The second step in Advance Funeral Planning is to select the type of services and merchandise that best suit your wishes. Generally, there are two categories of funeral services: those ending with burial or entombment and those ending with cremation. Your choice will help to determine the types of professional services and merchandise to be considered. However, here is a brief overview to help us get started.

Funeral services include:

• Professional services of the funeral directors and staff.
• Transportation services.
• Embalming and other preparation.
• Facilities for visitation.
• The funeral ceremony.
• Other services or items necessary or requested by the family.

Funeral merchandise includes:

• Casket, urn or both.
• Outer burial container-burial vault or other selections.
• Other merchandise or materials such as memorial notes, acknowledgement cards or transfer containers.

When choosing the services, it is important to understand the purpose of a funeral

A Funeral Service fills several important needs in today's society. First, it provides the respectful care of the deceased, by providing a special tribute or memorial to a unique life. Equally important, the funeral service helps survivors cope with the reality of death - the first big step in overcoming grief. It also brings together relatives and close friends who can lend support and comfort when most needed. A funeral gives friends and relatives the chance to express the love they feel for someone who was important to them.

Things to consider:

Funeral Services ending with burial, entombment or cremation?
Preference of casket type?
What are my options in choosing a casket? Metal or Wood
Visitation: Yes or No
If yes, where?: Funeral Home, Church or Home
Casket/Urn Present? Yes or No
Funeral Service to be held at: Funeral Home, Chapel, Church or Graveside Only

If you'd like you can submit the answers to these questions and more using our "Contact Us" form by clicking here.