A traditional service prior to burial or cremation is usually the service of choice. The benefits of the funeral ceremony include providing a social support system for the bereaved, providing an environment for expressing pain, reaffirming one’s relationship with the person who died, and providing a time to say good-bye. This type of service generally includes a public viewing or visitation followed by a funeral service conducted by a member of the clergy or other person chosen by the family. Many times family members or close friends take part in the service by giving a reading, singing or assisting the clergy.

The traditional funeral service cost would include the following:

• Basic services of funeral director and staff



• Embalming



• Dressing, cosmetology and other preparation of the deceased



• Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home



• Use of funeral coach



• Automotive equipment



• Use of facilities, staff and equipment



• Casket



• Vault



• Memorial folders and register book



• Acknowledgement cards

As a convenience to families, cash advance items are usually included as part of the funeral bill. These are charges owed to a third party which we pay on your behalf. Examples would include charges for the obituary, minister, organist, cemetery, flowers, food, certified copies of death, etc.

If the ceremony is held in a church there is no additional charge. Nor are there additional charges for arranging and conducting fraternal or military services.

Direct Burial

The body is buried shortly after death, usually in a simple container. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary unless state laws apply. A memorial service may be held at the graveside or later. Direct burial usually costs less than the "traditional," full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body, the purchase of a casket or burial container and a cemetery plot or crypt. If the family chooses to be at the cemetery for the burial, the funeral home often charges an additional fee for a graveside service.

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