How To Choose A Funeral Home

It is normal to feel confused and stressed when making funeral arrangements. With the support of a professional funeral home, you can honor the memory of your loved one. Given the many funeral homes in the market, a selection criterion increases your chances of securing quality funeral services. Here are the significant steps for selecting a funeral home. 

Step 1: Decide on the Funeral Services You Need

The first step when searching for a funeral home is to decide on the funeral services you require. Typically, funeral homes offer various funeral services. Thus, the decision depends on the wishes of the deceased and the family. For starters, you will choose burial or cremation funeral service. Whichever you select, you can go for a traditional funeral service, immediate burial/cremation, or graveside ceremony. In addition, you also get to decide whether you want a memorial service, wake, and body viewing. Other essential funeral services include transportation, catering, décor, preparing a eulogy, and arranging for a funeral celebrant. Notably, funeral homes allow clients to customize their funeral services to meet specific needs.

Step 2: Get Referrals and Reviews for Funeral Homes 

Having decided on the desired funeral services, you can then search for the ideal funeral home. Essentially, the best place to start is by getting referrals from friends, family, and professional contacts. Importantly, ask for recommendations based on the quality of services and proximity to your location. Usually, a local funeral home is more likely to offer credible services to maintain a positive brand image in the community. Also, check the online customer reviews on the funeral homes' website and social media accounts. In the end, use the reviews to narrow your search. 

Step 3: Contact the Funeral Home 

The next action is to contact the shortlisted funeral homes to ask essential questions. Broadly, assess whether the funeral home is responsive and professional during the initial contact. Also, evaluate whether the company is empathetic and interested in supporting or getting profits. Remember that the funeral home will have questions for you, including desired funeral services, location, dates, expected service size, and budget. 

You can request the following information from the funeral home: 

• Business registration, operational history, and affiliations  
• Funeral service packages
• List of in-house and outsourced services 
• Funerals costs and quotation with a structured breakdown 
• The possibility of customizing the service 
• The opportunity to visit the funeral home

Step 4: Visit the Funeral Home and Sign the Agreement 

The information gathered from the initial contact will help you decide which funeral homes to visit. Essentially, the visit will help you assess the staff and facilities before making the final decision. Importantly, check out the reception space, visitation area, chapel, and cemetery grounds. If you are satisfied, ask for a detailed contract. However, consult with your funeral planning committee before signing the service agreement.   

Planning for a funeral does not have to be a stressful experience. The highlighted steps will help you select a suitable funeral home to ease your planning process. 

For more information, contact a funeral home in your area, such as Shepherd Funeral Home.