Six Important Questions to Ask When Selecting a Funeral Home

Whether you’re hoping to pre-plan future funeral arrangements or looking for more immediate support, find the right funeral provider by asking the right questions.

If you’re pre-planning your funeral arrangements, you typically have a bit more time to research services, pricing, and reputation of your local funeral homes. However, if a family member died unexpectedly, and you’ve not previously invested any time in finding the right funeral home, you might end up choosing a funeral provider that fails to meet your expectations. 

So often, people needing immediate services will turn to the internet, choosing the funeral home that appeared at the top of their search results or the funeral provider that’s closest to a specific location. But does that actually satisfy your search for quality services? 

When researching your funeral home options, it’s important to gather all the information you can to ensure that your choice aligns with your needs, preferences, and values. It’s also important to know that just because a funeral home already provided burial or cremation services, you don’t have to select that same funeral provider to help you plan a memorable and meaningful celebration of life or memorial event.

Whether you’re seeking information from a handful of funeral providers so you can start the pre-planning process or because you need more immediate support, here are some important questions to ask. The answers to each should help you in the process of selecting the right funeral home for you or your loved one.

1. What burial and cremation options are available through your services?

Funeral homes typically offer a variety of burial and cremation options to accommodate different preferences and budgets. Traditional burial and cremation are common choices, but because eco-friendly alternatives are growing in availability and popularity, it's worth exploring other options such as green burial and aquamation.

• Traditional Burial: Generally includes the purchase of a full-size cemetery plot, a grave liner or vault, a memorial stone, and a casket, as well as a ceremony or memorial service. It’s typically the most expensive option.

• Immediate Burial: A simpler option (and less expensive than traditional burial) where the body is buried without a public viewing or service.

• Green Burial: An eco-friendly alternative that forgoes embalming and uses biodegradable materials (such as shrouds, wicker caskets and cardboard caskets). While most funeral homes offer green burial services, it’s important to know their process and what experience they have in providing this eco-friendly option.

• Full-Service Cremation: Cremation services that may include a private or public viewing, as well as a memorial or celebration of life event. If you’re not sure what to do with the cremated remains, you might also want to discuss your many options with your chosen funeral provider.

• Direct Cremation: The body is cremated shortly after death without a formal ceremony before or after, or public viewing of any kind. This is the most affordable option for people seeking discount services. If you want to plan a memorial event following direct cremation, you can choose another funeral home (or event planner) to support you in that effort.

• Aquamation: Also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, this method uses water and alkaline solutions to break down the body, reducing carbon emissions. If aquamation is your preferred method of disposition, make sure this option is available through the funeral homes you’re researching.

2. Can I see your general price list?

Transparency in pricing is crucial when selecting a funeral home. Asking for a general price list (GPL) will help you understand the costs associated with various services and ensure there are no hidden fees. A reputable funeral home will either include this information on their website or provide this information upon request. We recommend having a funeral professional guide you through their GPL in order to provide an accurate estimate before you agree to any services.

If you’re interested in meeting with SendOff staff to discuss our services and everything that appears on our general price list, contact us at (612) 236-0141 or schedule a 30-minute conversation now.

3. Does the memorial need to be hosted at your funeral home or can I choose any location?

Many people believe that a memorial service must be held at a place of worship or funeral home, but if you’re utilizing the support of a funeral provider like SendOff, the location of the farewell gathering is your choice. Because the venue plays such a significant role in creating atmosphere you desire for the memorial event, choice of location can and should be factored into your decision.

While funeral homes offer convenience and a range of services on-site, you’re often limited by capacity, decor, food options, time allowed and more. Non-traditional locations such as hospitality venues, outdoor parks, or even private residences can provide a more personalized and meaningful setting. And if the person you’re celebrating wanted a true, energetic party atmosphere, you’re not going to find that at a funeral home.

Choosing a location that resonates with your family and the deceased's wishes can make the service more memorable, meaningful, special, and healing. If choice of venue is important to you, you’ll want to find a provider like SendOff that is willing to travel and coordinate services wherever your preferred location may be.

4. How much customization can be incorporated into the celebration of life or memorial event?

Customization can significantly enhance the experience you and guests will have when celebrating the life of someone special. When you close your eyes and envision what a perfect farewell looks like, what do you see … and hear? How are the people there engaging with each other? Key details or elements you might want to customize include:

• Location: Whether it's at a lakeshore event venue, an urban art gallery, a favorite outdoor park, or a family home, the right location sets the tone.

• Decor and music: Personal touches such as photos, decor, music, meaningful memorabilia, and take-home keepsakes can create a celebratory and comforting atmosphere.

• Food/Drink: Catering to the tastes and traditions of the deceased by serving specific food and beverage options can be a poignant tribute.

• Activities: Activities like memory sharing, musical performances, or cultural rituals can make the event more engaging. Activities designed for children can be an especially meaningful way for them to experience and remember a celebration of life event. It can even help them process grief in a more positive way.

• Cultural/Religious traditions: Ensuring that any cultural or religious practices are honored is essential. If there’s a specific tradition or ritual you want to include with certainty, make that clear right away.

5. Can you walk me through the cremation/burial process, as well as the timeline for planning the memorial event?

Understanding the steps involved in cremation or burial as well as the timeline for planning a memorial can help alleviate stress and keep those involved with planning better organized during a difficult time. Documentation of the process is even better! Ask the funeral home to provide a detailed, documented explanation of:

• The cremation or burial process: This includes preparation, necessary legal paperwork, and what happens on the day your loved one will be cremated or buried. You might also want to ask questions about who will remove the body from the location of death, details about the removal, and where the body will be transferred.

• Timeline for planning: Knowing how long each step in the planning process takes, and all the respective tasks for each, can assist in setting realistic expectations and deadlines, ensuring the execution of each deliverable is seamless. If you’re planning something simple, you may only need two weeks in advance of the event date. If it’s a bit more elaborate, you may prefer a few weeks or even months to prepare a fitting tribute.

6. What kind of resources and support do you provide for grieving families?

Grief can be life-altering. It can show up when you least expect it, and in ways you didn’t predict. Support for families coping with loss is an essential part of a funeral home's services. You may want to select a funeral home that offers resources for:

• Grief counseling: Many funeral homes offer or can recommend grief counseling services.

• Support groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can be very comforting.

• Educational materials: Books, brochures, and online resources can provide valuable information on coping with grief.

• Aftercare programs: These may include follow-up calls, anniversary remembrance events, and other services to support families in the months following a loss.

See our listing of various grief support resources available to families living within the Twin Cities metro area.

Choosing a funeral home that will meet your wants and expectations involves careful consideration and asking the right questions. By addressing these key points, you can make a well-informed decision that gives you comfort and peace of mind.

Ready to start planning?

If you want to learn more about SendOff and all the ways we can help customize a celebration of life for you or someone you love, or if you want to start pre-planning future arrangements with SendOff, contact us now.