FAQ
Common Questions About Funerals and Our Services
Many people are unfamiliar with the funeral industry and may not know what to expect from the planning process. Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. We always welcome additional questions if yours is not listed below or you need more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Do When a Death Occurs?
We are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week when a death occurs. If you would like immediate assistance, one of our team members will be there as soon as possible after you call. If you prefer time to say goodbye to your loved one, we can delay our arrival to best suit your wishes. In the event the death occurs away from home, our funeral directors can assist you and coordinate transportation of the deceased from anywhere in the world.
Why Should We Have a Funeral?
Holding a funeral can be an important step during the grieving process after someone dies. Funerals create an opportunity for friends and loved ones to come together while mourning so they can reflect on the loss and share fond memories of the deceased. For many, the funeral is a milestone event that helps them come to terms with the reality of the death and begin working toward healing.
What Does a Funeral Director Do?
Funeral directors wear multiple hats and are responsible for a wide range of duties, many of which take place behind the scenes. A funeral director’s duties include administrative tasks but also being a trusted caregiver for the family during their time of loss. There are countless details to manage, from arranging transportation and care of the body, organizing and completing any required paperwork, to handling any services the family chooses, including the final disposition of the deceased. Funeral directors are heavily regulated professionals who value the relationships they develop with families. They are experienced in offering support and assisting with the grief process, including providing recommendations for professional grief resources when appropriate.
What Type of Services Should We Have?
Deciding what type of service to hold after someone passes away is a personal decision. Generally the family makes these arrangements, unless the deceased had a pre-planned funeral arrangement in place. You may choose a traditional funeral service with a viewing or something completely different and personalized for your loved one. Services may be private with just family or larger events including friends and community members who may want to show support. Any religious or cultural customs and traditions should also be considered when making plans. Our team is experienced in helping you navigate your options and can assist you in making the right choices to best honor your loved one and the life they lived.
What Is The Purpose of Embalming?
Embalming extends the time between death and final disposition, allowing more time to make arrangements and opportunity for loved ones to say goodbye to the deceased. The embalming process sanitizes the body and preserves the person’s appearance by slowing down decomposition. Embalming can also be an important tool in helping restore the appearance of a loved one in situations involving illness or a traumatic death.
Is Embalming Required?
There are no laws requiring embalming but it may be required in certain situations, such as services involving a viewing. There may also be embalming requirements if the arrangements include transporting the remains by air to another location where embalming is legally required.
What Are The Options for Cremated Remains?
Cremation is a very popular option for the final disposition of remains, partly because it offers a wide range of customization in your selections. You may still hold a traditional funeral with a viewing followed by a cremation, if preferred. Some families choose an immediate cremation and then hold a memorial service or celebration of life at a later time. Cremated remains can be placed in an urn and displayed in a significant location, buried in the ground, placed in an above ground mausoleum or scattered, depending on the wishes of the family and the deceased.
Can We Scatter Cremated Remains?
Yes. Cremated remains can be scattered on private property you own without any restrictions. You should get permission from the landowner before scattering remains on any privately owned property. Scattering remains in a public place needs to be approved by the appropriate authorities and may require authorization or a permit, so please check your local regulations. Many cemeteries also offer scattering or memorial gardens where you can return to remember your loved one in a special location.
How Much Does A Funeral Cost?
Prices for funeral services can vary depending on your preferences and the choices you make for your loved one. The cost of a funeral generally includes all professional services, transfer of the remains to the funeral home, embalming (if selected) and other preparation of the body, completing necessary paperwork, use of the facilities for any services or ceremonies, a hearse, limousine for the family, and the purchase of a casket. We can help work with any budgetary considerations and assist your family in making the right selections for your situation. Our prices are clearly disclosed and you will be fully informed when making your arrangements.