Funeral Homes in Virginia Can Guide You in the Purchase of Products for Funerals and Memorials
Many memorial and funeral products exist which can make planning a funeral complicated but Virginia funeral homes can assist you in making the right decisions for your deceased loved one. While there are some regulations governing certain products, you do have plenty of selections to choose from whether it is for a funeral or memorial service.
Funeral Homes in Virginia Have a Varied Selection of Caskets
The State of Virginia is one of the few remaining states where you cannot purchase a casket from a third party retailer within the state if that retailer does not have a funeral director's license. In fact, the state does not allow casket retailers to do business there. Dealing with Virginia funeral homes, you basically have to purchase a casket from them. Another option is to build your own or request an alternative container that is less expensive than a casket.
No two caskets are alike and funeral homes in Virginia will present to you a varied selection. Burial containers may be made from wood, metal, fiberglass or a combination of materials. The interior of the casket is variable as well with different fabric selections available. Of course, a casket is not a state requirement so you could get away without purchasing one altogether. After all, a casket does not prevent or slow natural decomposition. However, if you choose cremation as final disposition for a loved one, a rigid, combustible container is required.
Virginia Funeral Homes Can Arrange for a Burial Vault if Needed
There is no legal requirement in the State of Virginia that dictates a need for a vault or outside burial container. However, individual cemeteries can require it so it is important that funeral homes in Virginia find out for you and add this requirement to your Statement of Funeral Goods and Services. The purpose of a vault or outside burial container is to prevent the ground from caving in at the burial site. It is a primary requirement for cemetery maintenance purposes.
Virginia funeral homes can facilitate this option if the cemetery of your choice requires it for your deceased loved one's casket burial. The basic vault is simply a concrete box but some are more elaborate and may be lined with metal or plastic. Burial of an ash-filled urn after cremation typically does not require a vault due to the small size of the container.
Urn Selections Abundant at Funeral Homes in Virginia for Cremation
Sometimes, cremation is the chosen method of disposition because of its affordability. If you plan to display the urn filled with the cremated remains of your loved one in your home or purchase a space within a columbarium, a decorative choice is optimal. Virginia funeral homes can place the cremated remains in a temporary container at no additional charge but this option should not be considered unless you plan to immediately scatter the ashes of your loved one in a special ceremony or primate moment. Otherwise, an urn is best when it will be seen by the public. Funeral homes in Virginia have a varied selection available on-site or can order something more appropriate. Urns can be made from wood, marble, metal or a combination of materials. Personalization is common and may include engraved messages or even special embossing with emblems or medallions noting military service.
Grave Markers May Be Governed by Cemetery Rules
For casket or urn burials in a cemetery, not only must you purchase a cemetery plot but also a grave marker as well. These details are often handled by Virginia funeral homes as they are well-versed in all the ins and outs of the arrangements. Many grave markers are made from marble or granite. However, metal is growing in popularity too. There are monument grave markers that are made in various sizes and stand upright while memorial grave markers set flush into the ground. The funeral director assisting in the planning of the funeral can find out the rules and regulations regarding grave markers in your chosen cemetery where the burial plot is located.
Funeral Homes in Virginia Offer Other Funeral Products
Other products are often made available to people planning a funeral or memorial service. Most are not a necessity but rather convenient items that you might purchase elsewhere. For instance, guest books and funeral thank-you cards are accessories that can help you keep track of visitors and acknowledge their attendance, gifts and donations in honor of the deceased. While you can expect some mark-ups on these items from Virginia funeral homes, it is convenient not to have to make a special trip to other suppliers for these extras. Memorial folders, prayer cards and service programs are other additional things you might consider purchasing from funeral homes in Virginia.
Death of a loved one is tough on anyone. And if you are trying to plan a funeral or memorial, your stress can be compounded easily dealing with all the details. Virginia funeral homes are well-versed in planning funeral and memorials as well as dealing with crematories and cemeteries. Concentrate on honoring your loved one and providing comfort to friends and family; rely on funeral homes in Virginia to take care of the details.