|
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
How much does a funeral cost? Depending on services selected, a funeral can cost as little or as much as you want one to. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral cost In 2003 was $5,407.05
Why should I pre-plan my funeral? Pre-planning a funeral for yourself or someone in your family can create peace of mind for yourself, as well as your family. Knowing that all details are arranged in advance, the funeral will proceed as planned with out requiring last minute decisions under grief or being an unexpected financial burden.
What is the purpose of a funeral? Funerals are rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. The death of Princess Diana of Wales and the death of John F. Kennedy Jr. show us that we need funerals to help us through the grief process.
What about cremation? Cremation is an alternative to burial or entombment for the body’s final disposition. Cremation often follows a traditional service.
If I decide on cremation can I still have a funeral with a viewing? Yes, cremation caskets are used at this time. These caskets are less cost than earth burial caskets, they are made of wood and have no hardware (handles etc.) and usually are available in a variety of finishes. After the viewing and the funeral the casket is cremated with the body.
Why are funerals so expensive? When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding can cost at least three times as much, however, because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized.
A funeral home is a 24-hour business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, hearses etc.) these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements, filling appropriate forms, dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to the necessary details.
Is embalming required by law? No. embalming may be necessary if certain arrangements are selected, such as a funeral with a viewing, embalming is required. If you do not want embalming you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require embalming, such as direct cremation or immediate burial.
What is the purpose of embalming? Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retarding the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of the body. |
|
Home - Locations - About Us - Frequently Asked Questions - Pre Planning - Caskets - - Cremation - Aftercare - Contact Us - Links - Pope |