Simple Direct Funerals

Googling the most asked questions on funerals

Here are the most googled questions asked about funerals.

Is embalming necessary?
No.  Ninety-nine percent of the funerals I’ve conducted have been without embalming.

How much does a funeral cost?  
How long is a piece of string?  Funerals can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.  If costs are a concern, definitely shop around and be mindful of additional expenses.

What is a funeral?
Essentially, a rite of passage.  Just like a wedding.  There is no one right way to hold a funeral.  It is a way to mark the passing of a life.

Dodgy FD

What do funeral directors do?
In general, funeral directors care for the body, manage the paperwork, and assist with the funeral service (if there is one).

Who chooses between burial and cremation?
The family chooses what they prefer.  Typically, this decision is already known.

Can I personalize a funeral?
Funerals can be tailored to reflect one’s personality and preferences, focusing on what is most important to you.  This includes options like personalized coffins and specific colors to wear at the funeral.

Why is an obituary notice important?
In the past, when newspapers were the main social media outlets, funeral notices were common.  Today, families have various options to inform others.

Who is a funeral director?
There are no specific prerequisites to becoming a funeral director.  Thus, anyone can pursue this role.  Often, individuals are quickly entitled to the title of funeral director upon starting work at a funeral home.

wheelbarrow of money

Why are funerals so expensive?
Even the simplest direct cremation will still cost over $2,000.  It doesn’t take much for prices to escalate.  Some of the pricier factors include coffin selection, catering, and using the facilities of the funeral home.

Should children attend funerals?
Death is a natural part of life, and many children handle it quite well.  It really depends on the parents’ attitude.  There are cultures where the deceased remains with the family for several days, allowing people of all ages, including children, to visit.  The deceased can quickly become, instead of something to fear, just a person.

What to do when someone dies?
Don’t panic.  Call family members for support.  Contact the funeral home to arrange for the transport of the deceased.  The funeral home will often reach out to the doctor if the family hasn’t done so.

Is the coffin cremated?
Yes.

Why have a public viewing?
For some, seeing the person after they have passed is an important part of the grieving process.  For others, there may be no desire to view the deceased.  It can be a personal choice, or the family may want to provide the opportunity (or not).

Coroner's Report

Why is a coroner involved?
This usually occurs when the death is unexplained, or when the person was alone at the time of death.

Does everyone need to be embalmed?
No – definitely not.

Are there funeral service options?
Funeral homes can vary significantly in the services (and costs) they provide.

Can the family witness the cremation?
This is not typically the case.  Often, a crematorium may have other people present for cremation, creating privacy issues.  Additionally, health and safety assessments need to be taken into account.

Does cremation cost less?
Much less than a burial – unless the burial plot is already paid for.  However, it’s essential to check prices with funeral homes as they can vary.

How long do funerals last?
The average funeral lasts less than an hour.  Sometimes there is a simple private gathering that may only last a few minutes, while others may extend for several hours.

What happens during cremation?
The person, coffin, and any items in or on the coffin (like flowers) are placed in the cremator.  The flames eliminate all moisture, leaving behind bones and ash.  This is then pulverized, resulting in a fine dust.  The average cremation takes around 4 to 6 hours.

When is the death certificate available?
The funeral director typically arranges for the necessary information to be sent to the appropriate government department on the same day or shortly thereafter.  The certificate should be processed within two weeks.

Conclusion
Arranging a funeral can be daunting with so many unknowns.  Our mission is to help families make it not only easier, but also meaningful (and less expensive).

Feel free to phone and ask me any questions.