A clear price list lets you see what you are paying for and compare funeral homes calmly. Most price lists have three parts.
- The funeral director’s services. A fee for arranging the funeral, the paperwork and the staff. It is usually included in every choice.
- Itemised goods and services. Things you can choose or leave out, such as use of the chapel, a hearse, a family car, a coffin or urn, and printed orders of service.
- Costs paid to others. Fees the funeral home pays on your behalf, such as cemetery or crematorium fees, copies of the death certificate, newspaper notices and the fee of a minister or celebrant. Ask for an estimate of each.
Packages and single items
Many funeral homes also offer packages, such as direct cremation or a traditional funeral. A package can be simpler, but check what it includes and whether you can remove items you do not want.
Your right to see prices
In many countries a funeral home must give you its prices on request. In the United States, the FTC’s Funeral Rule says funeral homes must give you price information by phone if you ask, and a written itemised price list when you ask in person about arrangements. You do not have to buy a package, and you can choose only the goods and services you want.