Funeral - tipping?

hardpressed

Have never even considered it.

tea_lover

A definite no vote from me on this one.

*Robin*

I've organised two funerals in the past five years, both with the same local family firm of funeral directors. The bill for the first was about £2,550 - I rounded it up to £2,600 and asked the Director to take his team out for a drink to thank them for their excellent service - oh and I sent a box of choccies to Mrs Director who had made the most exquisite gown for the deceased (it was a green burial).

The second time, nothing was too much effort for them - including printing an extra 200 service booklets in the half hour that the church was filling up with 500 rather than the 300 mourners expected (we were not charged for the extra booklets either)!
Also, as the deceased was a well-known local figure, the Director arranged for the funeral cortège to circle the town centre after the service (on roads normally closed to traffic). No extra charge was made for the Director's effort in getting permission from the local authority and Police. Again I rounded up the bill and sent Mrs Boss a small gift for making the burial gown.

So although it may not be the norm, and the gesture would probably be wasted if one is dealing with one of the national chains, I do think there is a case for being generous when an independent company provides exceptional service.

Prior to these two funerals, I have helped arrange another half dozen in earlier years - all with one or other of the chains. In none of those cases was I tempted to overpay as the service received was adequate but no more - unlike the independent firm who are so impressive in comparison.

harrys_nan

elvis86 wrote: »

I would imagine most people would go for burial or cremation, but I guess if you're on a budget and don't get caught..?:D

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Scrapaholic

It never entered my thoughts when arranging the funerals of my parents. I don't think it's expected but I don't know anyone in the profession to ask .

Ranger8

Drivers and Bearers definately not the done thing, the gravediggers yes.

meritaten

If I actually saw the gravediggers during the burial service they would be likely to get a peice of my mind -NOT a tip! they are supposed to make themselves scarce!
I have been to dozens of funerals and have NEVER seen anyone being tipped. I suppose in churchyard burials it may be the done thing to tip the gravediggers - but surely not on the day of the funeral and isnt the vicar supposed to handle the disbursements and fees?

BlueAngelCV

No definitely not, it wouldn't even cross my mind.

Errata

Never done it, never heard of it being done. If the cemetery is a local authority one the gravedigging employees are forbidden to accept cash tips.

Dunroamin

We tipped at both my parents' funerals; perhaps it varies between areas?