6 Unknown Details About Funerals That Will Surprise You

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Losing a loved one is certainly a difficult experience. While it is overwhelming to plan a funeral while you are grieving, you will still have to find the time to prepare for it and finalize burial details. Many people believe that they are aware of everything there is to know about funerals. However, this could not be further from the truth. If you have recently lost someone and are responsible for the incredibly difficult task of organizing their funeral, you need to try your best to keep a level head to make sure that the day goes without a hitch. On that note, here are 6 surprising details about funerals that you may not be aware of.

1.You Don’t Need a Funeral Director

When you are grief-stricken, it is understandable that you might want to let someone else organize the funeral on your behalf. Even though this is a valid option for many families, what most people do not know is that having a funeral director is not mandatory. You’d be surprised how many families think that it is required by law! However, organizing a funeral yourself is certainly doable. The first thing you should do is register the death and get a certificate of its cause. Then, you can contact your family members and enlist the help of a funeral home to take care of the body.

2. Embalming is Not Mandatory

Embalming, the practice of preserving deceased bodies, has been around for centuries, and while it is a must for open-casket funerals, it is definitely not obligatory. This is especially the case if the body will be cremated. Considering that the cost of embalming can amount to $1000, it makes sense that you might want to put your money into something more sentimental like customizable cremation urns. In this case, the folks at greenmeadowmemorials.com/cremation-urns recommend choosing an urn that reflects your loved one’s personality and honors their memory. Since cremation is not something that all families opt for, you should know that even if you end up burying the body, embalming is still not something you have to invest in, provided that you will forgo the viewing ceremony.

3. Funerals are Not Expensive

If your budget is holding you back from holding a funeral for your deceased loved one, rest assured that funerals can be customized to reduce costs. Moreover, pre-death arrangements like burial insurance can help a bit with the expenses. Even if the deceased did not invest in this type of insurance, most funeral homes offer a wide array of packages that suit all needs. So, be honest with the funeral home’s director about how much you are willing to pay to allow them to find a plan that does not require going over your budget.

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4. Wooden Coffins are Not a Must

Granted, most families go for traditional wooden coffins. However, this does not mean that you have to. This is especially the case if you want a coffin that looks more luxurious or personalized. Furthermore, if you have a limited budget, you can go for bamboo or a cardboard coffin. Shrouds are also getting more popular. As you can see, wooden coffins are the standard choice, but they are not the only option you have.

5. You Can Enlist the Help of a Funeral Home Located Outside Your Town

Local funeral homes are what the vast majority of people opt for when they need to prepare a body for burial. Yet, you do not have to hire your local funeral home if you can find competitive packages elsewhere. Hiring a funeral home that is located outside your hometown can also be good if you cannot find a package that contains all the services you are looking for in your local one. So, before you make any commitments, browse the internet for the best packages and prices, and do not feel obligated to hire a local funeral home because everyone is doing it.

6. You Don’t Need a Hearse

When people think about moving the body from the location of the service to that of the burial, they usually believe that a hearse is their only option. Nevertheless, this is just a misconception. There are many alternatives you can go for, including horse-drawn carriages or even your own car if it is big enough. These options can be cost-efficient if you are worried about the extra costs commonly associated with requesting a hearse.

Planning a funeral can sometimes be too overwhelming, but with some basic understanding, you can honor your loved one’s memory and give them the send-off they deserve. As you now know, there are many misconceptions surrounding funerals. Hopefully, you can use the above information to make sure that you do not pay more than you should or commit to services that you do not need.

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