Every family is different, and not everyone wants the same type of funeral. Funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, costs and personal preferences.

These factors help determine whether the funeral will be elaborate or simple, public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held. Amoung the choices you'll need to make are whether you want one of these basic types of funerals, or something in between.

Please visit our Packaged Services page for examples and prices.

"Traditional" Full Service
This type of funeral , often referred to by funeral providers as a "traditional" funeral, usually includes a viewing or visitation and formal funeral service, use of a hearse to transport the body to the funeral site and cemetery, and burial, entombment or cremation of the remains. It is generally the most expensive type of funeral. In addition to the funeral home's basic services fee, costs often include embalming and dressing the body; rental of the funeral home for the viewing or service; and use of vehicles to transport the family if they don't use their own. The costs of a casket, cemetery plot or crypt and other funeral goods and services also must be factored in.

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. 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 service fee, as well as transportation and care of the body, the purchase of a casket or burial container and cemetery plot or crypt. Charges an additional fee for graveside service. Please visit our Packaged Services page for examples and prices.\

Direct Cremation
The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the "traditional" full service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic service fee, as well as transportation and care of the body. A cremetory fee may be included, or if the funeral home does not own the crematory, the fee may be added on. Fees may be applied for cemetery plot, or crypt, or urn.