What is a Modern Funeral Director?

White Rose Blog Article

We often get asked what the difference is between a ‘modern funeral director’ and a more traditional one. To illustrate this, we should explain why we entered the funeral profession and how we work.

We established White Rose Modern Funerals after personally experiencing less than satisfactory funerals. We had no traditional funeral background but instinctively felt that such a poignant time in life – losing a loved family member or friend – should be led by a time of personal involvement and individuality, rather than convention and expectation. And the biggest question; were all the costs necessary? A large part of this industry is led by corporates where delivering shareholder returns is a bigger priority than looking more creatively at how to actually reduce unnecessary funeral expenses.

After a lot of research and time spent with other progressive funeral directors around the UK, we could see how the whole experience of a funeral could be far more in tune with modern times.

A first conversation with us is not about ‘selling’ you a funeral. It is learning about your family member and what you feel would be right – and wrong – when planning their funeral. We have a modern, light airy office – no intimidating doorway to walk through – or we can meet you in the comfort of your own home. To be having one of the hardest conversations in a softer environment over a cuppa helps you to relax and piece together how best to say farewell.

You have more choices than you will be aware of. For example, you are not limited to using a crematorium chapel for a cremation funeral – there are more inspiring locations! And if the idea of a black hearse procession and a large gathering does not appeal to you, there’s absolutely no need to have one.

We have helped to create beautiful farewells attended by just one or two family members and organised prestigious ceremonies with over 300 people attending. A good funeral is not measured by its size or spend, it is about what is most meaningful when reflecting upon a life lived.

To be faced with planning a funeral is never nice – but we are here to guide you and to make a difficult time a little easier where we can. The first step, if you are facing the loss of a loved one, is to just call us – we’re here to listen and help.


White Rose Modern Funerals is a progressive, independent funeral service run by husband and wife team Nick and Jacqui. With our main office in Teddington and a network of private meeting rooms across SW London and Surrey, we arrange highly personalised funerals, from no fuss, simple cremations through to more elaborate funeral ceremonies. We also specialise in natural burials. Call us on 020 3281 1045 to arrange a meeting – we are also able to come and visit you in your own home if more convenient.