At some point or the other in our lives, all of us will have to visit a funeral home. While you may go to funeral homes for the loss of someone you love or you may be you are pre-planning your own funeral. But, when it comes to selecting a funeral home by yourself, you will often draw a blank. Finding the right place need not be difficult or stressful. Here are a few things you can keep in mind to make the experience better and avoid some of the common mistakes made by most people.
Assuming the most expensive place is the best
Not all funeral homes charge the same. However, if you assume that the place that charges the most will provide you with the best service then you are wrong. Even when the cost of funeral-related services is quite substantial, it does not always assure quality services. When comparing homes located in the same area, you will find the same service offered by two homes for very different pricing. When you are taking the services as a package ask for a breakdown of the costs and check if any particular service is exceptionally costly. You should always opt for the one which you can afford easily and also that gives attention to details.
Do not assume that all funeral homes are the same
It is easy to make assumptions especially because most people visit funeral homes only a few times in their entire life. Often it may seem that all these places offer the same basic service but in reality, it is not the case. You can check if they try to steer you towards a basic package or they are more open to the way you want the funeral to take place. You can also check the condition of the facilities. A well-kept and well-maintained home will always offer better service.
Do not believe that your options are limited
Since most people do not know all the rules and laws related to funerals, it is easy for funeral homes to mislead people. You should be able to arrange the funeral in a way that honours the deceased. While there are laws and other funeral elements that you have to stick to, it does not in any way limit the way you want to organize the funeral. If you feel you are not able to organize the funeral the way you like it to be then you can check other options available.
Do not settle for generic services
The funeral should reflect the life of the deceased person. You should be able to add personal elements like the person’s favourite song or memorial keepsakes. Often funeral homes will try to make you settle with generic services that they have already prepared. You should select a home that will work with you in creating the funeral as a personal and unique event.
Visit the parlour and check the facilities
Once you have shortlisted a few homes you should visit them in person and check the funeral parlour as well as the other facilities. You should discuss with the funeral director the kind of service you want and consider the packages they are offering. Check the type of flowers they will provide, check the wakes and other important points like the upkeep of the cemetery.
You should also check if they offer different options for funeral homes and which one you would like. For instance, you should check if they offer traditional burial or cremation. If you want a cremation then check if they will scatter the ashes or it will be interred in a grave.
