Planning a funeral is hard. If you are having to make decisions because a loved one has passed away, then you are in mourning and it is a difficult time to make any choices. If you are pre-planning your own funeral, then you are likely facing uncomfortable conversations you don’t really enjoy having. Either way, one of the first decisions you will need to make is choosing the right funeral home. Here are seven things to consider when making this decision.
1. Consider Their Reputation
Reputation matters because it says a lot about how the funeral will be handled and how mourning family members will be treated. One good way to research a funeral home is to look at online reviews as well as consider word of mouth from the community.
2. Make Sure You Are Happy with the Staff
Take the time to meet the staff. These are people who will be handling a very difficult time in your life or your loved one’s lives. You want to make sure everyone is treated with respect and dignity. So, make sure you are comfortable with the staff who will be handling the funeral.
3. Look for Quality Communication
Communication is absolutely vital. You will want to choose a funeral home that responds to messages, calls people back, and spends the time to make sure you or your loved ones understand everything that is happening.
4. Ask If They Can Personalize the Service
A funeral service is a lasting memorial. It’s the moment when people will have a chance to say their last goodbyes to their loved ones. It is also a time to truly honor the departed and that means a personalized service that is everything that person would have wanted. Consider funeral homes that will allow you to personalize the service to the individual and not expect you to use a prepackaged plan.
5. Ensure the Facility Meets the Needs
The facility is important too. You will need to consider how many people are expected to attend the funeral and any special accommodations that will be required. If it will be a small service, then a smaller facility can work well. If you expect a large outpouring of mourners, then you will need to ensure the facility is large enough to accommodate everyone.
6. Consider Religious Needs
Religious and cultural needs are important as well. If you or your loved one are of a certain religion or have certain cultural needs for the service, then you will need to choose a funeral home that can meet those service needs as well.
7. Look into Cost
While you likely don’t want to have to put a budget on it, funerals can be costly and you will need to consider cost when picking a funeral home to handle your or your loved one’s service.
Planning a funeral is never easy, but a good place to start to take stress off is to pick the right funeral home. Use these seven tips to help you with this decision. Remember, beyond the physical facilities, prioritize a compassionate and understanding staff who can provide personalized support during this difficult time.
