Thinking about the death of a loved one can be unbearable; with grief comes intense feelings of anxiety and sadness. But aside from the emotional aspect of death, you may also feel stressed from having to deal with practical issues like funeral arrangements.
With that being said, engaging the right funeral director in advance can make the experience a little easier. When you arrange for funeral services early, this can take a load off your shoulders and help you to save some cash.
There are several things you should consider when choosing a funeral home to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Below, we’ve compiled some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind when picking a funeral parlour.
Do’s
Shop around
The good thing about making your funeral arrangements in advance is that you will have more time to go around and browse from one funeral home to another to look for the right deal. Look for homes which provide comprehensive funeral services and package rates that fit your needs.
But don’t be too rigid about the pricing – be sure to consider the human element as well. Courteous and helpful staff can make all the difference when you’re dealing with such a difficult situation, so quality customer service and expertise can make a funeral home worth a few extra dollars.
Compare the costs and pay what you need
Many funeral homes in Singapore offer a one-stop shop for all kinds of funeral services. While an all-in-one funeral package is commonly chosen, it may not be suitable if you have certain requirements. Maybe you’d prefer a customised casket instead, or a more personalised urn. Compare the costs and purchase these components separately so you’ll only be paying for what you need.
Obtain a written breakdown of prices before signing up
Once you have picked out a parlour that provides the services you need with an agreeable price, request for a written price breakdown before you sign on the dotted line. This ensures that you’re aware of all the costs upfront, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden costs. Most funeral homes won’t have a problem providing you with such a breakdown if they practise a price transparency policy.
Don’ts
Don’t be pressured into making a decision
While it is good to have a pre-funeral arrangement planning in place, this decision should not be taken lightly. Take the time to go through your options and only pay for the services when you are comfortable in doing so. Discuss with your funeral director if you can also make a prepaid funeral plan and secure today’s price to save more in the future.
Don’t fall for false discounts
In some instances, funeral homes may attract your attention with discounts in an all-included funeral package. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s cheaper. Be sure to break down the individual prices of what’s included in the package to make sure you won’t be going over-budget due to additional costs from overpriced items.
Don’t skip your funeral traditions and rituals
Whether it’s a Christian or Buddhist funeral, some funeral directors are highly experienced and knowledgeable in carrying out various religious funerals. Even if you are unsure about the rituals involved, they offer a compassionate helping hand to guide you through the process and ensure the deceased is given an honourable farewell according to their religious beliefs.
At Casket Fairprice, we have served numerous bereaved families and assisted with their funeral planning since 1993. Apart from our CaseTrust accreditation, we also have a transparent pricing policy for our funeral packages and items, and strive to keep our prices reasonably low and fair for added peace of mind when you are sending off your loved one.
