Miscellaneous

Peace of Mind: 4 Steps to Choosing the Right Funeral Home

Dealing with a death in the family is never easy, especially if you’re unsure how to proceed. Working with a good funeral home is an excellent way to reduce stress while fulfilling the wishes of the deceased. Not all funeral homes are the s, so it’s important to explore the best options for you and your family. This blog post looks at four different tips that will help you select a funeral home.

1. Get A Clear Idea Of Price Over The Phone

Although it’ll be the last you’ll feel like doing; it’s always a good idea to get a clear idea of what the funeral home will charge you. Many unexpected family deaths end up costing the family a sum that’s way out of their budget. It’s possible to get everything you want without emptying your bank account.

After consulting with a funeral home, they should give you an itemized list of the cost breakdowns. The list needs to be customized to your family’s needs and your religious preferences. Since funeral homes are required to give you an itemized break down, it’s easy to make a quick comparison between different establishments.

2. Establish Your Priorities Before Making A Final Decision

Your priorities and circumstances will determine which funeral home is best for you to choose. Although one funeral home may charge more, you may be willing to pay a little extra for convenience. Things like proximity to your family’s home, parking, and handicap accessibility will narrow down which funeral homes are right for you.

If you have instructions in the will to follow, establishing your priorities will be easier. It’s always a good idea to discuss with your family about how you wish to proceed before deciding on a funeral home. This will help you make sure everyone is happy with the decision.

Another priority to consider is simplicity. Often times the best approach is going with the funeral home who seems ready to take the most initiative. The less work for you and your family the better. Using the funeral home as a gathering space for your family may also make things easier.

3. Get Quotes From A Few Different Places

The first step to getting a few different quotes is to consult with your local Funeral Consumers Alliance chapter. The Funeral Consumers Alliance is an organization that helps families get a reasonable rate on funeral services. The alliance will often have a survey of prices in your area so you can make a comparison.

Starting with a list of your funeral needs and religious requirements makes it easy for a funeral home to give you a quick quote. You can then quickly call different funeral homes and ask for a price range. You can also use this time to ask about casket and urn prices at the same time. Stay away from funeral homes that give you a hard time about asking questions.

4. Avoid Optional Services Where Possible

Getting a clear idea of what you want out of your funeral beforehand will help you avoid spending money in unnecessary areas. Additions such as coffin decorations, funeral cars, and catering can quickly throw your budget out of whack. Consulting with a funeral director will help you create a beautiful ceremony without blowing your budget.

One additional service you may or may not opt for is embalming. In some areas embalming is required by law, so you’ll have to check your local regulations. Embalming is usually required if you decide to rent a casket.

Funeral homes can help you save money in certain areas such as flowers. Funeral directors often have good relationships with local florists and can get you discounted rates. If you’re interested in having lots of flowers, don’t forget to discuss rates with the funeral director. On the other hand, if the deceased wasn’t a big fan of flowers, you can reallocate the funds to another area.

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