The Multiple Roles of the Funeral Director
It used to be that the funeral director would embalm the body and oversee the funeral services for those families or deceased that are not members of any church. Nowadays, a funeral director is a schooled professional who manages the funeral home and is involved with the planning of the funeral and most, if not all, of the aspects relating to putting your loved one to rest. Due to the exposure that the profession gives them, they are the best people to inquire about the different options you have on how to go about the cremation or burial of a loved one.
Because funeral directors are licensed by the state and must abide by their code of ethics, the giving of the assistance you need at your time of grief is paramount to them. Even if they are displaying funeral caskets in their location, you are not obliged to purchase from them nor can you be charged of any fee if you use a casket bought from another vendor. Even the minute details of the ceremony such as the choice of songs, flower arrangements, and the writing of the eulogy can be inquired from or delegated to them if the family would rather spend the time in prayer and mourning for their loss.
Source: http://www.funeral-services.org/2009/09/funeral-directors/