How to choose a Funeral Home?

There are many things for you to consider when you are deciding on what funeral care provider you should use.  It is very important to choose a funeral home that can meet all of your requirements and provide the level of service that you are looking for and for the price that you can afford.  We sit with many families everyday that come in trying to find the right fit for their family and we are happy to discuss what we can offer; but even more, give the family some things to think about that they might not be aware of, this will help them make a more educated decision when choosing a funeral home to fit their needs.  It is my intention to provide some ideas for you to consider when making this decision, so when the time approaches you do not have to “scramble” and make a wrong decision!  Yes, this happens very often and it is painful to watch a family have to change their plans and ideas to fit to what their funeral home can provide.

A little disclaimer I must give… I do represent a fantastic funeral home and I am a little biased, but even Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home is not the best choice for some.  We have created services to fit everyone but their are still some that might find a better fit and we are proud to help them find those providers that can help them fill their needs.  Many people do not know but as of right now in Cobb County there are close to thirty funeral homes and crematory providers throughout this county, so you should have plenty of options to shop your list of requirements!

When choosing a funeral home here is a list that might help you consider what you want and will give you the tools you need when inquiring about services on your list of funeral homes.

• What is the best location for a funeral home that is best suited for you and your extended family?
• Would you prefer to work with a corporate funeral home or a local independently owned funeral home?
• Would you prefer to work with that funeral home that is religiously connected or that is culturally affiliated?
• If holding a service at a funeral home, what is the size capacity that you are looking for?
• What size of parking lot would you require?
• If planning a church service, would you need a staff available that can help the church with hosting, parking and facilitating that service?
• If you are planning a burial service, would you rather work with a funeral home that is located inside of a cemetery?
• If you are planning a burial service, would you rather work with a funeral home that is full service to where you can purchase caskets and vaults in one central location?
• If you are planning a cremation service, would you prefer for the crematory to be located onsite at that funeral home?
• Would you prefer to work with a funeral home that has the capability of live streaming or recording the services?
• What type of musical instruments would you prefer to be onsite and used for the service?
• Do you have a need for an on staff licensed pre-need counselor for pre-payment of funeral expenses?
• Would you prefer to work with a funeral home that operates it’s own florist inside of the funeral home?
• Would you prefer to have a funeral home that uses a hearse or a cargo van for transportation of the deceased?
• Would you prefer a funeral home that can provide transportation of the deceased nationally or even world wide?
• Would you prefer a funeral home that can provide death certificates, permits and legal planning counselors?
• Would you prefer a funeral home that accepts life insurance as payment or that can extend payment plans?
• What is the budget of the funeral expenses that you are able to pay?

These are some of the common questions that you should have answered when choosing a funeral home.  Once you narrow down your choices of funeral home’s that can meet these needs, then it is important to go into that funeral home and sit down with a funeral director and view the facilities.  The most important thing that you need during the time of a death is comfort, so it is important that you feel comfortable with your funeral director, the staff of the funeral home and the facilities that they provide.

I understand that making these choices in advance are not on the top of many peoples priority list but I can assure you that it is so helpful and reassuring. Funeral home’s are legally bound to show you their facilities and prices when you arrive.  Phone conversations will help narrow down your search a good bit, then making a trip to those that remain on the list will give you the right choice in funeral homes.  You should never have to work around a funeral home’s needs, make them work around yours!