Choosing a funeral home is about trust. You should feel comfortable asking questions and never feel rushed. Look for a family-owned funeral home that takes time to listen, explains your options clearly, and focuses on what your family needs —not on selling packages. The right funeral home will guide you, especially in the first few days after a death.

A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

It depends on your specific situation. First there needs to be an official that confirms the death. If the person who died was on hospice that conformation is usually prearranged with the doctor. If the death was unexpected, and not in a hospital, calling the police is the right thing to do.

For a traditional customary burial funeral service, the body is preserved with embalming, there is often a visitation in the evening and a funeral ceremony the following day, then burial at a cemetery. For cremation, the body is reduced with either flame or an alkaline solution then the "ashes" are placed in an urn. Ceremony and/or burial can happen after this.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.