Advice for Saving Money When Dealing with Funeral Homes in Florida and Planning a Funeral
The death of a loved one is difficult but with the help of Florida funeral homes, you can arrange a funeral that is both meaningful and affordable. You might feel some guilt for wanting to save money when a loved one has just died. However, because you and your family are living, the deceased likely wouldn't want you to go into debt for their funeral. With some handy advice on how to save money, you can work quite well with funeral homes in Florida.
Comparison Shop Florida Funeral Homes
Some people may feel awkward about comparison shopping for funeral planning. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to hold onto savings when seeking help with the death care of a deceased loved one. You will not find the best pricing without looking around. Whether you call funeral homes in Florida or stop by in person, the establishment must provide a general price list up front. And if you decide on a casket burial, a casket and container price list must also be presented.
Purchase Only What You Want from Florida Funeral Homes
When you are arranging the funeral for your loved one, have a friend with you if possible who is not as vested as you are. They can offer their support and provide a sounding board for you. You will less likely purchase items and services that are not necessary for the funeral. Funeral homes in Florida often have package pricing which can make things easier for bereaved families. However, what if there are some things in the package that you do not want or need? A la carte choices can be a much better option as you can single out those services and goods that best suit your deceased loved one.
Alternative Casket or Containers for your Loved One
Most Florida funeral homes present a selection of caskets, containers and urns for you to choose from for the final disposition of the deceased. Did you know that you don't have to necessarily choose from the funeral establishment's selection? You can find caskets on the internet or even build one from a kit. This is a way to save money on funeral arrangements when working with funeral homes in Florida. The same principle applies to urns should cremation be chosen instead of casket burial.
If arranging a casket or urn separately is something you do not want to deal with, you do have the option of inquiring of the Florida funeral homes whether or not they have a basic or "minimum container." A no-frills container like this could easily be draped with a favorite quilt, flag or attractive fabric for better presentation of your deceased loved one.
Inquire about Cremation When Talking with Funeral Homes in Florida
Cremation is considerably more affordable than a traditional funeral service with casket burial. If no particular wishes were expressed by the deceased and your family truly has no preference in terms of final disposition, cremation could be the best option you choose. There are direct cremation options that do not include extra services such as a funeral service, embalming or casket. Of course, you can work with Florida funeral homes for added services such as a public viewing or visitation so family and friends can say good-bye.
Hold a Memorial Instead of a Funeral Service
Funeral homes in Florida can assist you in planning a memorial for the deceased. In this case, the body would not need to be present. Other options that typically go with a traditional funeral such as embalming and a casket can be bypassed. This choice is best suited when cremation is chosen. However, Florida funeral homes can still plan the memorial option, even with a casket burial. You can save time and money by forgoing a public visitation for a private family viewing.
Know your State Laws as They Apply to Funeral Homes in Florida
Embalming is typically not necessary in most cases. However, the deceased may need to be refrigerated until final disposition can take place. Some Florida funeral homes may require embalming if you choose to have a public visitation or viewing or if the funeral does not happen immediately. Of course, if the deceased must be transported over a long distance by land or even flown in an airplane, embalming may be required as well.
In Florida, there is no requirement for a vault, casket or liner for burial. However, individual cemeteries may have rules about needing a vault for structural integrity, depending on the stability of the grounds and flood plains. Funeral homes in Florida should be able to find out this information for you, if cemetery burial is what you want for the deceased.
Florida is not one of the eight states in the country that requires you retain the services of a funeral director. You could theoretically handle all the arrangements by yourself. However, this would not be a wise move. Florida funeral homes are well-versed in all the rules and guidelines about funerals as well as all the paperwork necessary for legal purposes. Basically, funeral homes in Florida can guide you easily through the planning process so that you can concentrate on grieving and comforting your family and friends.