Guide to Becoming a Funeral Planner

What a Funeral Planner Really Does: Beyond the Job Title

“This is the Funeral.com podcast — real conversations about loss, remembrance, and planning with purpose. Because every life deserves to be honored in a meaningful way.”

Let me paint a picture: a family walks into a funeral home, eyes dazed, someone clutching a folder of documents, phones buzzing with texts—grief everywhere you look. Now, you might be thinking, 'Who helps them sort through the chaos?' That’s the true role of a funeral planner. Officially, you’ll see titles like funeral planning counselor or funeral arranger, but at its heart, the job is about helping families turn overwhelming uncertainty into a series of practical, human choices.

Think of the funeral planner as both guide and translator. They're not just scheduling services—they’re steering families through logistics, like cremation timelines and permit requirements, while quietly supporting emotional needs. Two core technical terms you’ll hear in the field—'disposition' (that’s the legal process of handling remains) and 'pre-need arrangements' (planning in advance)—can sound cold, but they’re really about giving families options and time.

Set up with questions like, 'What do we do with ashes?' or 'How do we arrange a service with cremation?', the funeral planner demystifies the process. The tension? So many choices, and every one feels like it matters. The resolution? A calm, step-by-step plan with space for families to honor their loved one’s life—on their terms.

The next time you hear the term 'funeral planner,' remember, it’s not just about paperwork and checklists. It’s about translating grief into next steps, and next steps into a meaningful goodbye.

Daily Responsibilities: From Urns to Authorizations

What does a day as a funeral planner actually look like? If you imagine a checklist of flowers and catering, you’re missing the real heart of it. Let me break it down: the funeral planner is the family’s point of contact, gathering stories, listening for what matters, and drafting a plan that fits their values, timeline, and—yes—their budget.

Now, here’s where technical know-how meets empathy. Ever heard of a 'General Price List'? It’s not just a menu—it’s a legal document that puts all costs and options on the table for the family. And then there’s the 'cremation urn'—sounds like a simple object, but it opens a world of questions: Should the urn stay at home? Be divided among family? Scattered in a favorite place? Suddenly, a product choice becomes a deeply personal decision.

Families ask about small cremation urns or keepsake urns, maybe even cremation jewelry. Now you might wonder, 'Is the planner selling?' Not really—they’re matching choices to the family’s story. The challenge is balancing practical steps—like authorizations and permits—with gentle guidance. That’s why a good planner explains, documents, and coordinates without ever overwhelming.

Ultimately, the funeral planner’s day is a blend of paperwork, patience, and presence. Every urn, every form—it’s all in service of helping families move from shock to clarity.

Funeral Planner vs. Funeral Director vs. Event Planner: Clearing Up the Confusion

Here’s a question I get all the time: 'Aren’t funeral planners and funeral directors the same thing?' The answer—sometimes, but not always! Let’s untangle these terms. A funeral director is a licensed professional, empowered by state law to oversee legal care of remains—think of them as the captain of the ship. Funeral planners, or arrangers, may be licensed or not, depending on where they work and their responsibilities.

Then there’s the event planner. Now, an event planner’s job is about logistics: venues, vendors, catering. Sure, there’s overlap—a celebration-of-life service might feel like an event—but funeral planners operate within a legal and emotional framework that’s completely unique. Two technical terms you’ll hear: 'licensure'—official state approval to practice—and 'General Price List,' that document we mentioned earlier.

If you’re energized by beautiful events, you might gravitate toward celebration-of-life planning. But if you feel called to guide families through grief and bureaucracy, funeral planning could be your path. The tricky part? State rules change everything, so always check local licensure requirements.

So next time you see these titles blurred together, ask: Who’s licensed to do what? And who’s really holding space for grieving families? That clarity helps both families and future professionals find the right fit.

Essential Skills: Communication, Compassion, and Complexity

Let’s talk skills. Most people think, 'You have to be comfortable around death.' But let me challenge that—what you really need is to be steady around other people’s grief. It’s less about the technicalities of mortuary science and more about presence.

Communication is king. You have to translate complex topics—like 'disposition authorizations' (legal permissions for handling remains) and the infamous 'General Price List'—into plain English. Imagine explaining to a worried family what’s required, what’s optional, and what each step costs, all while they’re barely holding it together.

Let’s set the scene: A family asks, 'How much does cremation cost?' They’re scared of making a mistake. Your job, as a planner, is to gently walk them through the process, showing flexibility and transparency. The struggle? Juggling paperwork, budgets, and sometimes even family disagreements.

Resolution comes from listening without rushing, guiding without pushing, and keeping boundaries with kindness. When you can do that, you’re not just a planner—you become a trusted companion through one of the hardest journeys a family will ever face.

Paths to the Profession: Training, Certification, and Getting Hired

So, how do you actually become a funeral planner? There’s no single degree with your name on it. Think of it as two forks in the road: one leads to licensed funeral service (that’s the funeral director path), and the other to non-licensed planning and counseling roles.

If you want to be a funeral director, you'll likely complete a funeral service education program, do an apprenticeship, and pass state exams. That’s where you encounter technical terms like 'apprenticeship'—hands-on, supervised training—and 'continuing education,' which means you keep learning even after you’re licensed.

Not looking for licensure? Many planners enter through on-the-job training and certifications like the Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC). If you’ll be handling advanced planning or insurance-funded arrangements, state-specific insurance licenses might be required—a detail many overlook until the interview.

Now you might wonder, 'What if I don’t have a funeral background?' Truth is, jobs with client service—think healthcare, social work, or admin—translate really well. The key is showing maturity, reliability, and a compassionate presence to employers. Learn the language, understand the laws, and you’ll stand out—even without family ties in the business.

Modern Funeral Planning: Cremation, Personalization, and Lasting Meaning

Let’s look at how funeral planning is changing right now. Did you know cremation is now the majority choice for U.S. families? That shift means planners need to answer questions about keeping ashes at home, dividing remains among relatives, and even choosing unique items like cremation jewelry or pet urns.

Here’s a technical twist: 'keepsake urns' allow families to share remains, while 'cremation necklaces' turn a small portion of ashes into wearable memories. These aren’t just products—they’re symbols that help families grieve and remember in their own way.

Conflict comes when families feel lost. They ask, 'What do people usually do?' Your job is to explain options—like state laws on scattering ashes or how to select a size-appropriate urn—so they can make choices that feel right for them.

The resolution? Modern funeral planning is about flexibility and personalization. Whether it’s a memorial shaped around a favorite song, a cherished pet, or a piece of jewelry, you’re empowering families to create a goodbye with lasting meaning. And that, more than anything, is what makes this career both challenging and profoundly rewarding.

“Thanks for listening. Visit Funeral.com for memorial resources and thoughtful keepsakes, and follow us for more episodes. We’re grateful you’re part of this community.”