Frequently Asked Questions

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony for a deceased person before burial or cremation.  A funeral allows family and friends of the deceased to gather and mourn the passing of their loved one, to share cherished memories, and celebrate their life.  A funeral is a vital first step to helping the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

What type of service should I have?

If no pre-arrangements have been made, the type of service is entirely up to you.  Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship.  There is a wealth of different services, ranging from a traditional religious or military service to something a little more non-traditional.  Our funeral directors are more than happy to work with you to figure out what would be the most appropriate.

Can I personalize a funeral?

Of course you can. Non-traditional personalized services are becoming more and more popular.  There is no right or wrong way to celebrate somebody's life.  Speak with the funeral director and tell them exactly what your desires are, and they will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have an obituary notice, and what is included in one?

Obituary notices that are published online or in a local newspaper are both strongly advised. An obituary informs the public of a death and provides details regarding the service. The deceased's full name, age, city of birth, date of birth, and the city they were residing in at the time of death are typically included in obituaries. Along with the names of anyone else who played a significant role in the deceased's life, such as their parents, children, or grandkids, it also contains the name of the deceased's spouse. A newspaper obituary may have a limited amount of room, but you are still allowed to write a brief summary of the deceased's life and contributions. You can include a lot more information about someone on an online obituary or memorial page.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

All the arrangements after a death are under the control of funeral directors. They complete the required documentation, arrange for the body's transportation, and carry out the family's decisions about the burial service and the body's final resting location. Funeral directors are there to help people deal with death in addition to handling the practical matters.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are here to help, funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Contact us here.

What if a death occurs away from my hometown?

We are here to help, we can arrange to have the remains transported home from anywhere in the world.  We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have the remains return to the community.

What is embalming, and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming cleans and preserves the body, as well as enhancing the appearance of a body that has been harmed by violent death or sickness and slowing the process of decomposition. The process of embalming gives the deceased's family time to plan a funeral and provides them the option of holding an open casket viewing.

Do I need to have an embalming?

No.  In fact, some religions forbid embalming.  However, some countries require embalming by law for remains to leave or enter the country.  If it is not against your religious custom, embalming is recommended, especially if there is an extended gap between death and burial or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of the funeral varies depending on the wishes you have.  The average cost of a funeral is between $5,000-$7,000; however, the most basic of services can cost as little as $1000.  The cost includes all professional services, including transportation, embalming, and other preparations, the use of a facility for the ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn.

Why are funerals so expensive?

Funerals are time-consuming affairs that need a lot of work from many people. The cost of a funeral comprises more than just caskets and other items; it also covers the funeral director's services in handling all the appropriate paperwork, arranging arrangements, and dealing with other parties involved in the death (doctors, lawyers, insurance companies). An average funeral requires 40 hours of work from the funeral director. The price includes the expense of running a funeral home as well. Funeral homes are usually operating around-the-clock, and they have large facilities that need to be kept up and protected.

What do I do if I am not satisfied with the way a funeral was handled?

Funeral Services in the United States is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, they can be reached by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or you can fill out a form online at www.ftc.gov.  In Canada, funeral services are regulated provincially and this information can be found on the Canadian Consumer Information website at www.consumerinformation.ca