Understanding Funeral Pricing and Costs

A mortuary (also known as a funeral home) is an establishment that provides funeral and burial services for families. Funeral homes in South Charleston, WV, for example, provide funerals, wakes, and chapel services to families so their funerals run smoothly.

If surviving relatives or executors are named in a will, the funeral home’s responsibility is to handle the arrangements according to their wishes. In addition to handling all paperwork, permits, and other details, funeral homes often arrange burials and distribute obituaries to the media.

It is thought that the funeral industry dates back to ancient Egypt when the preservation of bodies was perfected. However, the financial crisis has led to more and more funeral homes posting obituaries online and creating memorial websites with materials donated by families.

Funeral homes are saddled with several forms of responsibilities apart from arranging a funeral. As a result, they are instructed by the federal government to let their clients be aware of their costs and prices.

Funeral home costs may vary from one to another because of several reasons. For some, it is the disparity in the kind of service they provide. For some, it is the additional cost incurred due to the provision of extra service.

Whatever the case is, they are mandated to let their clients know about these costs before they agree to patronize their services. Here is a guide to understanding the pricing and the costs.

Understanding Funeral Pricing and Costs

Under FTC regulations, funeral homes are required to provide consumers with a detailed statement of all the costs associated with the goods and services they provide. These statements are called the General Price List (GPL). As a result, consumers also can select and purchase only the specific goods and services they desire rather than being forced to purchase an entire package.

Generally, there are three types of funeral costs.

The Basic Service Fee

This is a universal fee that covers services commonly provided by all funeral homes, such as the use of funeral homes, the services of funeral directors and attendants, coordination of burial arrangements with a cemetery or third parties, approval of burial permits, and death certificates.

Optional Service Charges

Various optional services, such as transportation of the body, embalming, viewing at the funeral home (or wake), use of a hearse or limousine, burial containers, cremation, and burial, may incur a fee. The fee for these services is categorized under Optional Service Charges.

Cash Disbursements

Using this fee, the funeral home will purchase goods and services from other vendors on your behalf with your permission. For example, floral arrangements, clergy services, obituary notices, pallbearers, and other services such as musicians and caterers may be purchased during these services. The funeral home may charge an additional service fee to make arrangements with these third parties.

Consumers can research and compare funeral homes in planning a funeral and request detailed pricing information. Funeral homes in South Charleston, WV are more than ready to provide this information as their major goal is to bring you comfort in such a grieving period. Contact us now or visit our facilities.