Why is there such a discrepancy between funeral pricing? Some funeral homes charge much more than some and less than others. 

The answer lies in the value of the facility and degree of services being offered. For example, think about the one to possibly three days you will spend in that funeral home. Would you feel comfortable? Does the funeral home's general ambience appeal to you? Are you permitted to bring in food and drink? How about hot food? What consideration is given to the families needing to eat? Is it in a dedicated room or a converted closet? Is there a place where children can play? In short, ask yourself what kind of experience will you have in that funeral home.

Some funeral homes charge less for services but more for the merchandise. Some funeral homes limit the viewing. It is important to take all these expenses into account when comparing one funeral home’s estimate to another.

In her work with terminal patients, author Ann Bastianelli learned the dying expected their funerals to reflect the way they lived, to provide a sense of peace and motivate others to celebrate their own lives.

“Funerals resurrect Life in a way nothing else can. In so doing, they clarify one’s purpose for living and roles in Life,” she writes in her 2004 book What Matters Most: The Heart’s Desires in Life and Death. Writing to the funeral home owner, she states: “Anything that can be done should be done to make the funeral more like a family home.”

We hope we have succeeded in doing this.