Funerals Questions Answered

Humanity knows the joy of bring forth life yet with the sweets come the bitter. All life must reach an end. Hopefully the departure is after a long and healthy life filled with family, friends and memories. Even though death is a part of life, it can be a shock. Taking into account your own mortality is a difficult prospect. Perhaps it is easier to make the preparations for your own demise as opposed to the pain of burying a friend or loved one.

Funerals are never happy times. Though it is instinctual and we all realize our time is finite, the sadness of saying goodbye is never one that anyone willing undertakes. To add to the grief is the monetary burden of paying for the funeral. Sometimes, though difficult, it is best to know what to expect. In this article we will cover some of the common questions that arise when planning a funeral.

What are my options when it comes to funerals?

Funerals are a very tough time for everyone involved. If you have had a loved one pass away or are simply planning ahead for your own future, there are many choices you will have to make. You need to decide on a budget. Funerals can be very expensive but you do have options. Many of your choices may depend on how you view death and what your religious preferences dictate. There are flowers, caskets, cremation, eulogies, burial sites, viewings, wakes and a host of other terms that will be thrown at you. If you are planning for your own future and to help minimize the details your family will have to go through, you need to envision what your funeral will look like. Will it be a solemn affair with the traditional service, pallbearers and flowers? Perhaps you believe that death should not be a time of mourning but instead a celebration of life for the living. Regardless of what you envision, you need to have a detailed plan and leave those details in writing.

What is a wake?

A wake is used in many cultures as a time to mourn the departed yet rejoice in his or her life. It can be held before the burial or later in the home of a loved one. Traditional wakes, such as those used in Irish cultures, combine eulogies for the departed with a more party-like atmosphere. Many cultures believe that a celebration of the departed one's life is more important than mourning their passing. Of course there is sadness and tears but it is a time to gather around and discuss the good things the person has done or has embodied.

What about a funeral versus cremation?

These two terms are really not similar but most people associate them together. A funeral is a gathering to mourn the departed. A cremation is when the body is burned down to ashes and then placed in a special urn. You can have a funeral where the body is cremated. The decision and terminology is actually burying versus cremation. Burying a loved one is done in a casket and then placed in a cemetery, with or without a tombstone or grave marker. Cremated remains can be placed in a special vault or in some areas, be scattered back to the Earth. This decision is a personal one that is based on how someone views death and/or their religious preferences.

How much does a funeral cost?

A typical funeral can cost thousands of dollars. The exact amount depends largely on what you want to include and how elaborate the affair will become. Some funerals can be as little as $1000.00 or can be intricate and elaborate celebrations that skyrocket into hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are so many different choices when it comes to having a funeral that it is almost impossible to list them all on multiple pages with the pricing.

How much does a typical casket cost?

A typical casket can be found for around one thousand dollars. Those caskets are pretty much the average casket found in most funerals. They have the silk lining for the inside and are lead lined as burial guidelines dictate. You can find caskets for as little as $399.00 but the catch is that you have to assemble it yourself. Remember Old Western movies where the undertaker had a row of wood coffins lined up waiting for the shoot-out to be over? That is what the $399 coffin resembles. It is functional and no frills.

What type of expenses should I expect?

The typical funeral has several components. The first is the cost of the casket. After that you have to consider the cost for the embalmment, flowers, memorial pamphlets that are handed out during the service and the cost for the burial plot. There are also miscellaneous expenses such as transportation to the cemetery as well as fees charged by the funeral home. If you elect for cremation there is a charge for that service.

What will my insurance cover?

Many people take out burial insurance along with their life insurance. This is to ensure that a good portion of the funeral costs are covered. How much your insurance will cover depends largely on the amount of policy you took out. Burial insurance will typically have no restrictions outside of the amount of the policy. Life insurance will only be payable under certain circumstances and cause of death. Most life insurance policies do not cover certain causes of death such as suicide. You need to review your insurance policy to determine how much is paid out and what, if any, stipulations are attached to the policy.

What will a cemetery plot cost?

Cemetery plots vary by location and city. An ocean view is going to cost much more than a plot in the middle of the cemetery. You also have to keep in mind that cremation plots or scattering gardens are generally cheaper than a casket plot. Many families elect to buy several plots that are grouped together. Buying several plots ensures that you and your loved ones are together in one area and are much more affordable than buying a single plot. You will also need to factor in opening and closing costs for the land transaction along with any additional fees the city or cemetery charges.

I am financially unable to pay for my loved ones funeral. What options do I have?

Burying a loved one is an extremely stressful situation. If money is a problem, it can seem overwhelming but there is hope. Many organizations such as the Salvation Army and other charity groups can help shoulder the expenses. You may not get the deluxe coffin with hundreds of flowers but you can still give your departed loved one a beautiful parting ceremony. When you meet with the funeral home ask them for any help or information on groups that can help you with the funeral expenses.

Do I have a choice on whether or not to be embalmed, or have a family member embalmed?

It is now a law that family members must give express permission to embalm or refuse embalming service. Whether or not you wish to be embalmed or have a family member embalmed will depend on several factors. The first is how long the deceased will wait before burial or cremation. If there is a lengthy time period then being embalmed must happen to preserve the body from decay. There are also certain stipulations placed by the Board of Health that dictate when a body must be embalmed due to certain forms of death or disease.

What sort of arrangements should I, myself, take in the event of my death?

The first thing you, and anyone, should do is to create a will. The will can handle any material possession or money that you possess. It will also list a person as executor of your affairs. You should make a detailed list of any specific things regarding your funeral and burial. Along with leaving a written copy, it is very advisable to discuss your wishes with family and friends so that there is no confusion. Be very clear and concise when it comes to your wishes so that there is no strife between family members or friends after you are departed.

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