Whether you are planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, there are many things to consider. It is essential to understand your options and align them with your budget.
First, determine who you want to please by listing what is essential to each person. Then start shopping around for the right funeral home to meet your needs.
Choose a Funeral Home You Can Trust
Choosing a funeral home can be challenging. Whether pre-planning or making arrangements in advance, you want to work with an establishment that can fulfill your wishes and expectations. You can select the one nearest your home or recommend it to a friend. However, these factors shouldn’t be your only considerations.
It would be best to look for a funeral provider open to discussing rates, values, and overall commitment to the families they serve. This way, you know they are not trying to sell you anything you do not need or want.
You should also ask about their full-service offerings, including memorial and funeral services, obituaries, prayer cards, and more. This information will help you plan a service that aligns with your budget and preferences.
Meet with the Funeral Director
The funeral director is the person who makes most of the decisions for you and your family, so it’s essential to choose someone you feel comfortable with. It’s also a good idea to compare prices from several funeral homes in your area.
This first meeting is sometimes called an “arrangement conference” and can occur in the funeral home or at your home. It’s an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get to know the director.
The funeral director should be willing to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. They should also be open to discussing costs and services and providing an itemized estimate of their fees. NFDA endorses providers that meet these standards.
Make a List of Your Wishes
Many people have a lot to think about regarding funeral arrangements. They may be concerned about cost, cultural background, or religious beliefs.
Make a list of what your preferences are. This way, you can compare and decide which funeral home is right for you.
A reputable funeral services Ottawa will offer clear, transparent pricing. They are required to provide a General Price List (GPL) to consumers upon request.
Beware of providers that pressure you into buying packages years in advance. This is a practice in violation of the Funeral Rule. These prepayment plans can be a waste of money, and circumstances can change significantly between when you pay and when you die. For example, the provider may go out of business, and you could pay more than you would have if you comparison-shop.
Ask for Recommendations
Modern consumers are comfortable shopping around for the best price and quality on most significant purchases. But many are unwilling to do so when planning a funeral.
If you have family or friends who have used the same funeral service provider, ask them for recommendations. They can give you an honest and personal account of their experience.
Ask funeral directors for a written quote and cost breakdown to compare prices. Be sure they separate fees from third parties, such as crematoriums, doctors, and faith leaders, so you can see what is included in the funeral package. Many funeral homes offer less expensive packages than the services you could receive individually. Be sure to get a quote for each service you want to avoid surprises later.
Compare Prices
The cost of funeral services can be very high, so comparing prices between providers is essential. Reputable funeral directors should be open to discussing their pricing structure and work within your budget to provide exemplary service.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down, from choosing a cremation instead of a burial to purchasing an inexpensive casket from a third party. It’s also a good idea to ask about additional merchandise charges and accommodations (cash advance) items that may be added to the total price.
You should also know that, under the Funeral Rule, you can request a copy of the funeral home’s general price list. This document should include the service and merchandise charges and other expenses (like obituary notices). This is an excellent thing to do before you make any commitments.
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