Finding an honest, reputable, consumer-friendly funeral home or cremation service starts with deciding what you want and what your budget is. For a burial with embalming and a funeral, you will probably need a fairly local funeral home. For a burial without embalming, you can look at a wider local range since you need not use the establishment to coordinate a memorial. For cremation, look both locally and state-wide, considering both funeral homes and cremation services.
Price may be an important consideration and while you may not want the most expensive establishment, don’t sign up at the least expensive place until you have carefully checked that there are no extra, hidden charges. Too many people have been taken in by ‘a great deal’ that turns sour.
We suggest that you also consider the establishment’s willingness to divulge their prices and provide the official, printed price lists. (Are they on the internet? If you call, will they be emailed or be sent to you? Do you get them at the start of your interview?) In reviewing the price lists, are they complete? (Are all the transportation fees covered? In CT, is the Medical Examiner’s fee for cremation included? Is the cremation container included?)
You also should consider if your wishes are clearly understood and honestly answered. (Is buying a casket on the internet disparaged? Are there hurdles to accepting one? Are there efforts to “upsell” you with a ‘nicer, more suitable casket’? Is there a clear explanation why only the embalmed may have a funeral?)
In planning a funeral, (a service with embalming), after you have narrowed down the alternatives, you probably will go for a consultation to discuss arrangements and view the facilities. It’s always a good idea to go with someone who knows what is wanted and can ask questions. Ask for the itemized statement, but do not sign it yet; take the copy to review, compare, discuss with family. You can sign it later. If you are not satisfied by your visit, you can leave and try another on your list.
FCAofCT’s periodic price survey of the over 300 Connecticut funeral establishments, along with explanations is available to members. While not all places are willing to share their pricelists, there are enough so that our members have a good picture of the range of prices in the state. Members get the funeral establishment prices for three towns and also for less costly direct burial and cremation establishments statewide. Additionally, members receive a detailed explanation of prices, legalities, and caveats to help review the prices.
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Revised 6/19/2024