Planning a funeral is an important decision that should be made with care. A good funeral home will honor your loved one and ensure their wishes are respected.
They will work closely with you to learn what matters most and design a funeral celebrating life. In addition, they will provide affordable and customizable services such as direct cremations and simplified funeral arrangements.
Experience
A funeral home provides much-needed services to families during a difficult time. They work closely with each family to learn what matters most and design a funeral celebrating life.
A good funeral home will also be there for you long after the funeral. They may offer grief counseling services, post-funeral newsletters and education, memorial videos, in-home “check-in” visits and phone calls, or holiday commemoration services, to name a few options.
It is important to compare pricing when selecting a funeral home. Ask each one for their General Price List, which they are legally required to provide. It’s also a good idea to read their mission statement and history. It will give you a sense of their values and customer commitment.
Location
A funeral home is an establishment that offers a range of burial and cremation options in addition to a network of support. They can help you fully customize your arrangements and are well-versed in various faiths. They also offer quiet visitation rooms and grief resources.
It’s essential to consider a funeral home’s location, your loved one’s wishes, and the ease of travel for you and your family. If you need clarification, speak to friends or colleagues for recommendations.
Individuals or corporations can own funeral homes in Ottawa Ontario. However, regardless of their ownership structure, all funeral homes must adhere to the FTC Funeral Rules. Includes having an accurate General Price List and providing transparent pricing.
Reputation
A funeral home with a strong reputation can be trusted to provide excellent service. It is because they have a history of providing affordable services, compassionate care, and family support. It is essential when planning a funeral because a good funeral director can help you find ways to save money.
For example, they can help you select a casket or coffin that meets your budget. The prices for engraving services may differ based on the type of materials used and the complexity of the engraving required. Additionally, specialized engravings may incur extra costs.
They also provide various burial and cremation options, including direct cremation. They are one of Ontario’s few funeral homes offering this option, a greener alternative to traditional flamed cremation. They offer burial and memorial services at various locations.
Pricing
Funeral homes typically offer a range of merchandise and services to meet every family’s budget. They may include a basic services fee in their prices, which covers arrangements like filing the death certificate, notifying relatives, and preparing public notices. Other fees may cover transportation, body storage (sometimes referred to as “sheltering”), and preparation.
Funeral homes may charge for items purchased from outside vendors, such as flowers, obituary listings, and pallbearers. The Funeral rule requires them to itemize those costs on their price lists.
A funeral home is not required to offer a package deal, but some do. A packaged service can be an effective way to reduce costs and simplify the planning process for some families. However, compare the total cost of all items on each provider’s price list before choosing one.
Availability
Choosing the proper funeral home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Shop around before making your final choice. Ask for a general price list and compare prices between providers. You may also want to visit the funeral homes with a friend or family member less emotionally invested in the funeral process.
If your culture or religion has special rituals associated with the funeral, choose a funeral home that offers ample space for performing those events. In addition, if you are planning a memorial service, look for a funeral home offering various monument options. For instance, they should have different types of caskets and urns available for selection. They should also have enough space to accommodate your guests comfortably.
