Choosing a funeral home is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and it often happens under pressure, with little time to research. Knowing what to ask before you commit can protect your family financially and make sure, you're working with a provider who can truly meet your needs.
All of these questions can be asked by phone before you visit. The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to answer pricing questions over the phone; you do not have to come in first. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
Questions About Pricing
"Can you give me your General Price List?"
This is your most important question. The FTC Funeral Rule requires every licensed funeral home to provide a written, itemized General Price List to anyone who asks by phone, by email, or in person. This list shows every service and product at its individual price, so you're not comparing opaque package totals. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023) If a funeral home is reluctant to share pricing before you visit, that tells you something.
"What is included in that price and what isn't?"
Package pricing can mask significant differences between providers. Two funeral homes might quote the same total, but one includes transportation and death certificate filing while the other charges separately. Ask for a line by line breakdown of every package, and specifically ask what is NOT included.
"Do you charge a cash advance fee?"
Some funeral homes add a handling fee for items they purchase on your behalf, flowers, obituary notices, death certificates, police escorts. Ask whether these are billed at actual cost or with a markup.
"What are your payment options?"
Many funeral homes offer payment plans, financing, or work with insurance assignment programs. Ask before assuming payment is required in full at the time of service.
Questions About Services
"Do you offer direct cremation?"
Not all funeral homes offer every type of service. If direct cremation is something your family is considering, confirm it's available before going further.
"Can we hold a memorial service at a separate location?"
Some families prefer to hold a celebration of life at a park, restaurant, or family home rather than a funeral home chapel. Ask whether the provider can coordinate cremation or burial while your family handles the service elsewhere and whether there are additional fees for this arrangement.
"Is embalming required?"
Embalming is not legally required in most states under the FTC Funeral Rule, though specific state laws vary. It is standard practice for a viewing or visitation. If you're planning direct cremation or a closed casket service, you can typically decline. Ask directly some funeral homes include it as a default. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
"Can we bring our own casket or urn?"
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home must accept a casket or urn you purchase from another source and cannot charge a handling fee solely because you didn't buy it from them. If you're considering this option, ask directly. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
Questions About Timing and Logistics
"How quickly can you arrange transportation?"
For families who need to act quickly, response time matters. Ask whether they offer 24 hour availability and how soon they can arrange transportation from a hospital, hospice, or private residence.
"How long until cremated remains are returned?"
Timelines vary between providers and by state. Most direct cremations are completed and remains returned within 3 10 business days, though this is not guaranteed. Always ask for a written timeline estimate from your provider.
"What is your service area?"
If your loved one passed away in a different city or state, confirm whether the funeral home handles long distance transportation or works with partner providers. Ask about the associated cost.
"How many death certificates will you order, and when will they be available?"
Most families need 6 10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and government agencies. Confirm that the funeral home files the death certificate and can order copies on your behalf and ask for an estimated timeline.
Questions About Cultural and Faith Fit
"Do you have experience with [specific religion or cultural tradition]?"
Whether your family observes Jewish mourning practices, follows Islamic traditions that emphasize prompt burial, observes Catholic traditions, or has specific cultural customs, ask directly. A good funeral home will be honest about their experience and their limitations.
"Can we involve our clergy or religious leader?"
Many families want their own pastor, priest, imam, or rabbi to lead the service. Confirm that the funeral home welcomes outside clergy and ask whether there are any logistical requirements.
"Is there a viewing option that accommodates our tradition?"
Some faiths require or prefer open casket viewings; others do not permit them. Ask whether the funeral home can accommodate your family's specific traditions.
Questions About Transparency and Trust
"What happens if the final cost is higher than the quote?"
Ask this directly. A trustworthy funeral home will explain their process for notifying families of any changes and will not add charges without prior discussion.
"How do I know my loved one's remains are handled with care?"
Cremation providers in particular should be asked about their chain of custody procedures how they track and identify remains throughout the process. Reputable providers can explain this clearly.
"Are you licensed in this state?"
Funeral homes and cremation providers are licensed by state regulatory boards. You can verify a license through your state's funeral regulatory agency. Asking directly is also reasonable a legitimate provider will have no hesitation answering.
Quick Reference: Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Pricing
Can I have your General Price List? What is included in that price and what isn't? Are there cash advance fees on any items? What are my payment options?
Services
Do you offer direct cremation? Is embalming required for the service we're considering? Can we use our own casket or urn?
Logistics
How quickly can you arrange transportation? How long until remains are returned (for cremation)? How many death certificates can you order, and when?
Cultural/faith fit
Do you have experience with [our tradition]? Can we involve our own clergy?
Trust
What happens if the final cost changes? How do you handle chain of custody for cremated remains?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for funeral prices over the phone?
Yes. The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide prices by phone to anyone who asks. You are not required to visit first. If a funeral home refuses to give prices over the phone, that is a violation of federal law. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
Do I have to use the funeral home's casket?
No. You have the legal right to purchase a casket from any source and provide it to the funeral home. They must accept it and cannot charge a handling fee solely because you didn't purchase it from them. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
Can I choose only the services I want?
Yes. The FTC Funeral Rule prohibits funeral homes from requiring you to purchase a package. You can select individual services and decline anything you don't want or need. (The FTC Funeral Rule, 2023)
What if I feel pressured by a funeral home?
Trust your instincts. A reputable funeral home will give you time, provide pricing clearly, and not use high pressure tactics during a vulnerable moment. If you feel rushed or pressured, you are not obligated to continue with that provider. You can take their price list and compare it elsewhere.
How do I compare two funeral homes fairly?
Request a General Price List from each and compare specific line items, not just package totals. Ask the same questions of each provider. Notice how they handle those questions: are they patient, clear, and transparent? How a funeral home treats you before you've committed often reflects how they'll treat you after.
Does the Obitley directory include funeral homes I can compare?
Yes. The Obitley Business Directory includes funeral homes and cremation providers organized by location, with profile information to help you research providers before you call.
Published: March 2026 | Obitley Voices
Find and compare funeral homes in your area in the Obitley Business Directory.
References
(2023). The FTC Funeral Rule | Consumer Advice. Federal Trade Commission. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc funeral rule
(2026). Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist. Federal Trade Commission. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/funeral costs pricing checklist