Death is an inevitable and natural part of life, which means every living being is bound to experience it at some point in their life. Despite knowing it can happen to anyone, some people still find it difficult to accept it, especially if it happens to a loved one. Deaths can be sudden, traumatic, and unexpected, making it a struggle for those close to the deceased to recover.
This is also the reason funerals are important. It’s a time where families and friends can gather to support each other while acknowledging the death of someone they love. The occasion is also an opportunity to talk about good memories in commemoration of the departed. In that sense, it’s also essential to choose the right local funeral home that can take care of all these needs for your family. Read below for a more thorough explanation of the other factors you should look into when choosing a funeral home.
Services Offered
One of the most important things to look into is the services they offer. It’s because these matters relate to your family’s religion, tradition, and cultural observances. Also, it will be the basis of whether the chosen funeral parlor can commit to the departed’s final requests, if there are any. Some of the common services offered are as follows:
Full-Service Burial
A traditional burial is often a full package typically offered by most funeral homes. It starts with a funeral ceremony in a church or a chosen venue where a viewing takes place. It involves other services like embalming, choosing a casket, venue preparation, and catering. The package also includes transportation of the body to the gravesite where they’ll be buried after the visitation period.
Direct Burial
A direct burial is known as the more affordable burial option. It’s because the body of the person will be immediately buried without holding a funeral ceremony. The services typically only include the preparation of the body, processing the paperwork and death certificate, and transportation to the cemetery.
Full-Service Cremation
Some mortuaries also offer cremation services as an alternative for burials. One of which is through full-service cremation, which involves a viewing period before the body is cremated. For that reason, some of the services it covers are the same with a full traditional burial, like embalming and venue preparation.
Direct Cremation
Meanwhile, direct cremation is similar to a direct burial, but the body is cremated immediately after death. It does not involve a formal funeral service, which is why it’s an ideal option for some customers looking for a more affordable alternative.
Location
Aside from services, families likewise need to consider the location of the funeral home. It should be accessible for everyone who wishes to attend. Besides that, setting up a funeral takes time, and you will be in constant communication with them throughout the process. So to make things easier for you, it’s better to choose one that’s easy to go to you and within your locality.
Cost
Funeral costs vary on the type of service and location that you and your family have decided on. But typically, these charges cover basic service fees for permits, service and merchandise fees for transport, embalming, and cremation, and cash advances for floral arrangements and other extra fees.
Based on the 2019 data by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with visitation, burial, and a vault is $7,460 to $9,135. In the same year, a funeral with viewing and cremation costs $5,150. But this does not yet include the charges for the urn, rental casket, and other miscellaneous fees. Caskets, meanwhile, can cost $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the materials used like wood, metal, fiberglass, or plastic.
These factors also differ in each funeral home. For that reason, families need to discuss arrangements and get price quotes first before deciding on anything. This allows them to weigh in on all the options and choose which best fits their desired outcome.
Grief Resources
When selecting a funeral home, people should strongly consider those that offer grief resources. Recovery after losing a loved one takes time, and bereaved families need support during this period. Through these services, family members can learn how to cope with their grief and eventually gain a sense of peace and acceptance. Some grief resources that funeral homes usually offer include memorial websites, counseling services, workshops, support groups, and a grief support library.
Takeaway
Choosing the right local funeral home will take time, because of all the factors that need to be considered. After all, every person wants the best for their family, including in their final days. That is why at the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re selecting the best one that can support and accommodate your loved ones’ needs throughout this difficult process.
