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Funeral FAQ

FAQ: Burial Services

  • What does it cost to bury a person in a cemetery?

    First is the purchase price of the "right to use" the burial plot (unlike a real estate purchase, where you buy the land and all the structures on it; here you are only purchasing what is called the "interment rights" to the land). In addition, there are fees for the "opening" and "closing" of the gravesite; and any fees required to obtain the necessary permits and to maintain cemetery files and records. In addition, there's the fee for the use of any special equipment (such as a casket-lowering device); as well as the costs for any other services or items purchased. There's also the headstone or grave marker installation fee, and a one-time "perpetual care" (sometimes called "endowment care") fee paid to ensure your loved one's burial site is well-maintained. Each cemetery has their own fee structures. We will discuss with you the specific fees required for your cemetery.

  • Does my loved one have to be embalmed prior to burial?

    Embalming is not required for an immediate burial service or a direct cremation service. If you’re planning a public visitation and/or funeral service where the body will be present, embalming will be required. Most often, proper embalming can help the deceased to look their best during a public visitation. Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding this issue. 

  • How much will a casket cost?

    The Federal Trade Commission states that an average casket costs around $2,000. If you are concerned about casket costs, speak with us so we can advise you on the most appropriate casket for your situation and your budget.

  • What is a burial vault, and why do I need to buy one?

    An outer burial container provides added protection for the casket. Though not required by law, most cemeteries do require an outside container to maintain the integrity of the grave.

    A lined outer burial container helps to protect the casket from the weight, pressure and elements of the surrounding grave. The primary reason families select outer burial containers is to meet the requirements of the cemetery. The other reason is for the additional peace of mind an outer burial container provides to the family. Go to the "Pricing & Merchandise" tab on our website and click on "What is an Outer Burial Container" to learn more.

  • What's involved in a cemetery burial?

    Make sure you have a lot or grave space purchased in the cemetery you want to use. If there has been a sudden death in your family, you will need to speak with the cemetery office or caretaker to select and purchase a grave for the interment. Both the cemetery and the funeral home will communicate with you the charges associated with opening and closing a grave, perpetual care fees, and any late fees, weekend fees or holiday fees that may apply to the planned burial. The funeral home will discuss any additional service fees (like a tent setting) provided by the burial vault company. 

  • Do I have to buy a headstone or grave marker?

    When a burial occurs at a cemetery without a headstone or grave marker already in place, the funeral home (for a nominal fee) offers a “temporary grave marker”, so that the grave is properly identified. You should seriously consider talking with a local monument company regarding your options for a permanent monument or bronze plaque. It is not recommended to leave a grave unmarked.

  • Where do I purchase a headstone or grave marker?

    We have strong working relationships with trusted monument companies in our area. When you are ready to order a headstone or grave marker, we will put you in contact with reliable monument companies. 

  • What is "Immediate Burial?"

    When we make arrangements for the immediate burial of an individual, we are expediting their interment. There typically will be no funeral, memorial service or celebration-of-life; instead, we provide the physical care of the deceased, such as washing the body, dressing the body and placing the deceased person in the casket. Embalming is not required but is available as an option. We then escort the casket to the cemetery for immediate burial. A graveside funeral service is also an option.

  • Is Immediate Burial right for our situation?

    It's very hard to know without having the opportunity to speak with you. Immediate burial works well when there are few mourners or if your loved one's wishes were for a simple interment. It's done quickly and professionally, usually without ceremony of any kind, however a graveside service can be an option. If Immediate burial feels like the right course of action for you? Speak with one of us at the funeral home to further explore the idea.

  • What services do you provide when I choose Immediate Burial?

    We will transport the deceased back to our funeral home from their place of death. You will meet with one of our funeral directors so they can gather the information needed to file the death certificate, while also obtaining the required signatures on any authorizations and purchase agreements. We will help with contacting the cemetery to schedule the interment and offer assistance with selecting an appropriate casket and outer burial container. If needed, we will help write an obituary. We will wash, dress and place the deceased in the selected casket. Embalming is not required but is available for an additional fee. A member of our staff will remain at the cemetery until the outer burial container is closed and lowered in place. A graveside funeral service is also available for an additional fee. * Outer burial containers are not required at all cemeteries.

  • What is a graveside service?

    Rather than having a service in a church or funeral home chapel, and then adjourning to the cemetery for the burial; some families choose to gather solely at the cemetery. There, they are led through a ceremony prepared by a clergy person or celebrant and witness the in-ground committal of their loved one's casket. If the idea of a graveside service appeals to you, speak with your funeral director about your options.

  • What are Cash Advance Charges?

    During our initial meeting we will discuss the charges of outside vendors and service providers. These are known as Cash Advance Charges. Here is a list of the most common Cash Advance Charges that appear on a funeral purchase agreement: Certified copies of the Death Certificate; Cemetery fees; Clergy/Church fees; Organist/Musician fees; Florist charges, Newspaper Obituary charges, Hairstylist fees. The funeral home will pay these service providers on your behalf, however, payment for these Cash Advance Charges are due to the funeral home on or before the day of the funeral service.  The funeral home does not profit from any Cash Advance Charges.

  • When do I pay for a funeral service?

    The first payment needed will be for 50% of the selected merchandise and services, plus all of the cash advance expenses* that the funeral home will distribute on your behalf.  That payment can be made within 72 hours of the signed contract or before the day of service, whichever comes first. Final payment is due within 30 days of the signed contract. Accepted methods of payment include: Cash or Check; Pre-Paid Funeral Plans; Major Credit Cards and Life Insurance Assignments.

  • Who will write my loved one's obituary?

    We always offer to write a first draft of an obituary. We usually email that first draft to you, so you can use it as a guide when you begin writing the obituary at home. However, many times a family will ask us to simply write the obituary for them. Keep in mind, we never submit an obituary for final publication until it has been approved by the deceased’s family. If you do write an obituary, please use a computer so you can email it to the funeral home.

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