The death of a loved one is a difficult time even without struggling to make the funeral arrangements. Though the funeral planning process is naturally distressing for many people, having some basic information about it will help the process go more smoothly. Whether you’re currently going through this process or you’re simply educating yourself in advance, the following answers to common questions will help.

Answers to Your Funeral Planning Questions

What determines the cost?

The cost of a funeral depends on multiple factors, depending on the choices you make. Bronze caskets cost more than wood, for example, as do more complicated gravestone designs. The burial plot you select will also have a large impact on price. The Federal Trade Commission provides a useful checklist for determining funeral costs. 

Can you hold a service with cremation?

Even if you opt for cremation, you can still hold a traditional memorial service, viewing, and burial. The cremation will simply wait until after the viewing, and perhaps even after the memorial ceremony, depending on whether you’d prefer an open casket. The ashes can then be interred into the earth, scattered in a meaningful place, or kept by loved ones in an urn.

Is embalming required?

Embalming is not a requirement for burial. Certain religious beliefs prohibit embalming, and funeral directors will always do their best to respect the desires of the deceased’s family. The only time that embalming is a necessity occurs when someone passes away while traveling. Then, the laws of that region will usually require embalming to be performed before the deceased can be transported between states.

What is funeral preplanning?

Some individuals choose to plan out their own funerals before passing away. There are multiple reasons for this. Sometimes the goal is to relieve financial and emotional strain on surviving family members. Other times, it’s a matter of ensuring that their last wishes are honored during the service. Regardless of the reason, if this is something you’re interested in, a funeral director can help you begin the process.

If you’re searching for compassionate and knowledgeable experts to assist you with funeral planning, preplanning, or other funeral arrangements, the staff at Northcutt & Son Home For Funerals, Inc is prepared to help. Located in Morehead, KY, this independent, family-owned establishment serves the surrounding counties on a 24/7 basis. Reach out today by visiting them online or by calling (606) 784-6491.