Planning a funeral is a lot more than just choosing a date, a venue and a service format. During such an emotional time, with a time pressure, there are important practical, legal and personal things that need to be done, and some are easy to miss.
Understanding The Full Cost Beyond The Service Fee
The basic service fee for the funeral home, covers the planning of the funeral, staff’s time, and also the paperwork.
There are common additional costs, like the deceased’s casket or urn, if they’re being embalmed or having any body prep, if there’s going to be a viewing at all, as well as the transportation costs to and from the funeral. You might also need to pay for a grave plot, a cemetery opening.
The funeral home’s basic service fee covers the planning, staff time and the paperwork, but you still need to budget for separate items, that can add up quickly.
Common additional costs include the casket or urn, embalming or other body prep, the use of facilities for a viewing or service, plus the transportation. You may also need to pay for a grave plot, a vault or cemetery opening and closing fees, if you chose a burial.
You also need to decide who is going to be doing the service, depending on religious or personal preferences.
Checking For Pre Paid Funeral Plans
Start off by asking your family members, if they know of any funeral pre-planning arrangements. It could be listed in a document, or be attached to their will.
If nobody knows of any plans, you can always look for paperwork in their home, like a contract, receipt or paperwork with a funeral home listed. Any pre-paid funeral plans or a funeral insurance policy could be held by their attorney, or inside a safety deposit box, for safe keeping.
Writing And Approving The Obituary
Start by listing their basic facts, like their full name, their age at the time of their death, when and where they died, and the details of a funeral or memorial.
Within the obituary, include a short summary about their life, mentioning their key job, some of their passions, and their survivors.
Always be clear about preferences about donations and flowers, and the service details, if it’s open for people to attend.
Confirming Cemetery Or Cremation Arrangements
When arranging the funeral, call the funeral director to confirm bookings, and ask if there is a required window for a burial or cremation.
Ask them for written confirmation of all arrangements made, like the date, time, location, costs, and if a permit is required for the burial or cremation.
If you choose a direct cremation, confirm what that includes, and what it doesn’t. Ask who is going to handle transportation, identification and the paperwork. Check whether you’ll receive the ashes, and how/when they’ll be returned.
