Choosing a funeral home is a decision most people make in the immediate aftermath of a death — exhausted, grieving, and under time pressure. This is not the ideal environment for comparison shopping or careful deliberation. Making this decision in advance, while calm and clear-headed, leads to significantly better outcomes.
What to Look For
Licensure and Accreditation
All funeral homes must be licensed by the state. The most reputable establishments may also be accredited by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). These memberships signal a commitment to professional standards and ethics.
Services Offered
Not all funeral homes offer all services. If you're interested in specific options — green burial, aquamation, or a particular religious tradition — confirm the funeral home can accommodate them before making arrangements.
Transparent Pricing
The FTC's Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List (GPL) to anyone who asks — in person or over the phone. Request price lists from multiple funeral homes and compare them line by line. Prices for identical services can vary dramatically.
Location and Facilities
Consider proximity to where your family lives, the quality and capacity of the facility, whether it can accommodate the type of service you want (large gathering, intimate ceremony, specific religious observance), and whether they have a cemetery partnership if needed.
Reputation and Reviews
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Read online reviews. A funeral home's reputation for compassionate, professional service matters enormously during a difficult time.
Questions to Ask
- What is your basic services fee, and what does it include?
- What is your price list for caskets and urns?
- Do you offer a simplified package or direct cremation option?
- Can I purchase a casket from an outside source?
- Do you offer prepaid plans? Are they transferable?
- Can you accommodate [specific religious tradition / green burial / aquamation]?
- Are you locally owned or part of a national chain?
- Who would be my primary contact throughout the process?
Locally Owned vs. National Chain
Many funeral homes that appear to be locally owned are actually owned by large corporations like Service Corporation International (SCI/Dignity Memorial) or Park Lawn. Corporate-owned funeral homes often have higher prices and less flexibility, though not always. It's worth asking about ownership if it matters to you.
Red Flags
- Refusing to provide a price list over the phone
- Pressure to purchase expensive packages without explaining what's included
- Vague answers to specific questions about pricing or services
- Requirements to view the body only in a casket they sell
- Claims that embalming is legally required (it generally isn't)
Making a Preliminary Choice Now
Even if you don't pre-purchase a plan, researching and identifying a preferred funeral home in advance — and noting it in your funeral instructions — gives your family a clear starting point and removes a significant decision from their plate. For the full picture of advance funeral planning, see our complete guide to planning your funeral.