Planning your funeral will ease the emotional burden on your survivors and ensure that your wishes are completed. The three basic types of funerals are "traditional" full-service, direct burial and direct cremation.

Updated as of _____________________

Things To Consider	Your Plans
"Traditional" full-service funeral includes the following: Viewing or visitation Formal funeral service Use of a hearse to transport the body to the funeral site and cemetery Burial, entombment or the cremation of the remains If you choose a traditional full-service funeral, include your plans below:
Do you prefer an open or closed casket?
Are there special types of clothing and jewelry that you prefer to be buried in?
Would you like a service? If so, would you like it to be indoors, graveside or both?
If you would like an indoor service, would you prefer it to be at the funeral home or your place of worship?
Who would you prefer to conduct the services?
Are there specific individuals you would like to serve as pallbearers?
Would you like someone to speak at the service?
Do you want music? If so, which selections?
Do you want live or recorded music?
Direct burial The body is buried shortly after death and usually in a simple container. There is no viewing or visitation; the body is not embalmed. If desired, a memorial service may be held at the graveside or at a later date.
Direct cremation The body is cremated shortly after death; the body is not embalmed. The cremains are placed in an urn or other type of container. There is no viewing or visitation; a memorial service may be held with or without the cremains. The cremains may be kept by a family member, scattered in a favorite location or buried in a grave or mausoleum. Check with state or local laws if you choose to have your cremains scattered.

Depending on the services you select, the average cost of a traditional funeral is $8,000 to 10,000. However, additional services could increase the cost. Ask the funeral director to explain all costs to you. Use the following work sheet to compare some of the typical costs of planning a funeral.

Funeral Services: Price Comparison Work Sheet
Funeral Home Name
A.	C.
B.	D.

	Costs
Services	A	B	C	D
Transporting the body to the funeral home
Preparation of the body
Embalming*
Burial
Cremation
Casket**
Hearse
Transporting the body to the service
Limousines for the family
Police escorts, if required
Facilities for viewing the body
Tents and chairs for the guests at the burial
Memorial cards and guest book
Help selecting flowers for the service
Help completing the forms for a veteran's flag
Preparing an obituary for the newspapers
Filing death certificates and providing copies
Notifying organizations to which the deceased belonged
Total Cost

*Embalming is a chemical process that cleanses and preserves the body for cosmetic purposes. The law does not normally require it, although some states may require it when the body will be transported by freight or the funeral is delayed for several days. You will be asked to sign a form consenting to the embalming, but you have the right to refuse this service if you choose. Some religions do not permit embalming and it is best to discuss this with your religious leader.

**Caskets are intended for the viewing, the services and for transportation to the cemetery. They do not preserve the body.