funerals · for the consumer funerals: a consumer guide inside a consumer product 1 pre-need 2 the...

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Funerals:A Consumer Guide

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

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Funerals: A Consumer GuideFunerals: A Consumer GuideFunerals: A Consumer GuideFunerals: A Consumer GuideFunerals: A Consumer Guide

InsideInsideInsideInsideInsideA CONSUMER PRODUCT 1PRE-NEED 2THE FUNERAL RULE 5WHAT KIND OF FUNERAL DO YOU WANT? 6CHOOSING A FUNERAL PROVIDER 8FUNERAL COSTS 10CALCULATING THE ACTUAL COST 11SERVICES AND PRODUCTS 12CEMETERY SITES 17

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

FOR MORE INFORMATION 19SOLVING PROBLEMS 23PLANNING FOR A FUNERAL 24PRICES TO CHECK 25GLOSSARY OF TERMS 26


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hen a loved one dies, grieving family members andfriends often are confronted with dozens of decisionsabout the funeral — all of which must be madequickly and often under great emotional duress.What kind of funeral should it be? What funeralprovider should you use? Should you bury orcremate the body, or donate it to science? What areyou legally required to buy? What other arrange-ments should you plan? And, as callous as it maysound, how much is it all going to cost?

Each year, Americans grapple with these and manyother questions as they spend billions of dollarsarranging more than 2 million funerals for familymembers and friends. The increasing trend towardpre-need planning — when people make funeralarrangements in advance — suggests that manyconsumers want to compare prices and services sothat ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise andwell-informed purchasing decision, as well as ameaningful one.

A CONSUMER PRODUCT

Funerals rank among the most expensive purchasesmany consumers will ever make. A traditionalfuneral, including a casket and vault, costs about$6,000, although “extras” like flowers, obituarynotices, acknowledgment cards or limousines canadd thousands of dollars to the bottom line. Manyfunerals run well over $10,000.

Yet even if you’re the kind of person who mighthaggle with a dozen dealers to get the best price on

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a new car, you’re likely to feel uncomfortablecomparing prices or negotiating over the details andcost of a funeral, pre-need or at need. Compound-ing this discomfort is the fact that some people“overspend” on a funeral or burial because theythink of it as a reflection of their feelings for thedeceased.

PRE-NEED

To help relieve their families of some of thesedecisions, an increasing number of people areplanning their own funerals, designating theirfuneral preferences, and sometimes even paying forthem in advance. They see funeral planning as anextension of will and estate planning.

PlanningThinking ahead can help you make informed andthoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. Itallows you to choose the specific items you wantand need and compare the prices offered by severalfuneral providers. It also spares your survivors thestress of making these decisions under the pressureof time and strong emotions.

You can make arrangements directly with a funeralestablishment or through a funeral planning ormemorial society — a nonprofit organization thatprovides information about funerals and dispositionbut doesn’t offer funeral services. If you choose tocontact such a group, recognize that while somefuneral homes may include the word “society” intheir names, they are not nonprofit organizations.

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One other important consideration when planning afuneral pre-need is where the remains will beburied, entombed or scattered. In the short timebetween the death and burial of a loved one, manyfamily members find themselves rushing to buy acemetery plot or grave — often without carefulthought or a personal visit to the site. That’s whyit’s in the family’s best interest to buy cemeteryplots before you need them.

You may wish to make decisions about your ar-rangements in advance, but not pay for them inadvance. Keep in mind that over time, prices maygo up and businesses may close orchange ownership. However, in someareas with increased competition,prices may go down over time.It’s a good idea to review andrevise your decisions everyfew years, and to make sureyour family is aware of yourwishes.

Put your preferences in writing,give copies to family members and your attorney,and keep a copy in a handy place. Don’t designateyour preferences in your will, because a will oftenis not found or read until after the funeral. Andavoid putting the only copy of your preferences in asafe deposit box. That’s because your family mayhave to make arrangements on a weekend or holi-day, before the box can be opened.

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PrepayingMillions of Americans have entered into contractsto prearrange their funerals and prepay some or allof the expenses involved. Laws of individual statesgovern the prepayment of funeral goods and ser-vices; various states have laws to help ensure thatthese advance payments are available to pay for thefuneral products and services when they’re needed.But protections vary widely from state to state, andsome state laws offer little or no effective protec-tion. Some state laws require the funeral home orcemetery to place a percentage of the prepayment ina state-regulated trust or to purchase a life insurancepolicy with the death benefits assigned to the fu-neral home or cemetery.

If you’re thinking about prepaying for funeralgoods and services, it’s important to consider theseissues before putting down any money:

What are you are paying for? Are you buyingonly merchandise, like a casket and vault, or areyou purchasing funeral services as well?

What happens to the money you’ve prepaid?States have different requirements for handlingfunds paid for prearranged funeral services.

What happens to the interest income on moneythat is prepaid and put into a trust account?

Are you protected if the firm you dealt withgoes out of business?

Can you cancel the contract and get a full refundif you change your mind?

What happens if you move to a different area ordie while away from home? Some prepaidfuneral plans can be transferred, but often at anadded cost.


Be sure to tell your family about the plans you’vemade; let them know where the documents arefiled. If your family isn’t aware that you’ve madeplans, your wishes may not be carried out. And iffamily members don’t know that you’ve prepaid thefuneral costs, they could end up paying for thesame arrangements. You may wish to consult anattorney on the best way to ensure that your wishesare followed.

THE FUNERAL RULE

Most funeral providers are professionals who striveto serve their clients’ needs and best interests. Butsome aren’t. They may take advantage of theirclients through inflated prices, overcharges, doublecharges or unnecessary services. Fortunately,there’s a federal law that makes it easier for you tochoose only those goods and services you want orneed and to pay only for those you select, whetheryou are making arrangements pre-need or at need.

The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal TradeCommission, requires funeral directors to give youitemized prices in person and, if you ask, over thephone. The Rule also requires funeral directors togive you other information about their goods andservices. For example, if you ask about funeralarrangements in person, the funeral home must giveyou a written price list to keep that shows the goodsand services the home offers. If you want to buy acasket or outer burial container, the funeral pro-vider must show you descriptions of the availableselections and the prices before actually showingyou the caskets.


Many funeral providers offer various “packages” ofcommonly selected goods and services that make upa funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, youhave the right to buy individual goods and services.That is, you do not have to accept a package thatmay include items you do not want.

According to the Funeral Rule:you have the right to choose the funeral goodsand services you want (with some exceptions).

the funeral provider must state this right inwriting on the general price list.

if state or local law requires you to buy anyparticular item, the funeral provider must dis-close it on the price list, with a reference to thespecific law.

the funeral provider may not refuse, or charge afee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.

a funeral provider that offers cremations mustmake alternative containers available.

WHAT KIND OF FUNERAL DO YOU WANT?Every family is different, and not everyone wantsthe same type of funeral. Funeral practices areinfluenced by religious and cultural traditions, costsand personal preferences. These factors help deter-mine whether the funeral will be elaborate orsimple, public or private, religious or secular, andwhere it will be held. They also influence whetherthe body will be present at the funeral, if there willbe a viewing or visitation, and if so, whether thecasket will be open or closed, and whether theremains will be buried or cremated.


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Among the choices you’ll need to make are whetheryou want one of these basic types of funerals, orsomething in between.

“Traditional,” full-service funeralThis type of funeral, often referred to by funeralproviders as a “traditional” funeral, usually in-cludes a viewing or visitation and formal funeralservice, use of a hearse to transport thebody to the funeralsite and cemetery,and burial, entomb-ment or cremationof the remains.It is generally themost expensivetype of funeral.In addition to thefuneral home’sbasic services fee,costs often include embalming and dressing thebody; rental of the funeral home for the viewing orservice; and use of vehicles to transport the familyif they don’t use their own. The costs of a casket,cemetery plot or crypt and other funeral goods andservices also must be factored in.

Direct burialThe body is buried shortly after death, usually in asimple container. No viewing or visitation is in-volved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorialservice may be held at the graveside or later. Directburial usually costs less than the “traditional,”full-service funeral. Costs include the funeralhome’s basic services fee, as well as transportationand care of the body, the purchase of a casket or


burial container and a cemetery plot or crypt. If thefamily chooses to be at the cemetery for the burial,the funeral home often charges an additional fee fora graveside service.

Direct cremationThe body is cremated shortly after death, withoutembalming. The cremated remains are placed in anurn or other container. No viewing or visitation isinvolved, although a memorial service may be held,with or without the cremated remains present. Theremains can be kept in the home, buried or placedin a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried orscattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usu-ally costs less than the “traditional,” full-servicefuneral. Costs include the funeral home’s basicservices fee, as well as transportation and care ofthe body. A crematory fee may be included or, ifthe funeral home does not own the crematory, thefee may be added on. There also will be a chargefor an urn or other container. The cost of a cem-etery plot or crypt is included only if the remainsare buried or entombed.

Funeral providers who offer direct cremations alsomust offer to provide an alternative container thatcan be used in place of a casket.

CHOOSING A FUNERAL PROVIDER

Many people don’t realize that they are not legallyrequired to use a funeral home to plan and conducta funeral. However, because they have little experi-ence with the many details and legal requirements


involved and may be emotionally distraught whenit’s time to make the plans, many people find theservices of a professional funeral home to be acomfort.

Consumers often select a funeral home or cemeterybecause it’s close to home, has served the family inthe past, or has been recommended by someonethey trust. But people who limit their search to justone funeral home may risk paying more thannecessary for the funeral or narrowing their choiceof goods and services.

Comparison shopping need not be difficult, espe-cially if it’s done before the need for a funeralarises. If you visit a funeral home in person, thefuneral provider is required by law to give you ageneral price list itemizing the cost of the items andservices the home offers. If the general price listdoes not include specific prices of caskets or outerburial containers, the law requires the funeraldirector to show you the price lists for those itemsbefore showing you the items.

Sometimes it’s more convenient and less stressful to“price shop” funeral homes by telephone. TheFuneral Rule requires funeral directors to provideprice information over the phone to any caller whoasks for it. In addition, many funeral homes arehappy to mail you their price lists, although that isnot required by law.

When comparing prices,be sure to consider thetotal cost of all the itemstogether, in addition tothe costs of single items. Every funeral home

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should have price lists that include all the itemsessential for the different types of arrangements itoffers. Many funeral homes offer package funeralsthat may cost less than purchasing individual itemsor services. Offering package funerals is permittedby law, as long as an itemized price list also isprovided. But only by using the price lists can youaccurately compare total costs.

In addition, there’s a growing trend toward consoli-dation in the funeral home industry, and manyneighborhood funeral homes are thought to belocally owned when in fact, they’re owned by anational corporation. If this issue is important toyou, you may want to ask if the funeral home islocally owned.

FUNERAL COSTS

Funeral costs include:1. Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff

The Funeral Rule allows funeral providers tocharge a basic services fee that customers cannotdecline to pay. The basic services fee includesservices that are common to all funerals, regardlessof the specific arrangement. These include funeralplanning, securing the necessary permits and copiesof death certificates, preparing the notices, shelter-ing the remains, and coordinating the arrangementswith the cemetery, crematory or other third parties.The fee does not include charges for optionalservices or merchandise.


2. Charges for other services and merchandise

These are costs for optional goods and services suchas transporting the remains; embalming and otherpreparation; use of the funeral home for the view-ing, ceremony or memorial service; use of equip-ment and staff for a graveside service; use of ahearse or limousine; a casket, outer burial containeror alternate container; and cremation or interment.

3. Cash advances

These are fees charged by the funeral home forgoods and services it buys from outside vendors onyour behalf, including flowers, obituary notices,pallbearers, officiating clergy, and organists andsoloists. Some funeral providers charge you theircost for the items they buy on your behalf. Othersadd a service fee to their cost. The Funeral Rulerequires those who charge an extra fee to disclosethat fact in writing, although it doesn’t require themto specify the amount of their markup. The Rulealso requires funeral providers to tell you if thereare refunds, discounts or rebates from the supplieron any cash advance item.

CALCULATING THE ACTUAL COST

The funeral provider must give you an itemizedstatement of the total cost of the funeral goods andservices you have selected when you are making thearrangements. If the funeral provider doesn’t knowthe cost of the cash advance items at the time, he orshe is required to give you a written “good faithestimate.” This statement also must disclose any


legal, cemetery or crematory requirements that youpurchase any specific funeral goods or services.

The Funeral Rule does not require any specificformat for this information. Funeral providers mayinclude it in any document they give you at the endof your discussion about funeral arrangements.

SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

EmbalmingMany funeral homes require embalming if you’replanning a viewing or visitation. But embalminggenerally is not necessary or legally required if thebody is buried or cremated shortly after death.Eliminating this service can save you hundreds ofdollars. Under the Funeral Rule, a funeral provider:

may not provide embalming services withoutpermission.

may not falsely state that embalming is requiredby law.

must disclose in writing that embalming is notrequired by law, except in certain special cases.

may not charge a fee for unauthorized embalm-ing unless embalming is required by state law.

must disclose in writing that you usually havethe right to choose a disposition, such as directcremation or immediate burial, that does notrequire embalming if you do not want thisservice.

must disclose in writing that some funeralarrangements, such as a funeral with viewing,may make embalming a practical necessity and,if so, a required purchase.


CasketsFor a “traditional,” full-service funeral:

A casket often is the single most expensive itemyou’ll buy if you plan a “traditional,” full-servicefuneral. Caskets vary widely in style and price andare sold primarily for their visual appeal. Typically,they’re constructed of metal, wood, fiberboard,fiberglass or plastic. Although an average casketcosts slightly more than $2,000, some mahogany,bronze or copper caskets sell for as much as$10,000.

When you visit a funeralhome or showroom toshop for a casket, theFuneral Rule requiresthe funeral director toshow you a list ofcaskets the companysells, with descriptions and prices,before showing you the caskets. Industry studiesshow that the average casket shopper buys one ofthe first three models shown, generally themiddle-priced of the three. So it’s in the seller’sbest interest to start out by showing you higher-endmodels. If you haven’t seen some of thelower-priced models on the price list, ask to seethem — but don’t be surprised if they’re not promi-nently displayed, or not on display at all.

Traditionally, caskets have been sold only byfuneral homes. But with increasing frequency,showrooms and websites operated by “third-party”dealers are selling caskets. You can buy a casketfrom one of these dealers and have it shippeddirectly to the funeral home. The Funeral Rule

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requires funeral homes to agree to use a casket youbought elsewhere, and doesn’t allow them to chargeyou a fee for using it.

No matter where or when you’re buying a casket,it’s important to remember that its purpose is toprovide a dignified way to move the body beforeburial or cremation. No casket, regardless of itsqualities or cost, will preserve a body forever.Metal caskets frequently are described as“gasketed,” “protective” or “sealer” caskets. Theseterms mean that the casket has a rubber gasket orsome other feature that is designed to delay thepenetration of water into the casket and preventrust. The Funeral Rule forbids claims that thesefeatures help preserve the remains indefinitelybecause they don’t. They just add to the cost of thecasket.

Most metal caskets are made from rolled steel ofvarying gauges — the lower the gauge, the thickerthe steel. Some metal caskets come with a warrantyfor longevity. Wooden caskets generally are notgasketed and don’t have a warranty for longevity.They can be hardwood like mahogany, walnut,cherry or oak, or softwood like pine. Pine casketsare a less expensive option, but funeral homesrarely display them. Manufacturers of both woodenand metal caskets usually warrant workmanship andmaterials.

For cremation:

Many families that opt to have their loved onescremated rent a casket from the funeral home forthe visitation and funeral, eliminating the cost of


buying a casket. If you opt for visitation and crema-tion, ask about the rental option. For those whochoose a direct cremation without a viewing orother ceremony where the body is present, thefuneral provider must offer an inexpensive unfin-ished wood box or alternative container, anon-metal enclosure — pressboard, cardboard orcanvas — that is cremated with the body.

Under the Funeral Rule, funeral directors who offerdirect cremations:

may not tell you that state or local law requires acasket for direct cremations, because none do;

must disclose in writing your right to buy anunfinished wood box or an alternative containerfor a direct cremation; and

must make an unfinished wood box or otheralternative container available for direct crema-tions.

Burial Vaults or Grave LinersBurial vaults or grave liners, also known as burialcontainers, are commonly used in “traditional,”full-service funerals. The vault or liner is placed inthe ground before burial, and the casket is loweredinto it at burial. The purpose is to prevent theground from caving in as the casket deterioratesover time. A grave liner is made of reinforcedconcrete and will satisfy any cemetery requirement.Grave liners cover only the top and sides of thecasket. A burial vault is more substantial andexpensive than a grave liner. It surrounds the casketin concrete or another material and may be soldwith a warranty of protective strength.


State laws do not require a vault or liner, andfuneral providers may not tell you otherwise.However, keep in mind that many cemeteriesrequire some type of outer burial container toprevent the grave from sinking in the future. Nei-ther grave liners nor burial vaults are designed toprevent the eventual decomposition of humanremains. It is illegal for funeral providers to claimthat a vault will keep water, dirt or other debrisfrom penetrating into the casket if that’s not true.

Before showing you any outer burial containers, afuneral provider is required to give you a list ofprices and descriptions. It may be less expensive tobuy an outer burial container from a third-partydealer than from a funeral home or cemetery.Compare prices from several sources before youselect a model.

Preservative Processes and ProductsAs far back as the ancient Egyptians, people haveused oils, herbs and special body preparations tohelp preserve the bodies of their dead. Yet, noprocess or products have been devised to preserve abody in the grave indefinitely. The Funeral Ruleprohibits funeral providers from telling you that itcan be done. For example, funeral providers maynot claim that either embalming or a particular typeof casket will preserve the body of the deceased foran unlimited time.


CEMETERY SITES

When you are purchasing a cemetery plot, considerthe location of the cemetery and whether it meetsthe requirements of your family’s religion. Otherconsiderations include what, if any, restrictions thecemetery places on burial vaults purchased else-where, the type of monuments or memorials itallows, and whether flowers or other remembrancesmay be placed on graves.

Cost is another consideration. Cemetery plots canbe expensive, especially in metropolitan areas.Most, but not all, cemeteries require you to pur-chase a grave liner, which will cost several hundreddollars. Note that there are charges — usuallyhundreds of dollars — to open a grave for intermentand additional charges to fill it in. Perpetual care ona cemetery plot sometimes is included in the pur-chase price, but it’s important to clarify that pointbefore you buy the site or service. If it’s not in-cluded, look for a separate endowment care fee formaintenance and groundskeeping.

If you plan to bury your loved one’s crematedremains in a mausoleum or columbarium, you canexpect to purchase a crypt and pay opening andclosing fees, as well as charges for endowment careand other services. The FTC’s Funeral Rule doesnot cover cemeteries and mausoleums unless theysell both funeral goods and funeral services, so becautious in making your purchase to ensure that youreceive all pertinent price and other information,and that you’re being dealt with fairly.


Veterans CemeteriesAll veterans are entitled to a free burial in a na-tional cemetery and a grave marker. This eligibilityalso extends to some civilians who have providedmilitary-related service and some Public HealthService personnel. Spouses and dependent childrenalso are entitled to a lot and marker when buried ina national cemetery. There are no charges foropening or closing the grave, for a vault or liner, orfor setting the marker in a national cemetery. Thefamily generally is responsible for other expenses,including transportation to the cemetery. For moreinformation, visit the Department of VeteransAffairs’ website at www.cem.va.gov. To reach theregional Veterans office in your area, call 1-800-827-1000.

In addition, many states have established stateveterans cemeteries. Eligibility requirements andother details vary. Contact your state for moreinformation.

Beware of commercial cemeteries that advertiseso-called “veterans’ specials.” These cemeteriessometimes offer a free plot for the veteran, butcharge exorbitant rates for an adjoining plot for thespouse, as well as high fees for opening and closingeach grave. Evaluate the bottom-line cost to be surethe special is as special as you may be led to be-lieve.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Most states have a licensing board that regulates thefuneral industry. You may contact the board inyour state for information or help. If you wantadditional information about making funeral ar-rangements and the options available, you maywant to contact interested business, professional andconsumer groups. Some of the biggest are:

AARP Fulfillment601 E Street, NWWashington, DC 200491-800-424-3410www.aarp.orgAARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organizationdedicated to helping older Americans achieve livesof independence, dignity and purpose. Its publica-tions, Funeral Goods and Services and Pre-Payingfor Your Funeral, are available free by writing tothe above address. This and other funeral-relatedinformation is posted on the AARP website.

Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800Arlington, VA 22203-1838www.bbb.orgBetter Business Bureaus are private, nonprofitorganizations that promote ethical business stan-dards and voluntary self-regulation of businesspractices.


Funeral Consumers Alliance33 Patchen RoadSouth Burlington, VT 054031-800-765-0107www.funerals.orgFCA, a nonprofit, educational organization thatsupports increased funeral consumer protection, isaffiliated with the Funeral and Memorial Society ofAmerica (FAMSA).

Cremation Association of North America401 North Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60611(312) 644-6610www.cremationassociation.orgCANA is an association of crematories, cemeteriesand funeral homes that offer cremation.

International Cemetery and Funeral Association1895 Preston White Drive, Suite 220Reston, VA 201911-800-645-7700www.icfa.orgICFA is a nonprofit association of cemeteries,funeral homes, crematories and monument retailersthat offers informal mediation of consumer com-plaints through its Cemetery Consumer ServiceCouncil. Its website provides information andadvice under “Consumer Resources.”

International Order of the Golden Rule13523 Lakefront DriveSt. Louis, MO 630451-800-637-8030www.ogr.orgOGR is an international association of about 1,300independent funeral homes.


Jewish Funeral Directors of AmericaSeaport Landing150 Lynnway, Suite 506Lynn, MA 01902(781) 477-9300www.jfda.orgJFDA is an international association of funeralhomes serving the Jewish community.

National Funeral Directors Association13625 Bishop’s DriveBrookfield, WI 530051-800-228-6332www.nfda.org/resourcesNFDA is the largest educational and professionalassociation of funeral directors.

National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association3951 Snapfinger Parkway, Suite 570Decatur, GA 300351-800-434-0958www.nfdma.comNFDMA is a national association primarily ofAfrican-American funeral providers.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes500 Lake Cook Road, Suite 205Deerfield, IL 600151-800-323-4219www.selectedfuneralhomes.orgSelected Independent Funeral Homes is an interna-tional association of funeral firms that have agreedto comply with its Code of Good Funeral Practice.Consumers may request a variety of publicationsthrough the association’s affiliate, Selected Re-sources, Inc.


Funeral Service Consumer Assistance ProgramPO Box 486Elm Grove, WI 53122-04861-800-662-7666www.funeralservicefoundation.orgFSCAP is a nonprofit consumer service designed tohelp people understand funeral service and relatedtopics and to help them resolve funeral serviceconcerns. FSCAP service representatives and anintervener assist consumers in identifying needs,addressing complaints and resolving problems. Freebrochures on funeral related topics are available.

Funeral Service Educational Foundation13625 Bishop’s DriveBrookfield, WI 530051-877-402-5900www.funeralservicefoundation.orgFSEF is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to ad-vancing professionalism in funeral service and toenhancing public knowledge and understandingthrough education and research.


SOLVING PROBLEMS

If you have a problem concerning funeral matters,it’s best to try to resolve it first with the funeraldirector. If you are dissatisfied, the FuneralConsumer’s Alliance may be able to advise you onhow best to resolve your issue. You also can con-tact your state or local consumer protection agen-cies listed in your telephone book, or the FuneralService Consumer Assistance Program.

The FTC works for the consumer to preventfraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practicesin the marketplace and to provide information tohelp consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file acomplaint or to get free information on consumerissues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing,identity theft and other fraud-related complaintsinto Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online databaseavailable to hundreds of civil and criminal lawenforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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PLANNING FOR A FUNERAL

1. Shop around in advance. Compare pricesfrom at least two funeral homes. Remem-ber that you can supply your own casket orurn.

2. Ask for a price list. The law requiresfuneral homes to give you written pricelists for products and services.

3. Resist pressure to buy goods and servicesyou don’t really want or need.

4. Avoid emotional overspending. It’s notnecessary to have the fanciest casket or themost elaborate funeral to properly honor aloved one.

5. Recognize your rights. Laws regardingfunerals and burials vary from state tostate. It’s a smart move to know whichgoods or services the law requires you topurchase and which are optional.

6. Apply the same smart shopping tech-niques you use for other major purchases.You can cut costs by limiting the viewingto one day or one hour before the funeral,and by dressing your loved one in a favor-ite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.

7. Plan ahead. It allows you to comparisonshop without time constraints, creates anopportunity for family discussion, and liftssome of the burden from your family.


PRICES TO CHECK

Make copies of this page and check with several funeral homes tocompare costs.

“Simple” disposition of the remains:Immediate burialImmediate cremation If the cremation process is extra, how much is it?Donation of the body to a medical school or hospital

“Traditional,” full-service burial or cremation:Basic services fee for the funeral director and staffPickup of bodyEmbalmingOther preparation of bodyLeast expensive casket Description, including model #Outer Burial Container (vault) DescriptionVisitation/viewing — staff and facilitiesFuneral or memorial service — staff and facilitiesGraveside service, including staff and equipmentHearseOther vehiclesTotal

Other Services:Forwarding body to another funeral homeReceiving body from another funeral home

Cemetery/Mausoleum Costs:Cost of lot or crypt (if you don’t already own one)Perpetual careOpening and closing the grave or cryptGrave liner, if requiredMarker/monument (including setup)

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GLOSSARY OF TERMSCourtesy of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

Alternative Container An unfinished wood box orother non-metal receptaclewithout ornamentation, oftenmade of fiberboard, pressedwood or composition materials,and generally lower in costthan caskets.

Casket/Coffin A box or chest for buryingremains.

Cemetery Property A grave, crypt or niche.

Cemetery Services Opening and closing graves,crypts or niches; setting graveliners and vaults; settingmarkers; and long-term main-tenance of cemetery groundsand facilities.

Columbarium A structure with niches (smallspaces) for placing crematedremains in urns or other ap-proved containers. It may beoutdoors or part of a mauso-leum.

Cremation Exposing remains and thecontainer encasing them toextreme heat and flame andprocessing the resulting bonefragments to a uniform sizeand consistency.


Crypt A space in a mausoleum orother building to hold crematedor whole remains.

Disposition The placement of cremated orwhole remains in their finalresting place.

Endowment Care Fund Money collected from cem-etery property purchasers andplaced in trust for the mainte-nance and upkeep of the cem-etery.

Entombment Burial in a mausoleum.

Funeral Ceremony A service commemorating thedeceased, with the bodypresent.

Funeral Services Services provided by a funeraldirector and staff, which mayinclude consulting with thefamily on funeral planning;transportation, shelter, refrig-eration and embalming ofremains; preparing and filingnotices; obtaining authoriza-tions and permits; and coordi-nating with the cemetery,crematory or other third par-ties.

Funeral Planning Society See Memorial Society.

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Grave A space in the ground in acemetery for the burial ofremains.

Grave Liner or A concrete cover that fits overa casket in a grave. Someliners cover tops and sides ofthe casket. Others, referred toas vaults, completely enclosethe casket. Grave liners mini-mize ground settling.

Graveside Service A service to commemorate thedeceased held at the cemeterybefore burial.

Interment Burial in the ground,inurnment or entombment.

Inurnment The placing of cremated re-mains in an urn.

Mausoleum A building in which remainsare buried or entombed.

Memorial Service A ceremony commemoratingthe deceased, without the bodypresent.

Memorial Society An organization that providesinformation about funerals anddisposition, but is not part ofthe state-regulated funeralindustry.

Outer Container

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Niche A space in a columbarium,mausoleum or niche wall tohold an urn.

Urn A container to hold crematedremains. It can be placed in acolumbarium or mausoleum, orburied in the ground.

Vault A grave liner that completelyencloses a casket.

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