The services involved in final arrangements are extensive and specific, so you likely won’t find all of them under one roof. Funeral homes in Cranbury, NJ, facilitate many different services, each being slightly different in scope and cost.

Working with a funeral home should be one of the first decisions you make when planning a final farewell. It may not seem like it at first glance, but in reality, your funeral home is one of the most significant choices you’ll make in this process.

Here are six things to look out for when choosing a funeral home:

1. The people

The people at the funeral home are the topmost factor to consider. It’s important to remember that your funeral director is not a salesperson but rather a guide. Your director should be able to walk you through each step in the process, answer your questions and provide advice on what works best for your situation.

2. The prices

Most funeral homes have their price lists readily available online, so check them out before going in for a consultation. If prices vary significantly from one funeral home to another, it might be worth examining before deciding. Most often, it boils down to quality versus price for these services.

In other words, the price of a funeral is directly related to the services provided. A full-service funeral may involve embalming, dressing, casketing, and transporting the body. Likewise, paperwork, funeral items, as well as the use of the facility for visitation or memorial services.

Sometimes additional costs are associated with certain services. Therefore, you should know exactly what a package includes before paying.

3. The packages

Funeral homes offer packages that include specific items such as the casket or urn, programs, flowers and decoration, use of staff and facilities for gatherings, etc. Or they can be customized based on your personal needs by choosing individual items on an itemized list instead of pre-packaged options.

Whichever you go with, inquire about the details and how they differ so you can make an informed decision with no hidden ramifications.

4. The facilities

Some funeral homes have their own facilities, and some work with other businesses, such as churches or reception halls. Some handle cremation, while others specialize in burial services.

So it helps to know what type of facilities the sendoff you are planning would require to deduce that a provider can deliver adequately.

You can get an idea of how well-maintained the funeral home is and how professional and friendly the staff is online before speaking with them directly. Ask about their credentials, experience, and background, if needed.

This can give you a good idea of the range of those you are putting in charge of your arrangements and how much you can expect from them.

5. The reputation

The funeral home’s reputation is key to managing your expectations. It bears keeping in mind that your emotions will be all over the place when a loved one passes. Therefore, it’s all the more critical that you trust the people you are talking with to hold their own during this time. 

You can ask for your immediate network’s recommendations and check reviews online to see what previous customers with similar backgrounds have to say about the provider’s services. If you have doubts, it’s better to satisfactorily address them before signing any contract.

6. Additional resources

You may also want to go with a funeral home that offers resources to help you get through this time a bit more smoothly. This can include grief resources, etiquette, and guides to claiming benefits, among others.

There is plenty to consider when finding the right funeral home. Take your time and choose expediently since this is a decision you can’t necessarily do over. Drop by or call our Cranbury, NJ, funeral home today to verify that our services align with your needs.