Funeral Home Pricing Explanations

If you’ve never planned final services for a loved one before, you may have no idea what kinds of expenses go into the process. If the time comes someday for you to step into that role and arrange something for a loved one who has passed on, you will have the help of a funeral home in Reading, PA. However, it’s always nice to be prepared and understanding the pricing systems can help you move forward when there’s a need in your family.

Standard Expenses

Most funeral homes charge standard fees for certain services. If you are going to have a cremation, there will likely be a package that includes everything you need for that process. Those packages include things like transportation from the place of death to the funeral home, care of the body, the cremation process, and a simple container for the ashes. You can, of course, add other things to that package, such as an urn you have chosen, a memorial service, or other such items.

If you choose a traditional burial, the expenses will often include acquiring certain permits, death certificates, and other notices. It will also include making the arrangements with the cemetery, and housing the remains of your loved one until the funeral occurs. There are some things that are necessary and standard that you will see in any package or plan you choose.

Optional Services

There are also other various services that you could add on to standard packages, if you wish. With cremation, that could mean buying your own urn instead of taking the one the funeral home provides for you. Funeral homes generally have plenty of options to consider, but you can also buy something outside of the funeral home, if you’d like. For traditional funerals, embalming is an optional preparation that isn’t always required, but can sometimes help with timeframes for funeral services. While you will have to have a casket for a burial, you get to choose which one. Most people appreciate the hearse service to transport the casket to the cemetery from the funeral home, but they can also sometimes add on a limousine service for family members to travel together in a group for the burial proceedings.

If you are in the situation where you have to plan final services for a loved one, look at the basic packages, but don’t let those limit you. If there are things you want to add, just ask funeral homes in Reading, PA for extra options and they will be glad to accommodate you. The professionals at Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, Inc. understand that your loved one was unique and special and their final services should be a well. Give us a call at (610) 374-0962 and set up a time to speak with our funeral director in person or ask some of the questions you have about packages and pricing. We’re located at 444 N 9th St. Reading, PA 19601 and we’re happy to show you around so you can ensure our facilities have what you need for the funeral or memorial service you’re planning.