Funeral Frequently Asked Questions

Funeral Frequently Asked Questions come up all the time in our business. We understand…because it’s not every day that you plan a funeral. We also understand that funeral planning can be difficult under any circumstances. So, to help make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of Funeral Frequently Asked Questions.

Why Have a Funeral?

Funerals are a customary way of recognizing death and its finality. They provide a way for families and friends to honor their loved one. Funerals bring people together and can be comforting during a time of grief.  They also help bring memories to light to begin the healing process.

What do Funeral Directors Do?

The job of a Funeral Director is to be a caregiver and an administrator. They make arrangements for the body to be transported, complete necessary paperwork, and implement the wishes of the departed and family members regarding the funeral and the interment of the body. A Funeral Director’s role is to support, advise, and listen. Their experience gives them great empathy for those who are grieving. They are there to help in any way they can.

What is Embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, slows the decomposition process, and enhances the body’s appearance for viewing.   When a body is embalmed, it makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing for more time to make funeral arrangements. Embalming is not always necessary, but most states require embalming under certain circumstances, such as when the death was caused by a reportable contagious disease.

Is Burial Space Becoming Scarce?

In most areas of the country, there is enough burial space available for the next 50 years without creating new cemeteries. The exception to this is in some widely populated cities.

Is Cremation Becoming More Common?

Cremation accounts for approximately 35% of all final dispositions. So, yes, cremation is becoming more common. It also contributes to the issue of burial space availability, as interment for a cremated body does not require the same amount of space as a traditional burial.

Why Are Funerals So Expensive?

In comparison to other major life events, funerals are not as expensive as people think. A wedding, for example, typically cost three times the amount of a funeral. But, because a wedding is a happy event, the cost is rarely criticized. Funeral homes are a 24-hour, labor-intensive business with extensive facilities, which must be factored into the cost of the funeral. There are expenses for services provided in addition to the cost of merchandise, such as caskets or urns. Many funeral homes are family owned, such as Mountain View Funeral Home. As such, they are in the business of caring for people and providing services. Profit margins are typically quite modest and are necessary to run the business.

What Should I Do If the Death Occurs at Night or on a Weekend?

Most Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may call the Mountain View Funeral Home emergency line at (480) 832-2850 for late night or weekend assistance. We will make sure to take care of your needs right away.

While there are certainly many more Funeral Frequently Asked Questions, we hope that those we have posted will answer at least some of the questions that you have.  If, however, there are other Funeral Frequently Asked Questions that you have, please feel free to contact us.  We are here to help.

Provided by
Mountain View Funeral Home