Death is a universal experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to arrange a funeral. If you’ve never had to plan a funeral, you may not know where to start. And even if you have, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the process.
One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when planning a funeral is choosing the right funeral home. But with so many options, how are you supposed to know which one is right for you?
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of questions you should ask a funeral home before you decide. By asking these questions, you’ll get a better sense of what each funeral home can offer and ultimately make the best decision for your needs.
62 Questions that will help you when making funeral arrangements:
- How long has the funeral home been in business?
- What types of funerals do you specialize in?
- What different types of services are offered?
- What’s the cost of each service?
- Are there any additional charges that aren’t included in the funeral services?
- Is the funeral home family-owned or part of a larger corporation?
- What’s the average length of the funeral service?
- What’s the funeral home’s maximum capacity?
- Can you accommodate large groups?
- Do you have a separate area for small groups or children?
- Is the parking lot large enough to accommodate all guests?
- What payment options are available?
- Do you offer any discounts?
- What are your cancelation policies?
- How soon after the death should the funeral take place?
- What’s the process for transporting the body?
- Can you accommodate any special requests?
- What are your working hours?
- Are you a member of a professional organization?
- What’s your approach to funeral planning?
- What are some unique services that you offer?
- What’s included in your basic funeral package?
- Can you accommodate religious and cultural customs?
- Do you offer cremation services?
- What are my options for the cremation?
- How do you arrange transportation for out-of-town guests?
- Can you help me with writing obituaries and submitting death notices?
- Do you have experience working with families who have experienced a sudden, tragic death?
- Can I plan my own funeral in advance?
- Do you have any recommendations for grief counseling in the community?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- Can you accommodate large groups?
- Do you have your own chapel or worship space?
- Do you provide catering or meals?
- What kind of transportation do you provide?
- Do I need to make an appointment to visit your facility or speak with someone?
- How far in advance do I need to plan the funeral?
- Can I bring my own officiant?
- How do I pay in advance for a funeral?
- What unique ways are there to personalize a funeral service?
- Are you available 24/7 if I need assistance outside of business hours?
- Are your facilities handicap accessible?
- Can I bring food or drinks to the funeral home?
- How can I create an obituary?
- Do you have a list of recommended pallbearers?
- Do you have a list of recommended readings or music for the funeral service?
- Do you have a list of recommended florists?
- What is your policy on clothing for the deceased?
- What’s the policy on embalming?
- Do you offer alternative burial methods, such as cremation or green burial?
- What are your policies on visitation and viewing?
- What are your policies for funerals and memorial services during COVID -19?
- How do you handle special requests from families?
- What are your policies for out-of-town funerals?
- What are your policies for international funerals?
- What are the funeral home’s policies for flowers and gifts?
- Are there any restrictions on what can be done with the body?
- How do the staff members treat grieving families?
- What’s the parking situation at the funeral home?
- Are there any other amenities that might be helpful to know about?
- Can you recommend any resources for supporting grieving children or adolescents?
- Do you have any recommendations for memorializing my loved one?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a funeral home and a mortuary?
A funeral home usually focuses on preparing the body and arranging the funeral ceremony for the deceased person, while a mortuary focuses more on the medical aspects of death, such as preserving or embalming the body. In addition, a mortuary is generally associated with being part of a hospital or large healthcare system, whereas a funeral home is typically independently owned and operated by an individual or family.
Why do they call it a funeral home?
The term “funeral home” is often used to refer to a place where people go to grieve the loss of a loved one. Funeral homes typically offer a range of services, including grief counseling, funeral planning assistance, and burial arrangements.
One of the main reasons they’re called “funeral homes” is because they help families and friends begin the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. They’re also a source of comfort and support at a time when many people are experiencing intense feelings of sadness and grief.
The name “funeral home” reflects the important role these facilities play in helping people cope with loss and manage their grief.
Conclusion
We understand how hard it is to lose a loved one, and that it can be incredibly overwhelming to plan the funeral on top of it all. By asking your funeral home director these questions, you’ll be better informed and able to make decisions about the final arrangements for your loved one’s death. And remember that your funeral home’s staff is there for you – don’t hesitate to ask for their support during this difficult time!
