A: Friends gathering at a family members home, or at a park to share their loss would be a less formal event. Light refreshments may be included.


A: Yes, the funeral director will arrange designated times for calling hours, publish the times in the newspaper and add to the obituary that services will be at the convenience of the family or will be private. This will fulfill the wishes of the family and make it clear to the public as to the arrangements.


A: Any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate could be used. For assistance with arranging a meaningful service your funeral director can help.


A: Check with your funeral director as the time period may vary by state. Some states have limitations on the maximum length of time allowed to pass prior to final disposition. Notification of family and friends, permits and authorizations, cemetery site preparation and religious considerations need to be considered. For any applicable regulations contact your funeral director.


A: It depends upon what materials the shell of the casket is made of, the interior materials and any protective features included in a particular model. An interior made of crepe materials would be priced less than an interior of velvet because of the cost of material. A casket of soft pine wood would cost less than a casket made of solid mahogany. A casket of bronze would be higher than a casket of steel. The prices vary depending on the materials with which the casket is made.


A: Wood or metal are what most caskets are made of. Wood caskets are available in a variety of types of wood. Metal caskets are made of copper, stainless steel, steel, or bronze. Velvet or crepe are usually what the interiors of caskets are made with. Other materials may be available. For options in your area consult with your funeral director.


A: An obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice. While the editorial format is controlled by most newspapers, you have a right to limit the amount of information, if any, provided to them.


A: Graveliners and burial vaults are designed to protect the casket. They are outside containers into which the casket is placed. Graveliners and burial vaults may be made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel, bronze, fiberglass or plastic. A graveliner is a lightweight version of a vault which simply keeps the grave surface from sinking.


A: Many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the ground will not sink. However, in most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave.


A: Other options are often appropriate although, a hearse or casket coach are most commonly used for this purpose. Families might consider more personalized options; such as, a fire truck may be used to transport a firefighter.


A: The traditional number of pallbearers is six. The standard length of a casket would allow 3 people on either side to conveniently carry the casket. Most caskets will accommodate 2 more bearers with handles on each end of the casket.


A: A period of 24 hours from the time of death is required by most states for a deceased person to either be embalmed or placed in refrigeration. Funeral services can be held at any time after that.


A: The most prudent decision would be to call the funeral director in your home town. Necessary arrangements will be made by your funeral director to transfer the deceased, relieving the family of the burden of dealing with unfamiliar and related issues.


A: First, the complaint should be given the funeral director that served the family. In most cases the complaint will be resolved by the funeral director. If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, then a complaint should be filed with the state's board of funeral services, or with the consumer complaint department of the state attorney general's office.