A career in funeral service is a fulfilling choice for those with compassion and good communication skills. Licensed funeral directors, embalmers and undertakers are trained professionals who oversee the final disposition of bodies.
By law, only a licensed funeral director can make arrangements for burial or cremation. But many people have questions about what the costs involved are.
Caskets
A casket (or coffin, in some cases) is a container that holds the body for the funeral and burial services. They are typically rectangular and hinged, and can be made from materials such as wood or metal. Some are more ornate than others.
Some families prefer to place mementos in the casket, such as favorite books and religious texts. Favorite sports or hobby items are also common, and can be a good way for family members to remember their loved one.
If you are a funeral provider, you must disclose casket prices on the General Price List and Casket Price List. You may not let consumers learn about your casket prices through individual price cards or reciting them orally, as this violates the Funeral Rule.
Burial Vaults
Burial vaults are essentially large boxes that are placed into the ground before caskets are put inside of them. They’re typically made out of concrete and are designed to prevent the soil from sinking into the grave site after a person is buried.
Some cemeteries require the use of burial vaults to protect caskets and keep the graveyard level, preventing uneven terrain that can pose safety hazards for visitors. Other families choose to purchase them for added protection and peace of mind that their loved ones’ final resting place will remain intact for years to come.
Like caskets, there are a wide range of burial vaults available on the market that are both affordable and durable. They can be personalized with a selection of appliques, prints, emblems and nameplates. They also include a waterproof seal and polymer liner, which are both necessary features that help to prevent water damage over time. They’re typically constructed out of concrete, but metal vaults are also an option.
Cemetery Fees
Cemeteries are another costly element of funeral arrangements. Burial plots can range from $200 to $20,000. When deciding on the cemetery, ask about the fees they charge and how they are calculated.
Before you meet with a funeral director to choose a casket, request the funeral home’s General Price List. This document will provide a description of each casket and alternative container regularly offered by the funeral home, as well as the retail prices for these items.
Also ask for an Itemized Statement, which contains the funeral home’s contractual language that legally obligates you to pay for all services and merchandise selected. It should also disclose a cash advance fee, which is the amount the funeral home charges to buy goods and services on your behalf, such as flowers, obituary notices and pallbearers. The Funeral Rule requires that this fee be disclosed as a separate charge from the merchandise and services provided by the funeral home.
Obituaries
Obituaries, also known as death notices or obits, are published in newspapers to announce the passing of a person. They typically feature a short biography of the deceased, their family members and other important people in their life, their work history and significant accomplishments. They can also highlight hobbies, favorite sports teams and foods, social and professional involvements and other traits that make the person who they were.
The main goal of an obituary is to honor the person who has passed away. They allow family and friends to pay their respects to the departed by sharing memories, which can help in the grieving process. They can also help loved ones plan for the funeral and memorial service by providing information about the date, time and location of the event. They can even include any special requests that the family has made. For example, they may ask for people to avoid sending flowers and instead donate money to a charity of the person’s choice.