, no hidden fees or anything can be added. May cost you your license.
What are considered "cash advance" items?
Any costs brought up by third parties, i.e., the church, the limo (if you don't have one), etc.
What would "personalization" consist of?
Designing funerals that reflect and celebrate the life of the deceased, through words, activities, symbols or all of these.
When can "personalization" take place?
During the visitation or any other part of the funeral services.
What type of requests should you accommodate the family?
If its not illegal, unethical, impractical nor does it impede with another's family in your funeral home, then you can accommodate them practically anything.
When should you play the role of negotiator between the clergy and family?
When any personalization conflicts with the clergy. One must be helpful, neutral, and tactful.
What is the visitation?
A scheduled time when the deceased is presented for viewing in a casket so that the family and friends may come together in an environment of mutual support to pay their last respects to the deceased.
What should you do in order to have a nice visitation (wake. calling hours)?
Make sure your chapel is clean, all floral arrangements, pictures, etc, are set up and the deceased is in pristine condition, also have the lights and a/c turned on so that it creates a comfy welcoming feeling for the family.
When should the register book and prayer cards be set up?
Before the family arrives to the funeral home.
What should the FD do with donations?
You should ask that they hand the donation in a sealed envelope to the NOK as they are greeting them to offer their condolences.
What should you do with personalization items?
Set them up and arrange as the NOK have requested.
What do you do when the NOK arrive?
The FD should meet them at the door, greet them and escort them to the chapel, make sure to match their pace (you don't want to rush them through the process) and ask them if they need anything or have any questions, or concerns.
What would be proper etiquette when the NOK arrive?
When you escort them towards the casket, give them their space by stepping back and off to the side to where you are "hovering around" should they need something, once they have paid their respects and turn to be seated ask if they are in need of anything
What are some of your responsibilities as Lead FD?
Make sure all staff assisting you with the sercvice are aware of their responsibilities, that there are no issues with the fleet, make sure you're in good communication standing with your staff and that they know to contact you immediately should any issu
What is the vehicle order of the procession?
Lead car, hearse, nok limo, 2nd limo, then guest vehicles.
What do you need done for the pallbearers?
Have a list of the names of the people selected, place boutonnieres (if selected) on lapels on non-uniformed persons, and make sure those in uniform have white gloves. Make sure they are given basic instruction, and physically able to serve for the day. I