FAQs & Questions

The first expense is for the "right to use" the burial plot, which differs from purchasing real estate—you are buying the "interment rights" to the land, not the land itself. Additionally, there are fees for the "opening" and "closing" of the grave, along with charges for obtaining necessary permits and maintaining cemetery records. Other costs may include fees for specialized equipment, such as a casket-lowering device, and any additional services or items purchased. You'll also need to pay for the installation of a headstone or grave marker, along with a one-time "perpetual care" fee, which ensures long-term maintenance of the burial site.

This is a common question we receive. Many funeral homes recommend (and sometimes require) embalming if you plan to have a viewing or visitation. This is because they aim to provide the best experience for attendees, and proper embalming helps ensure the deceased looks their best. However, as a general guideline, embalming is not necessary or legally mandated if the body is handled within a relatively short timeframe. For specific state or local requirements, please reach out to us directly.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the average cost of a casket is approximately $2,000. If you have concerns about casket prices, it's a good idea to consult with your funeral director, who can help you find a casket that fits your needs and budget.

Modern cemeteries are typically well-maintained, featuring expansive areas of lush green grass. A burial vault serves to preserve this beautiful landscape by preventing any visible settling of burial plots. While it does provide protection for the casket, its main purpose is to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the cemetery grounds.

If your loved one did not make prior arrangements for their burial, you'll need to start by selecting a cemetery and a specific burial site within its grounds. You'll also choose an appropriate casket and burial vault, and provide us with the clothing you'd like your loved one to wear, along with any special items you'd like placed in the casket. After payment is completed, we will schedule the date and time for the interment. At that point, the cemetery staff will handle the "opening" and "closing" of the grave, as well as the proper placement of the casket in the burial vault.

The cemetery will place a temporary identification marker on your loved one's grave, serving as a placeholder until a permanent headstone or grave marker is installed. Without a permanent marker, the burial site may appear "unmarked" once the temporary marker becomes unreadable or is removed.

We, along with the cemetery where your loved one will be interred, have established strong relationships with reputable monument companies. When you're ready to order a headstone or grave marker, we will collaborate to manage its selection, manufacturing, and placement. Please consult your funeral director for more details.

When we arrange for a direct burial, we are facilitating a swift interment without a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. Our focus will be on providing the necessary physical care for the deceased, which may include embalming, dressing, and placing them in the casket. We then transport the casket directly to the cemetery for immediate burial.

It’s difficult to determine without discussing your situation with you. Direct burial is often a suitable option when there are few mourners or if your loved one expressed a desire for a simple interment. This process is carried out quickly and professionally, without any ceremony. With that in mind, how do you feel about it? Does direct burial seem like the right choice for you? Consider speaking with a funeral professional to explore this option further.

Your funeral director will handle the completion and filing of the death certificate, obtain signatures for any necessary permits or authorizations, and assist you in selecting a cemetery for your loved one’s interment, as well as a casket and burial vault. They will oversee the physical care of the deceased, ensuring they are dressed in the clothing you’ve provided (or purchased from us), placed in the casket, and escorted to the cemetery for immediate burial. This same director will witness the burial and provide you with copies of all relevant documents for your records.

Instead of holding a service at a church or funeral home chapel followed by a burial at the cemetery, some families opt to gather exclusively at the cemetery. During this time, a clergy member or celebrant leads a ceremony, allowing attendees to witness the in-ground committal of their loved one’s casket. If a graveside service sounds appealing to you, discuss your options with your funeral director.

During your discussion with the funeral director, you will go over purchases from outside vendors, and you’ll be required to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference. One common expense is the fee for publishing your loved one’s obituary in a newspaper. Other potential cash advance charges might include fees for clergy or musicians, floral arrangements, and reception essentials like food, beverages, or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash advance items.

The specific answer to this question will depend on the services, products, and cemetery you choose; however, a general guideline is to expect to make payment when the service contract is signed, typically during the arrangement conference or shortly thereafter. For more information, please consult your funeral director.

We might respond to this question with another: who would you like to write it? You might consider asking a friend or family member, or perhaps you feel inclined to take on the task yourself. Alternatively, you could delegate the responsibility to your funeral director. They have experience in writing obituaries and would be happy to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask them to create a fitting tribute.