Frequently Asked Questions

What is a funeral?


What type of service should I have?


Can I personalize a funeral?

Of course you can, in fact more and more people are opting for a more non-traditional personalized service.  There is no right or wrong way to celebrate somebody’s life.  There are many unique ways to celebrate life. Let the funeral director know exactly what your desires are and they will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have an death notice and what is included in one?

It is highly recommended to have an death notice that is either placed in a local newspaper, or placed online.  A death notice lets the public know that a death has occurred, and gives them information about the service.  They generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city, date of birth, and the city where they were living when they died.  It also includes the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children or grandchildren.  Space may be limited in a newspaper death notice, but you may include some details about the life and legacy of the deceased.  An online death notice or memorial website offers you the chance to add a lot more about the deceased.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?




What if a death occurs away from my home town?


What is embalming, and what purpose does it serve?


Do I need to have an embalming?


How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of the funeral varies depending on the wishes you have.  The average cost of a funeral is between $5,000-$8,000, however, the most basic of services can cost as little as $2000.  The cost includes all professional services including transportation, embalming and other preparations, the use of a facility for the ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn. Cemetery, crematorium, and monument expenses are not included in these averages.

Why are funerals so expensive?


