It is an inevitable part of life that one day we will need to plan a funeral, whether that be for ourselves or for someone else. However, it is usually difficult the first time to do this as you will be unsure what to do and what is required. As a funeral can represent a person for the very last time, you should always know what to ask your funeral director to ensure you get the very best out of the funeral service.
Here are ten basic questions that you should ask:
1) How much does the funeral home cost? Some funeral homes have additional costs which need to be kept in mind. This would be items such as collecting the body from another funeral parlour, cremation, immediate burial, embalming and more.
2) How much does it cost? Always keep in mind the costs, your budget and do not spend more than you can afford – it is a legal requirement of the funeral home to provide you with this information.
3) Which ways can the body be disposed of? All forms should be looked at, not just the normal burial or cremation services. The family should make sure they have the chance to discuss these through with a funeral director.
4) What is your experience in funeral directing? You should check that your funeral director and company has vast experience to ensure you receive a quality, professional service.
5) What are the rates per product? If you think something is too expensive then you should try and negotiate. If things are too expensive, maybe look at removing some of the services you don’t need. Funerals are expensive, so you should make sure you can pay for the things your loved one really wanted included in their service.
6) Are you based locally or nationally? You should check whether the funeral company is solely based in the local area, or whether they are part of a larger company. Many smaller funeral companies have now been bought by larger organisations, but this does not mean the quality of service has suffered.
7) Can I get money upfront? Funeral homes are often required to provide you with a “good faith” estimate to help you understand the costs that will be involved with any fees. This can be for things such as obituary notices, flowers, clergy and other items as required.
Do you do all the planning? Some funeral companies decide to outsource parts of the service to save themselves time. This could mean you are being charged too much. Make sure you find out what they don’t do, if anything and see if you can do it for a cheaper cost.
9) Can I get financial help? The average funeral costs 3,000 – a lot of money by anyone’s standards. Therefore you should also check to see what form of financial assistance is available to you.
10) Do they hold the required licences? Make sure your funeral director and company hold the necessary licences and memberships required to organise a funeral. As these people are helping you to plan a funeral for a loved one, you want to ensure they are the best.
About the Author:
At The Co-operative Funeralcare we understand that funeral planning is important to you. We can help you choose the best prepaid funeral plan that incorporates everything you want within a service for you or someone you love. Visit us online for more information.
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