What are undertakers called in America?
mortician
A funeral director, also known as an undertaker (British English) or mortician (American English), is a professional involved in the business of funeral rites.
Can you have a funeral without an undertaker?
Arranging a funeral without a funeral director You can arrange a funeral without a funeral director. If you want to do this, the Natural Death Centre or Cemeteries and Crematorium department of your local authority can offer help and guidance.
What are undertakers in history?
In medieval Britain, an undertaker was originally anyone who performed an ‘undertaking’; there were those who undertook weaving as well as those who undertook funerals.
What do funeral undertakers do?
Writing obituaries and organising the order of service. Preparing the body, i.e. embalming. Arranging the casket, funeral flowers and transport to the burial site. Ensuring the funeral service runs smoothly.
Do undertakers still exist?
Since most funeral homes are small, local operations, the person who embalms and beautifies the body is also often the funeral director. Undertaker is actually a euphemism which refers to the person in charge of (i.e., someone who undertakes the responsibility for) the body and burial service.
Who dresses dead bodies?
While the funeral director or mortician is charged with actually dressing the body, the clothing is selected by the family. Some families have preferences for what they want their loved ones to wear, and some individuals also include their burial clothing as part of their final wishes.
Can you do a cremation yourself?
Direct cremation is a disposition option in which the body is cremated in the days immediately following the death, without a funeral service beforehand. Direct cremation is the most economic (affordable) option for disposition.
Is next of kin responsible for funeral costs UK?
A next of kin is only legally responsible to cover or source funeral costs if they are named as the executor of the will, or if they enter into a signed contract with a funeral director to make funeral arrangements.
Why are undertakers called undertakers?
You may wonder how the word undertaker made the transition from “one who undertakes” to “one who makes a living in the funeral business.” The latter meaning descends from the use of the word to mean “one who takes on business responsibilities.” In the 18th century, a funeral-undertaker was someone who undertook, or …