FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is a funeral important?
To go from regularly interacting with someone we love to never seeing them again can be one of the most painful experiences of life. We need the opportunity to smooth the transition by having a funeral service to say goodbye.
Holding a funeral has other benefits as well. We get the chance to connect with friends and family and support each other through the grief. We have the opportunity to acknowledge our loved one’s death, and we have the chance to remember, celebrate, and honor their lives.
The right funeral service makes it easier for us to face the journey of grief ahead of us, and reminds us that we are not alone in it.
How do I choose the right type of service for my loved one's funeral?
When a loved one dies, you may find the number of choices you have to be overwhelming. Do you cremate or have a funeral service? Do you hold just a memorial service or a wake, funeral, and burial? Do you even bury the body at all, or do you cremate it and keep it at home or spread the ashes? What kind of songs, speeches, videos, food, and eulogies should be included in the service?
No one can answer these questions for you, because each situation is so individual, and influenced by so many different factors. However, here are just a few things you might want to consider when planning a service for your loved one:
- Cultural traditions
- Religious traditions
- The deceased’s wishes
- Your and your loved one’s personal preferences
- Money
In addition, the right funeral home can compassionately and gently guide you through your choices so you can make the best decisions possible for creating the best service possible for your loved one.
What are some reasons to have a public viewing?
Public viewings are set times when anyone who wishes can come see the body of the deceased and pay their respects to the family. This tradition can be an important step in closure for grieving loved ones because it allows them to more fully grasp the reality of the loved one’s death. In addition, a public viewing is part of many religious and cultural traditions.
How can a funeral director help?
When caring for a deceased loved one while grieving yourself, it can be helpful to have a compassionate and knowledgeable source of information and guidance. In many ways, the funeral director provides this information and support. Here are just a few of the things they can do:
- Arrange transportation
- Complete paperwork
- Answer questions
- Provide resources for dealing with grief
- Provide a link between loved ones and support groups
- Carry out your wishes regarding the funeral and the care of your loved one’s body
- Assist in preparing the body for burial or cremation
How much does a funeral cost?
While the average cost of a funeral is between $7,000 and $10,000, these numbers vary depending upon the choices you make. For example, will you embalm your loved one? Do you want to cremate them or bury them? What type of coffin do you choose? How much transportation do you require?
Thanks to these and many other variables, you should ask the funeral home for a complete list of services available and their costs, and work with the funeral director to create a funeral that is beautiful, personalized, meaningful, and affordable for you.
What is embalming?
Embalming is the process of cleaning and preserving the body of the deceased. This process improves the appearance of the deceased, slows the process of decay, and allows you to wait longer between the death and the funeral service. However, embalming is only required under certain circumstances, and some traditions do not allow it. Talk with your funeral director about your wishes regarding embalming your loved one.
What do I do if a loved one dies at home?
If your loved one passes away at home, you should feel free to call the funeral home of your choice. We here at Cox Funeral Homes are willing and able to come out to the house at any time of the day or night to assist you after the death of a loved one at home.