Frequently asked Questions

What is a funeral?

What makes a “good” funeral?

What are the key elements of a funeral?

Why are caskets open?

Does burial cost more than cremation?

Should children attend funerals?

Is it a good idea to preplan a funeral?

Do I have to pay if I prearrange a funeral?

What advantages are there to prepaying?

What is a funeral?

A funeral is an important opportunity to pay tribute to someone you loved by gathering in a common meeting place. Regardless of your traditions, it's a time for relatives and friends to gather, to share memories, tell stories and support one another.

Return to top

What makes a “good” funeral?

A "good" funeral is one that is authentic, creative, personalized, and meaningful in relation to the person who died and those who are grieving. Readings, music, the location of the funeral - paying attention to all these symbols of caring will help add meaning to the ceremony. A funeral can and SHOULD be a celebration of life! Today, funerals are becoming more and more personal and don't have to be formal oppressive affairs with the "standard" music and a complete stranger conducting the service.

Return to top

What are the key elements of a funeral?

A funeral can include any of all of the following: private or public visitation of the bereaved family; the actual ceremony; and a gathering at the time of burial or cremation. Each of these stages offers an opportunity to make the funeral a very personal event, reflecting the unique needs and wishes of those involved.

Return to top

Why are caskets open?

Often our first response to news of a death is "I can't believe it". In fact, many people who have had someone close to them die, report a period of "denial" prior to the visitation or funeral. Viewing of the deceased in an open casket serves to acknowledge the reality of death as physical fact and helps to promote the subsequent process of grief and healing.

Return to top

Does burial cost more than cremation?

Both burial and cremation can be done simply and inexpensively, but generally cremation is slightly less expensive. The important thing to remember is that the method of disposition is just part of the overall cost of a funeral. The total cost will depend on your personal preferences. It should also be noted that having cremation does not limit your options. It can actually increase them by allowing more flexibility with the final disposition of the ashes, among other factors.

Return to top

Should children attend funerals?

In our view, children who are old enough to love are old enough to mourn. Mourning helps the healing process, and a funeral is a time to mourn.

Return to top

Is it a good idea to preplan a funeral?

There are approximately 90 things that must be done after a death. By preplanning or prearranging a funeral, many of these details can be planned ahead of time. By completing some of these decisions ahead of time, you can minimize the emotional strain and financial concerns that would be placed on your children and/or executor. It also allows you to share feelings about various aspects of funeral services and talk with others about personal preferences. It provides an opportunity to put all your or someone else's affairs in order in a relaxed, unhurried way. To receive a pamphlet about preplanning or to obtain other information, please click here.

Return to top

Do I have to pay if I prearrange a funeral?

No. Some prefer to outline their instructions and preferences to help guide their family at such a stressful time. This information is kept on file and is easily accessible.

Return to top

What advantages are there to prepaying?

Prepaying offers many advantages. Inflation is pushing funeral costs upward just like everything else. But if you pay for your pre-arranged funeral service in advance, you are guaranteed that the services, the type of casket and all other components you have selected will be supplied at the prices prevailing today ... not at inflated future prices.

Return to top