Frequent Questions
"Frequent Questions
Click on the questions below to reveal each respective answer.
What services do funeral directors perform?
The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.
The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director:
Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
Obtaining copies of the death certificate
Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
Creates and publishes the obituary
Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling
Why are funerals so expensive?
A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.
What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.
What are the choices for funeral services?
The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.
Can you still have a funeral if you choose cremation?
Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.
Can I plan in advance if I choose cremation?
Pre-arranging funeral services can be done regardless of the final disposition. Pre-arranging is simply recording your wishes with the funeral home and prefunding if you choose to do so.
What information should I bring to the arrangement conference?
Advance Directives - If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his remains and memorialization, you need to bring them with you. These instructions may be found in a will, or there may be a formally witnessed disposition directive, funeral pre-arrangements, or a pre-need contract.
Military Discharge Papers
Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial
Specific information on the deceased:
Full legal name
Address
Marital status
Social Security number
Date of birth
Place of birth (city and state)
Educational history (number of years of schooling)
Armed Forces service dates and serial number
Occupation or profession
Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
Next of kin and other survivors"
Pre-Planning Checklist
"Pre-Planning Checklist
Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.
Choose the Type of Service You Want
Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices.
Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service.
Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…).
If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns.
If you decide you want to be buried, choose clothing options.
Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.
Choose Who You Want to be in Charge
Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need to do.
Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.
Choose To Pay In Advance
Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pre pay for:
Cemetery services, burial plot
All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services"
