Planning a memorial service for your loved one is a very difficult task for the grieving family. Many decisions must be made in an abrupt manner. What type of memorial service should I arrange? Which funeral home should I contact? Should I plan a burial or cremation? What legalities are required? Am I able to afford a respectful memorial service for my loved one? We are here to guide you and your family in making these important decisions.
The financial responsibility alone can be overwhelming. There are many different types of memorial services that can be chosen. Religion and cultural traditions usually influence the type of memorial service that will be planned. Funeral cost and personal preferences are also taken into consideration when planning a funeral. The memorial service can be basic or elaborate, public or private, or religious or secular. An increasing number of people are planning their own funeral, designating their personal preference, and sometimes even paying for the services in advance. They see pre-planning as an extension of Will and estate planning. It is an act of love to spare their loved ones from making difficult decisions when their families are overcome with grief.
Comparison shopping can be done from the comfort of your own home by searching the many funeral websites. The modern use of different websites allows the consumer to find the most affordable and suitable memorial service possible. When comparing prices, be sure to consider the total cost of all items. You can contact any firm to request information about the different types of available services and a general price list itemizing all funeral costs that the family will incur.
For the protection of the consumer, the “Funeral Rule”, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), allows the public to purchase memorial service items, such as urns, caskets and other goods from a third party, without being penalized. When you begin the arrangement process, the funeral director, by law, must present you with a General Price List (GPL) of the goods and services available. With the exception of the non-declinable fee (the basic fee of the funeral director and staff, which must be accepted), you can select or omit any item on their GPL. The funeral director cannot change the prices on their GPL, charge you a fee, or offer you a different price list to penalize you if you wish to purchase goods from a third party.
Here are a few different types of memorial services that can be selected:
I. The “traditional” funeral usually includes a viewing or visitation and formal memorial service; such as a burial, entombment or cremation of the decedent. This type of funeral is generally the most expensive. In addition to the funeral home’s basic services fee expenses often include embalming and dressing of the decedent, funeral home rental for the viewing and / or service, and the rental of a hearse and limousine(s) for transportation of the family and decedent. Casket, cemetery plot / mausoleum and other funeral merchandise fees must also be included.
II. The immediate disposition of the decedent at the cemetery is called an immediate burial. A viewing / visitation does not take place therefore embalming is not required. A memorial service is optional and can be held at the graveside. This type of burial is the most cost effective. Charges include the funeral home’s basic professional services, casket or burial container purchase, transportation and care of the decedent, and the cemetery plot / mausoleum fee. If you decide to have a graveside service there would be an additional cost.
III. A Direct Cremation is the incineration of human remains after demise. Cremation is currently the most affordable service. Embalming is not required. The decedent’s cremated remains are placed in a decorative urn or other appropriate receptacle. A memorial service with or without the cremated remains present can be held. A memorial service allows family and friends to gather and support each other. It aids in the healing process. If the family decides not to have some form of memorial service for their loved one, they often regret their decision. A funeral service helps family and friends gain closure. Following the service, the cremated remains may be kept in the home, buried at a cemetery, placed in a niche, or scattered at sea or on land. Fees include basic professional services of funeral director and staff, cremation casket or alternative container fee, transportation fee from the place of demise to the crematory and the purchase of a cremation urn or temporary receptacle chosen by the family. An additional fee would apply if the cremains are scattered at sea by a scattering service or placed at a cemetery inside of a plot, niche or scattering garden.
Having a memorial service for your loved one provides a place for family and friends to reminisce, gather and share loving memories. It gives everyone who attends a chance to say goodbye and often provides the focal point from which the healing process begins. We are here to guide you during this time of loss. Cremation Options wants to help honor the life of your loved one. Please complete the “contact us” information and our staff will provide you with assistance in planning a memorial service. Our funeral professionals are available 24 hours-a-day to assist you at any hour. Contact us by phone at 1-877-989-9090 or using our contact form. Our caring staff will coordinate a lovely ceremony that is fitting to your loved ones convictions. With all of the arrangements delicately planned with the utmost dignity and respect, you can truly appreciate the final farewell.
