What is the day in the life of a funeral director like?
Asked by Mike
What does it take to become a funeral director? Does the funeral director also prepare the body i.e "embalm" the body etc. for the viewing the casket? Also is a big part of being a funeral director have to do with the sale of caskets? What other things does a funeral director do?

Best Answer:
A funeral director wears many hats, from embalming bodies, making funeral arrangements to make-up and washing cars. The list is endless, but the main points are removing the deceased from the place of death, embalming (if the family wishes) and making the funeral arrangements (yes, selling caskets as well). We coordinate the details for the funeral, such as the minister, the cemetery and the flowers. We do the make-up of the deceased and get them dressed and placed in their casket and then set up and work the visitation. We direct the funeral and assist the families with all aspects of the funeral. The salary can vary greatly depending on where you live and how large the firm is. The think the median salary for a licensed director is $48,000. The schooling is rigorous and you need to pass several licensing tests and complete an internship. Most states require the equivalent of a bachelor's degree, but you need to check the requirements for your state since they vary somewhat.
Licensed Funeral Director
Answered by Reagan

i can help you friend, i actually am a funeral director in texas.there are 54 mortuary schools in the US. and each state has it's own mortuary licensing board. each state has it's own requirements. often the funeral director is as the embalmer, but not always. the sale of caskets makes up the big part of our bill, but not our day. i sit at the parlor, waiting by the phone, for a pick up call. business itself is 90% talking and pricing with folks. both family and suppliers. 10% is body handling, and supply handling. we sell flowers, urns, operate the crematorium, call the embalmer if we need to, call the gravedigger (i dig my own with a shovel, and call it eco-friendly), and call suppliers, and arrange with the clergy. if you would like, contact me with your state, and i'll give you the best school listing, licensing instructions, and other bits of help. any questions are answered, there are no silly questions, and i'm glad we have more folks coming in.
Answered by swordgunscots