About Funerals
When a loved one dies, it is a difficult and trying time emotionally. Making funeral arrangements can add to the stress, especially if there has been no previous arrangement, discussion or documentation regarding the wishes of the deceased.
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Features
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The process of preparing for a funeral and burial can be disorienting for a grieving individual. The bottom line is that when you purchase a burial plot or make other arrangements, you often find salespeople who lack compassion and are only interested in making a sale. Most often these jobs are commission-based. But there are some people who truly are sympathetic and sensitive to your needs. People who are grief-stricken may not be thinking clearly and can often be swayed into making purchases that really aren't necessary. It helps to have a good idea of what you will need and want for your loved one's funeral. Take someone along with you for support and advice.
Type
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There are several choices regarding funeral arrangements. Funerals can be elaborate or simple. The viewing can be public or private. Some families choose no viewing at all. There is the option of burial or cremation. There are several choices to be made and the process of making all the arrangements can seem overwhelming. There are certain things that should be taken into consideration such as any wishes the deceased had expressed while alive, input from all immediate family members, expenses that will be covered by insurance or financial concerns regarding out of pocket fees. If the deceased passed on with no insurance there may be financial constraints. It is wise to involve all immediate family members in making the arrangements unless they prefer not to be involved. Often family disputes may arise when one family member takes charge without consulting the rest.
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The Facts
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Funerals can be quite expensive. In fact, a funeral can easily cost $10,000 or more. A funeral doesn't have to be that expensive. You can choose to have a small service and simple arrangements. It is important to ask the funeral home for a price list. They must provide it if you ask but they don't always offer to give you a price list. Certain services such as embalming, viewing and coordinating the burial may be covered under one standard fee. Additional fees apply to optional services such as composing the obituary, transportation (use of hearse or limo) and pallbearers. Most funeral homes offer bundled and optional services. It is important to ask what is included in their bundled packages and what optional services are available at what cost.
Function
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A typical funeral includes the wake or viewing at a funeral home. The wake often lasts for a day or two with a viewing in the morning or afternoon and another in the evening. At the time of the final viewing a member of the clergy gives a eulogy and family members may speak about the deceased. A memorial service may also be held, usually at a place of worship. This is done after the final viewing at the funeral home. The memorial service most often takes place in the morning hours preceding the burial. A member of the clergy may offer prayers and read from a holy text. A burial service is conducted at the graveside where a clergy member offers a final prayer and family members as well as friends say their last goodbyes to the departed. Some families may choose to remain at the graveside as the casket is lowered into the ground. There are many variations of a typical funeral depending on the customs, cultures and religion of the family.
Identification
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Cremation is another option that many families may consider. Cremation is less expensive and may be an alternative for those who are facing financial difficulty such as in cases of no insurance. Some people simply prefer cremation to burial. The average cost of cremation ranges from $750.00 to $1500.00. No casket or container is required for the cremation but a container made of cardboard may be used if preferred. A casket may be used if there is to be a viewing preceding the cremation. Embalming is not necessary for cremation but may be required if there is to be a viewing. Urns may be purchased but the remains can be collected in a disposable or temporary container. Remains are often buried, kept or scattered. Even if the family chooses no viewing before cremation a memorial service may still be conducted.
Benefits
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Many people have become aware of growing concern over the environment and are adjusting their lifestyles to be more environmental friendly. As a result, funerals are going green too. A green funeral may include a typical memorial service but instead of the traditional coffin, the burial can take place in a biodegradable container such as cardboard and, interment can be in a beautiful park or forest. Small plaques replace marble or granite markers, and a tree can be planted over the burial site. Although eco-cemeteries aren't available everywhere yet, they are springing up in more areas. A green funeral may be a good option for those who love nature and want to do their part to save the environment. An average green funeral costs around $2,000. More people are starting to follow the trend, since going with a green funeral is less costly and less damaging to the natural environment.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Daniel Radicevic/www.123rf.com
