Today, many families are not aware of their role in the funeral planning process. Once you have an idea of what you would like to take place at the service you are planning, you should sit down with a funeral director to go over the logistics.
Something you should know:
You are the one who determines the cost of the funeral services that will be held for you or your family members. The details of the services are guided and determined by your needs, and budget. But, not all funeral homes are created equal, they come in different sizes, styles and have different specialties. It is a wise idea to ‘shop’ around before deciding which funeral home to work with. Below is a checklist that will aid you in covering all the cost aspects associated with planning a funeral.
Funeral Home Comparison Checklist
Make copies of this checklist to compare the prices of services offered at funeral homes in your area.
Name of Funeral Home____________________________________________
Name of Crematory_______________________________________________
Name of Cemetery________________________________________________
Notes on Business Reputation_____________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Immediate burial: $_________
Immediate cremation: $_________
Donation of body to a medical
school or hospital: $_________
Full Service Burial/Cremation
Basic fees for funeral director/
staff: $_________
Pick up of body: $_________
Embalming: $_________
Extra fees for body
preparation: $_________
Caskets
Most Expensive Options
Highest priced wood casket: $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________
Highest priced metal casket: $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________
Highest priced fiberglass casket: $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________
Least Expensive Options
Lowest priced wood casket: $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________
Lowest priced metal casket: $_________
Make and Model # ___________________________________________
Lowest priced fiberglass casket: $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________
Rental Casket Options
Highest priced rental casket: $_________
Lowest priced rental casket: $_________
Cremation Containers
Highest priced container: $_________
Lowest priced container: $_________
Notes: ___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Vaults and Grave Liners
Vault price: $_________
Description and model #______________________________________
Grave Liner price: $_________
Description and model #______________________________________
Transportation
Hearse Options: $_________ – $__________
Limousine Options: $_________ – $__________
Notes: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Services and Fees
Visitation staff and facilities: $__________
Funeral & Memorial services: $__________
Graveside service – All fees
included: $__________
Other Services:
Forwarding body to another
funeral home: $__________
Receiving body from another
funeral home: $__________
Total based on the highest priced services and equipment: $_______________
Total based on the lowest priced services and equipment: $_______________
Cemetery/Mausoleum
Lot or Crypt: $___________
Opening and closing the
grave or crypt: $___________
Marker/ Monument: $___________
Ongoing Care of lot/crypt: $___________
Over all total: $_________________
Notes:__________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Questions to ask:
-
How long has the funeral home been in business?
-
What is the funeral home’s reputation in town?
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Do they offer you a contract with details of the goods and services they offer you?
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Does the funeral home have accommodations for your spiritual and religious views and traditions?
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If the funeral home in a convenient location?
-
Is the staff helpful and caring?
-
Do you feel comfortable with the funeral director?
Additional Notes:__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Tags: Financing, Funeral Directors, Funeral Homes, Funeral Planning, Funeral Pre-Planning, Funeral Services, Memorial Service