FAQs About Arranging a Funeral

What is an arrangement conference?

This is the meeting that occurs between you and the funeral director, where you can choose the type of merchandise you would like to have as well as requesting what particular services you would want the funeral director to perform. Therefore, before going to the arrangement conference, it is wise to give the following serious consideration:

• What type of casket (coffin) would be appropriate and within the allotted budget?

• Will the body need to be embalmed?

• Did the deceased have any preference for a method of disposition?

• Are there any particular requests to be incorporated in the desired funeral arrangements?

What are basic arrangement fees?

This is the fee levied by the funeral home to cover the cost of organizing the final disposition of the body. Therefore, this fee will pay for the services of the funeral director his staff and all their equipment. In addition to this, the cost of obtaining the required authorizations, including the death certificate and relevant permits is also included.

What does "burial" mean?

Burial is a method of putting the deceased to their final resting place. Burial costs will include the opening and closing of the grave. There is also the cost of obtaining a plot for burial to be taken into consideration. Part of this purchase price goes towards perpetual care. Where burial used to be the most selected method, cremation is becoming far more common. In some areas cremation is chosen up to 80% of the time.

What are cash advanced items?

There are certain things necessary for the funeral service that the funeral home will pay to a third party such as fees for the death certificate, the services of the clergy and the fees for the cemetery or the use of the crematorium. There is no profit on these items for the funeral home, so do not forget to ask for your itemized bill and receipts afterwards. It is also possible to pay for some of these things directly.

Will a casket price list be presented to me?

Yes, a list that provides a description of each casket, as well as alternative containers, and their corresponding retail price must be given to the customer prior to their selection of a container for the body.

What sort of options would I be presented with when choosing a casket?

The choice of the consumer will most likely depend upon the available budget and perhaps reflect their philosophy and/or religion in regard to burial of the dead. Some people believe that the deceased should be laid to rest in luxury with no-expense spared. Conversely, there are those who believe that the soul or spirit was the essence of the deceased and view burial as being relatively unimportant.

The types of caskets available for burial are numerous, however the most popular are listed here:

Cloth Covered Caskets: The least expensive casket prices usually reflect the quality of the merchandise offered. Cloth covered caskets' base material is usually composed of corrugated fiberboard & pressed wood; on occasion, soft woods may also be used. Exterior cloth coverings are then used and then the finished interiors have bedding as well as a lining.

Veneer Caskets: This is a less expensive type of casket than one made from a solid wood, yet it will still be pleasant to look at.

Non-Gasketed Steel Casket: The thinnest type of steel that casket manufacturers employ (20-gauge) is used in the construction of these caskets. Spot-welding is utilized to keep the bottom of the casket in place and is also used at the corners. This is a good choice for people with a preference for metal-caskets but are on a tight budget, although they are usually limited to a 'square-corner' design so the aesthetic options are small.

Gasketed Steel Caskets: These caskets utilize a continuous-weld at the seams, corners or at seams where the sides meet the ends during manufacture. The type of steel used can be 20-gauge (the thinnest), 18-gauge or 16-gauge (the latter being 67% thicker then 20-gauge, 18-gauge having 33% greater thickness than 20-gauge). To ensure the integrity of the casket, epoxies or similar substances can be used, as they will also minimize the likelihood of outside elements permeating the interior of the casket. In addition to this, the bottom of the casket may be seam-welded.

The 20-gauge caskets will almost certainly be square-cornered in design. However, caskets made from 18-gauge or 16-gauge steel will be able to offer a choice of designs with round corners, square corners or even round-cornered urn designs.

Hardwood Caskets: A hardwood casket can require between 130 to 150 board feet of lumbar in its' construction. Perhaps it is because of the effort required to gather the materials, or maybe due to the sense of history and timelessness associated with hardwood caskets, but such caskets seem to carry a certain dignity with them. This is also reflected in the quality of design and craftsmanship. Such caskets may have satin or gloss

How much do caskets cost - will I even need one?

Firstly, it is important to remember your budget limits - even though the deceased was dearly loved, would he/she want to see you drain your finances for the funeral. Hopefully, there will have been preplanning and prepayment of the funeral to ease the financial burden on the survivors. For most provinces in Canada you will need some sort of container. This container can even be made of very sturdy cardboard.

Actual containers & casket prices can be from as little as $75 (Canadian) for a rudimentary plywood construction, to a five-figure sum for the most expensive, elaborate caskets. These caskets are usually cloth-covered, hardwood or metal.

The type of hardware and lugs used can also affect the cost of caskets. The least expensive choice is painted stamped steel. For those with a larger budget, the most expensive choice would be to have buffed and hand-polished cast zinc. Some more contemporary options are to have lugs manufactured from polycarbonate (one of the so-called 'space-age plastics'). Any special design requests can also increase the cost of hardware.

It is possible to purchase caskets from discount casket stores in Canada. However, although these can be slightly cheaper (not always, though) they are not subject to any legislation as the funeral homes are, so one must be very sure of the choice of casket to be purchased.

A tip: have a close friend or relative accompany you whilst choosing your casket. Someone who is more objective may help you make a sound decision.

How do I obtain the cemetery deed?

As a rule Funeral Directors in Canada do not get involved in this decision. You would need to consult with a cemetery or memorial garden for this purchase. Before signing the deed, consider the following:

• If you move or change your mind about the cemetery plot, would you be able to sell the plot or transfer the ownership?

• What form of payment is required?

• If you miss a payment, would there be a penalty imposed upon you - if so, how much?

A Cemetery deed will show your legal right to bury the deceased in the plot that you selected.

What is a Columbarium?

This is a form of vault that has spaces where urns that contain the cremated remains of loved ones, can be kept.

What is a Vault?

The word 'vault' as defined by the National Concrete Burial Vault Association is an air-sealed or two-piece sealed receptacle. A grave box or grave liner, unlike a vault, is not sealed.

Concrete Vault: A concrete vault will consist of a vertical wall with a thickness of one and a half inches along with a minimum cover or dome thickness of two inches. In addition to this, the base of the vault needs to be at least two inches thick. All these factors will protect the casket from the rigors of outside elements, although none of these will prevent natural decomposition of the body.

Metal Vaults: Vaults may also be manufactured from steel and this is the most common material used. There are plenty of differing types of thickness used, ranging from 12-gauge (light) to 7-gauge (heavy). Vaults can also be made from stainless steel or copper.

What is involved in a Conventional/Traditional Funeral Service?

This type of service will commonly take place in either a funeral chapel or in a church. The body will be there and burial or cremation will follow the service. A Conventional/Traditional Funeral Service is likely to include the following:

• The preparation of notification of death for newspapers

• The registration of the death / Obtaining the Burial Permit

• The removal of the body to your chosen funeral home.

• The use of the funeral home's facilities and services

• Preparation of the body e.g. embalming & applying cosmetics to enhance the body's appearance

• The cost of the casket

• Utilization of a hearse to transport the body to the crematorium or to the cemetery

• The arrangement of any religious services desired

What is Cremation?

Cremation is now a popular alternative to burial. The body is usually put in a rigidly constructed, combustible container with handles. A homemade container is acceptable as long as it meets these requirements.

When a person is cremated the body is burned to ashes at a crematorium. What remains is pulverized bone and ash (approximately 2-3 kilograms for an adult) that is put inside an urn chosen either by the surviving family or by the deceased prior to death. What happens after that can vary greatly depending on the wishes of the deceased or the surviving family. Some people want the ashes scattered at sea; some wish to have their ashes scattered on their garden or at a place with great sentimental meaning. It is always wise to check with the local health or bylaw authorities to ensure that scattering is permissible.

Alternatively, some people bury the ashes or just keep the urn on the mantelpiece. Urns may also be kept in a columbarium (see above).

What is custodial care?

A fee, be it daily, weekly or one-off will be charged by the funeral home for days that the body is held while no other service is taking place.

Does the customer have to be a family member?

The customer is legally responsible for paying the bill presented by the funeral home. It is vital that the family of the deceased is able to reach common ground over the type of funeral service and container that they require. The person carrying out their wishes can be family, a lawyer or legal representative or a close friend selected by the deceased prior to death.

Explain the Customer's Designation of Intentions.

The customer needs to clearly state what is to be done with the remains of the body once cremation takes place. The ashes (or 'cremains') can be buried by the funeral home if the customer does not claim them 365 days after the cremation has taken place. This clause and the manner of disposal of the remains, must be stated on the Customer's Designation of Intentions form that will be presented to the customer by the funeral director.

What happens if I choose 'direct burial' or 'direct cremation'?

In the case of the former the body will be buried without a formal viewing, visitation or any type of service other than at the graveside. Direct cremation is similar in that is a straightforward disposition of the body by cremation. Without the costs associated with a conventional funeral for embalming, viewing etc. the 'direct' disposition can prove an affordable and dignified alternative. The family may choose to have a memorial service instead of a funeral service.

Is there a charge for entombment?

Yes. There is a charge for both purchasing the crypt and for having the casket placed in the crypt, which is called "entombment".

What function does the General Price List serve?

This is a list of the range of prices provided by the funeral home, detailing the cost of services and merchandise. The price list, given to the customer at the start of the arrangement conference, enables an informed choice to be made. It can ensure that the family of the deceased gets a satisfactory funeral at a price that they can afford. The customer will also receive an itemized statement of merchandise and services that will detail the particular arrangements and merchandise that have been chosen, along with their individual price and the total cost. This statement will also be the customer's contract.

What is a Memorial Service?

The memorial service is most commonly held after a few days (sometimes weeks) of death - the body is not present. There is no size requirement for the service: it can be as simple or as elaborate as desired with as many or as few people as needed. The location for the memorial service can be wherever is felt to be appropriate e.g. a hotel, a church, family home, private club or the chapel at the funeral home.

A memorial service should be an occasion to remember the deceased; to honor his or her memory and life achievements and to start healing the grief that the survivors feel. It is the time to say a final farewell and for the survivors to begin living a world that has (for them) changed.

What is a Memorial Society?

Memorial societies assist people in organizing straightforward (yet still dignified) and moderately priced funerals ahead of the time necessary. These societies usually work in conjunction with local funeral homes. Society members fill out a form that details their preferred funeral arrangements. Either the society or one of the local funeral homes will retain the form until the appropriate time. Should you move house, then your membership and form can be transferred to your new local society.

What is an Outer Interment Receptacle?

Certain cemeteries require an outer interment receptacle to be in the ground to prevent the grave from sinking or collapsing e.g. vaults and grave liners serve this function. The customer does not have to choose a cemetery that requires an outer interment receptacle. However, if this is required then the funeral home can provide one at a cost. A list providing a description and price of every outer interment receptacle must be shown to the customer before choosing.

When is a refrigeration charge levied?

If embalming is not chosen then the body may need to be cooled. Some funeral homes will charge for this service, although the charge must be stated on the Itemized Statement and the General Price List.

What is Topical Disinfection?

Topical Disinfection describes the external cleansing of the body and the customer will be charged for it. However, as Topical Disinfection is an integral part of embalming a surcharge for Topical Disinfection will not appear if embalming is chosen.

What is a transfer of remains fee?

The transfer of remains fee is charged for transporting a body to the funeral home from the place where death occurred. The fee is also charged should the body be transported from an airport or from the morgue.

How much do funeral arrangements cost?

Prices vary greatly depending on the funeral home selected and the service and merchandise desired by the customer. Direct burial and direct cremation offer the least expensive type of funeral. Services such as embalming and viewing will raise the price; caskets and urns also vary greatly in price. The customer should shop around and must not feel pressured into making a purchase that they are not happy with. The average amount spent on a funeral in Canada is between $3,000 and $5,000. This amount can be significantly lower or higher depending on your choices.

Is embalming a legal requirement?

Not always. Permission to embalm must be given to the funeral director by the customer. Embalming may also be required in Canada for transportation of a body over any significant distance (i.e. outside the place of death - funeral home - local cemetery triangle) by road, rail, air or boat.

Can the funeral director refuse to embalm the body?

A Funeral Director will refuse to embalm the body if ordered by the Department of Health. The Coroner's Office would have the list of highly infectious diseases that would prevent an embalming.

Does the funeral director have the right to refuse a viewing of a body?

No, the funeral director can advise and caution against a viewing should the body be disfigured due to cause of death e.g. a car wreck. The choice to view is ultimately left to the customer.

Is it possible to see the body for identification purposes?

The customer is entitled to see the body even if the funeral arrangements are for a closed casket. The funeral director may levy a viewing fee if the identification process is extensive, as he may consider it a viewing or visitation.

Is it possible to rent a casket for viewing?

Not all funeral homes offer this service, but it is available. The customer should ask the funeral director of the preferred home if he offers this service.

Is more than one copy of the "Proof of Death" necessary?

It can be wise to have multiple copies made so that certain institutions can view them on request i.e. credit companies, banks and so forth.

Should I prepay my funeral?

You should prepay your funeral only if you are in the financial position to do so. There are definite advantages to prepaying, including tax sheltered interest and the guarantee of prices. Should prepaying cause hardship, it may be more practical to simply prearrange and allow the estate to care for the charges at the time with insurance, CPP, etc.

Alternatively, a grieving family's life is hard enough after the death of a loved one. If funeral arrangements and payments have been made it will save the family from enduring a great deal of undue stress. The following should be kept in mind when creating a prearranged plan:

• If you have any religious needs, will these be fulfilled in the plan? Furthermore, does the plan allow for a religious service at a church?

• Is your selected funeral home well established?Do you know anyone who, having previously used it, can give you his or her opinion of it?

• Is there any provision for meeting any increase in costs due to inflation?

• How much interest will be paid on your prearranged plan?

• Are there better rates at another funeral home? (Your interest will always be paid to the funeral home, with excess funds refunded to the estate.)

• Ensure the contract details all the services and goods that are required and paid for; this is mandatory on the funeral home's part.

• Will any penalty be charged for a late payment on an installment payment plan?

Can funeral service arrangements be changed by the funeral home without my permission?

No, the funeral director will have to seek the customer's permission before initiating any substitutions or changes to the previously agreed arrangements.

How does one arrange for the deceased's organ donation wishes to be fulfilled?

It should be reasonably simple to arrange. The deceased should have been carrying a signed organ donor card. It is also important that anyone carrying an organ donor card inform their family of their wishes to donate organs after death. See our article on TISSUE, ORGAN AND BODY DONATIONS for further information.

Can I change my choice of funeral home?

The right to change funeral homes is unrestricted to the customer. However, it will be necessary to settle the bill for any service(s) that the previous funeral home conducted with your approval. The funeral home is not allowed to delay the transfer of the body for any reason.

Points Of Interest

A funeral home may not:

• Manipulate or force a customer to select any particular services or merchandise

• Have anyone prepare the body, supervise the burial or make the funeral arrangements other than a licensed funeral director.

• Raise an additional fee for handling a casket that was purchased elsewhere.

• Levy any fee for goods that were not selected by the customer.

• Misstate any law or regulation pertaining to the business of directing a funeral.

Adapted from: The State of New York, Department of Health Web Site

A special thanks to Carl Good and Joyce Kufta, of Newcastle Funeral Home, for reviewing these FAQs about arranging a funeral.