Funeral Options:  The 4 Best Services to Say Goodbye

Preparing a funeral is one of the most difficult tasks I have ever had to face. When my grandmother passed away, we were overwhelmed with emotions and decisions. We wanted to honor her in a way that truly reflected her life and values.

After considering traditional services, we decided on a celebration of life. 

My grandmother was always joyful and loved being surrounded by family and friends. We held the event at her favorite park, where she used to take us for picnics. It was a beautiful day filled with music, stories, and laughter, just as she would have wanted.

The decision to celebrate life instead of a traditional funeral made the service more personal and meaningful. It felt right for our family, and I honored my grandmother’s vibrant spirit in the best way possible.

This experience taught me that choosing the right type of funeral can help ensure that the service truly reflects the loved one’s life and aligns with the family’s values.

I’ve found that becoming familiar with all available options can help you make informed decisions without stress. Understanding the various funeral services and ceremonies will better equip you to handle the documentation process and manage the remains in a way that respects your loved one.

Understanding Funeral Options

Traditional Funerals

A traditional funeral service usually involves several components: a viewing or visitation, a formal ceremony, and a burial. The body is often embalmed and placed in a casket. A hearse transports the body to the cemetery where the burial takes place. This type is often the most expensive because of the embalming, casket, and other associated costs.

Families often prefer this option for its familiarity and the sense of closure it provides. Traditional funerals usually take place in a church or funeral home and may be followed by a graveside service.

Cremation Services

Cremation is becoming more popular due to its flexibility and lower costs. In the cremation process, the body is incinerated, leaving behind ashes or “cremains.” These can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or buried.

There are also different types of cremation services. Direct cremation skips the formal ceremony, making it a more affordable option. Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is an environmentally friendly method that uses water and lye.

Green and Natural Burials

Green burials aim to minimize environmental impact. They forgo embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable caskets. Instead, bodies are buried in natural settings using materials that decompose naturally.

A natural burial can involve a simple wooden coffin, a shroud, or no container. Human composting, another eco-friendly option, transforms the body into soil. These methods appeal to those who are conscious of their ecological footprint.

Direct and Simple Options

Direct and simple methods are available for those seeking simpler, more cost-effective options. Direct cremation doesn’t include a formal ceremony, which reduces costs significantly. The body is cremated soon after death without embalming.

Another option is a simple burial. This type involves a straightforward service without the frills of a traditional funeral. There may be no embalming, and the ceremony is often brief and to the point. These options suit families looking for a no-fuss way to honor their loved ones.

Planning Ahead

I suggest considering the different pre-plans and insurances available and the importance of selecting a funeral provider.

Pre-Need Arrangements

Pre-need arrangements are made before death to ease the funeral planning process for your family. You can outline your final wishes, choose specific services, and even prepay for your funeral. This ensures all your requests are honored without guesswork from your family. It’s wise to review the general price list offered by funeral homes to understand all the costs involved. Discussing these arrangements with your loved ones can help ensure everyone knows your directives.

Life Insurance and Funeral Costs

Life insurance can significantly assist with covering funeral costs. Policies such as final expense insurance provide funds specifically for burial expenses. This can cover costs ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. It’s important to know that the average funeral cost in 2019 was around $9,000. Utilizing a life insurance policy ensures these expenses are met, lessening the financial burden on your loved ones. Speak to your insurance provider to understand the options available and ensure adequate coverage for funeral arrangements.

Selecting a Funeral Provider

Choosing the right funeral provider can make a significant difference in honoring your final wishes. I advise researching various funeral providers to find one that meets your needs. Consider visiting potential providers to get a feel for their services and facilities. Reviewing their general price list can help you compare costs and services offered. Ensure the selected provider offers the right services, such as memorials, cremations, or burials. Opting for a trusted and reputable provider can bring peace of mind, knowing that your funeral will be handled professionally and respectfully.

Funeral Services and Ceremonies

There are various ways to honor a loved one when they pass away. 

Traditional Services

Traditional funeral services often occur in a funeral home or a place of worship. These services could be led by a clergy member and include readings from holy books, hymns, and prayers. Usually, a formal funeral service is followed by a graveside service, where the body is buried.

A viewing or visitation might be held before the formal service to give friends and family a chance to pay their last respects. This is a time for comforting the grieving family and sharing in their sorrow.

Memorial and Committal Services

A memorial service is held without the body present, giving friends and family a way to remember and celebrate a loved one’s life. These services often feature eulogies, music, and shared memories.

A committal service usually happens at the graveside or at the place where ashes will be scattered. This ceremony can include prayers, readings, and sometimes the act of scattering or burying the ashes.

For those who prefer cremation, there are flexible options for the final disposition, including burial, scattering, or storing in an urn.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life service focuses on remembering the joyful moments of a person’s life rather than their death. These events are often less formal, and can be held anywhere, from a beach to a backyard.

Instead of wearing black, people might wear bright colors and share happy stories and memories. This service can include music, dancing, and activities that the deceased enjoyed.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Different cultures and religions have unique funeral practices. For instance, a green funeral involves eco-friendly burial practices, such as using biodegradable coffins and clothing.

In many religious funerals, specific rituals are followed. A Jewish funeral might include a seven-day mourning period called Shiva, whereas Hindu funeral rites involve a cremation followed by rituals that help the soul transition.

Cultural traditions also influence funeral practices. For example, in some cultures, a funeral might be a large and elaborate event with multiple ceremonies, while in others it is a more intimate affair.

The Documentation Process

Organizing a funeral requires careful attention to paperwork. It’s essential to obtain a death certificate and complete all necessary documentation.

​Obtaining a Death Certificate

Obtaining a death certificate is the first step when someone passes away. You will need this document for many legal and financial processes. Typically, a medical examiner or a doctor provides the initial certification. You may need multiple copies, as banks, insurance companies, and other institutions often require a certified copy.

Completing Necessary Paperwork

Following the death certificate, you must complete various essential documents. This paperwork ensures that all legal and financial matters are settled properly. Some documents include arranging the funeral service, handling any wills, and dealing with insurance claims.

You might also need to notify state agencies, close bank accounts, and handle tax matters. Some resources like the AARP Checklist can help you track all these steps. Accuracy is key, so ensure every form is filled out correctly to avoid delays.

Handling the Remains

It’s important to understand the different options available for handling the remains of your loved one.

Burial Options

Burial is one of the most common methods for handling remains. You can choose from various burial containers, such as a burial vault, grave liner, or burial container. These containers protect the casket and keep the ground from sinking over time.

I recommend considering a green burial, which avoids chemicals and synthetic materials for a more eco-friendly choice. The Green Burial Council can help you find certified providers who meet these standards.

You can also take a traditional ground burial in a cemetery, where the body is placed in a casket, often followed by a grave marker or headstone to honor your loved one.

Cremation and Its Variations

 After cremation, the cremated remains, also known as ashes, can be kept in an urn, scattered in a special place, or even turned into jewelry.

Some families choose direct cremation, which skips the funeral service, while others prefer a cremation with a memorial service.

There are also alternate forms of cremation, like aquamation, which uses water and chemicals instead of fire, or promession, a process that freeze-dries the body.

Special Considerations for Remains

Handling the remains often involves following specific legal and cultural protocols. For instance, certain jurisdictions have laws about how long you can keep the cremated remains at home. I suggest to consult with a funeral director to understand these regulations.

Some families might opt for body donation to science, which can include subsequent cremation at no cost.

If you keep the remains at home, there are multiple creative ways to honor your loved one, such as storing the ashes in an urn or creating a dedicated space with photographs and personal items.

Whether you choose burial or cremation, it’s important to consider what’s best for you and your family.

Financial Aspects of Funerals

Planning a funeral can be stressful, especially when you consider the cost involved. To help you manage these expenses, let’s break down the typical funeral costs and how you can save through price comparisons and bundled services.

Understanding Funeral Expenses

Funeral costs can vary greatly depending on several factors. On average, you may spend between $7,000 and $12,000 for a funeral in the United States. This includes essential services like the funeral ceremony, casket, and burial or cremation. Cash advance items, such as flowers and clergy fees, can also add to the total cost.

Some common funeral expenses include:

Service Fees 

These cover the funeral home’s basic services.

Casket or Urn 

Depending on whether you choose burial or cremation.

Transportation

 Hearse and other vehicle services.

Cash Advance Items:

Flowers, obituary notices, etc.

Understanding these expenses helps you plan and budget without unnecessary stress. Remember that some funeral homes offer prepaid plans, which can lock in current prices and save your family money in the long run.

Price Comparisons and Bundle Services

Comparing prices from different funeral homes can significantly reduce your expenses. Funeral homes often offer bundled service options, which combine several services at a lower total cost. For example, a package might include the service fee, transportation, and a casket at a discounted rate.

When comparing prices, ask for a detailed price list to understand what each package includes. Some services may appear cheaper initially, but additional fees can quickly add up. I advise to compare all aspects, that include:

Service Packages

See what each package includes.

Individual Costs

Check the prices of à la carte items.

Hidden Fees

Be aware of any extra charges.

By carefully evaluating your options, you can find a funeral plan that respects your budget and meets your needs. 

Conclusion

By exploring the various funeral options available, you can make an informed decision that best honors your loved one and aligns with your family’s values. Evaluating costs, considering the deceased’s wishes, and incorporating personal touches are important steps in this process. 

Whether you choose a traditional funeral, cremation, green burial, celebration of life, or an alternative option, I suggest you take the time to thoughtfully plan the service to guarantee it will be meaningful and provide comfort to everyone involved. Making these decisions together as a family can also bring a sense of unity and peace during this challenging time.