FAQ Funeral, Burial, and Cremation
Commonly Asked Questions
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, with numerous decisions to make during an emotional time. To ease this process, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions addressing common concerns about funeral, burial, and cremation services. We hope this guide provides the support and information you need to make informed decisions.
General Questions
A funeral service includes the physical presence of the deceased’s body and typically occurs soon after death. In contrast, a memorial service does not include the body and can be held at any time following the death. Both services allow family and friends to gather and honor the deceased.
Yes, it is possible. Planning a funeral in advance, known as pre-planning or pre-need planning, is highly recommended. Pre-planning allows individuals to outline their wishes, easing the burden on family members and potentially saving money by locking in current prices.
Invite those who would want to be there to support the grieving family and to process their own sorrow. While formal invitations are uncommon, you can inform specific individuals via phone, email, or social media to ensure they know the service details.
Funeral ceremonies allow communities to acknowledge the death, recognize the communal loss, and share the burden of grief. They provide a structured way to say goodbye and offer support to the bereaved.
Yes, even if you have arrangements done and settled with another mortuary, or you want to celebrate your loved one who has passed a long time ago, you may make arrangements to use our facilities. Please give us a call to schedule a time to do so.
Funeral Services
Funeral directors manage all aspects of the funeral process, from planning the service to handling logistics. They coordinate with cemeteries, crematoriums, and florists, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Funeral directors are also licensed by the state and provide emotional support and guidance to grieving families.
Prepare children with honesty and awareness. Explain what they can expect, allow them to ask questions, and reassure them that you will support them throughout the experience. Never force them to attend if they are uncomfortable.
Burial Services
A traditional burial includes a viewing or visitation, a funeral service, and the interment of the deceased’s body. The body is placed in a casket, transported to the cemetery, and buried in a grave, often marked by a headstone or marker.
Costs include the right to use the burial plot, opening and closing the gravesite, permits, maintenance fees, and special equipment. Additional costs may include the headstone or grave marker installation and perpetual care fees.
Embalming is only legally required if an open casket viewing/service were to be held. “If no embalming was requested for their visitation/service, then the casket must be closed throughout the whole duration.
A burial vault is a lined and sealed receptacle that houses the casket, protecting it from the weight of the earth and heavy equipment. It also helps maintain the aesthetics of the cemetery grounds. Not every cemetery requires one, but it is commonly required.
Yes, pre-need arrangements allow you to pay for burial or funeral services in advance, lock in current prices, and provide peace of mind.
Cremation Services
Services can be held either before or after cremation, depending on family preferences. Traditional funeral ceremonies can occur before cremation, while memorial services often take place afterward with the cremated remains present.
Depending on state regulations, a mandatory waiting period of 48-72 hours is required to secure cremation authorization from the next-of-kin and relevant agencies.
Cremation costs include the basic professional services fee, the crematory fee, and any additional charges for transportation and safekeeping of the deceased. The General Price List provides the exact cost.
Yes, you can purchase a cremation urn from third-party sources. The funeral home cannot prohibit this or impose additional fees for doing so.