Shopping is something extremely common. We buy something almost every day of our lives it can be something as simple as a pack of gum or something as big as a car. Either way we always buying. However, there is something that not a lot of people buy and even though it is a little creepy, we should all get one. I am talking about a funerary plan. In here, you can read a small article that has some information on why and how we should do this.
How funerals are arranged
Most funerals are arranged through a funeral director. Find one who belongs to one of the professional associations, such as the National Association of Funeral Directors – NAFD or the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors – SAIF. These associations have codes of practice and complaints procedures. Some local authorities also run their own funeral services by arrangement with a local firm of funeral directors.
Arranging a funeral yourself
You can arrange a funeral without a funeral director. If you want to do this, the Natural Death Centre or Cemeteries and Crematorium department of your local authority can offer help and guidance.
Dealing with funeral costs
If you arrange the funeral with a funeral director, you’re responsible for the costs. You should ask to see a price list before choosing a funeral, or explain how much you have to spend and see what services are possible. Not all funeral directors are clear about their prices. But funeral directors who belong to a trade association should make this information available as part of their code of practice.
Getting a written estimate
Once you’ve chosen the funeral, you should be given a written estimate giving a breakdown of all of the costs involved. Ask for one if it’s not provided.
If you want to compare costs, you can contact other funeral directors, or ask someone else to help you with this.
Services provided by funeral directors
A basic funeral is likely to include:
- a plain lined coffin
- transport of the body of the person who has died to the funeral director’s premises, usually up to ten miles from wherever the death occurred
- The care of the person who has died until the funeral. This will include washing and dressing the person who has died and laying the body out, but will not include embalming
- providing a hearse to take the body to the nearest crematorium or burial ground
- providing the necessary people to carry the coffin
- making all other necessary arrangements, for example, getting the required forms.
- Other services funeral directors could provide, or which you may want to sort out elsewhere are:
- flowers
- a more expensive coffin and fittings
- press notices
- a medical certificate required for cremation, and any doctor’s fees for signing this
- an organist
- fees for religious services
- a burial or crematorium fee. The burial fee will usually include the costs of preparing the grave
- extra cars
- embalming
- extra services by the funeral director, for example, use of the Chapel of Rest, transport from the mortuary, or special viewing arrangements
- the cost of journeys of more than ten miles to the funeral director’s premises
- a memorial
- catering arrangements
- stationery.
- Signing a contract
You may need to sign a contract with the funeral director. Make sure you read it carefully and ask the funeral director about anything you don’t understand.
Some of this information varies from country to country but at the end, funerals every where can be quite expensive. That is why next time you think about buying something, you should really consider buying a funerary plan.
Taken and adapted from: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_professional_and_financial_services_e/consumer_funeral_services_e/arranging_a_funeral.htm
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