Funeral planners play a significant roll to the family and friends of the deceased. They assist with the difficult task of guiding you through, and planning each aspect of the funeral and burial process. Different employees of Funeral Homes have responsibilities to the client.

The funeral director will:

  • arrange all transportation, care, and preparation of the remains
  • plan and coordinate the service
  • assist in the purchase of a burial plot and casket
  • provide a hearse and driver
  • make arrangements for the final resting place
  • arrange for the grave to be prepared and closed; or
  • arrange for cremation and plan the inturnment, entombment, or scattering of ashes.

An embalmer will:

  • embalm the body
  • style the hair and handle cosmetic services.

Some funeral homes will also help you conduct religious services or burials at sea.

Services

A funeral home is required to provide a general price list that lists all services and products it offers. Cremation is simpler than burial, and can help keep costs down.

  • Embalming is usually mandatory for open-casket services.
  • Time of day and day of week significantly affect the cost of burial.
  • Weekends and evenings are generally much more expensive.
  • Headstones can often be purchased directly from the manufacturer at a significantly reduced price.
  • Choosing to have the service at a church or other space is usually less expensive than renting the funeral home’s chapel.
  • Funeral homes cannot refuse to use a casket or urn that you have purchased elsewhere, nor can they charge you an extra fee for doing so.

Specialization

It’s important to know your rights before you call a funeral home. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces a set of regulations known as the “Funeral Rule” that you should read.

Preparation

  • Be aware of specific instructions from the deceased, in a last will and testament or other documents left behind.
  • A deceased veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran may have different options.
  • Know of any religious options that may be desired:
  • the church location where the service is to be held
  • the desired clergy or layman who will perform the service
  • Define the type of memorialization  and know your budget.
  • Location of the final remains.
  • Desired time from of the service based on:
  • traveling distance of family and friends
  • church or desired location availability
  • other specific requests from the deceased

Evaluation

  • Does your funeral home have any religious affiliation?
  • How long has the funeral home been in business?
  • What are the qualifications of the staff?
  • How many services has the funeral director planned?
  • Was the funeral director respectful of your budget, or did they attempt to include costly and unnecessary additions?

Funeral Planning Articles

Funeral Planning Radio Show Segments

  • Pre-Planning, Part 2: What Happens When a Loved One Passes

    Dan White at Evergreen Washelli talks about crossroads and transitions. We will all face the crossroads when we pass. What can families do if they haven’t pre-planned? Dan takes us through the steps of what happens when a loved one passes and what arrangements need to be made in those circumstances.

  • Pre-planning with Alzheimer’s, with Dan White

    Dan White at Evergreen Washelli explains that there is no better time for funeral pre-planning than when you’re diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while you’re fully cognizant of your wishes. Get things down on paper for someone who would be coming on your behalf, so they can honor your wishes and not have to guess or make assumptions.

  • Consumer Rights in Funeral Planning, with Dan White

    Dan White at Evergreen Washelli talks about consumer rights when it comes to funeral planning, governed by the FCC. When shopping and pre-planning for either a casketed funeral or cremation is that the company is required to be able to present a general price list covering services as well as a casket price list.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR