1. What is the purpose of a funeral?
For thousands of years, funerals have allowed survivors to express their feelings about the death of someone they love. According to noted grief educator Alan Wolfelt, the funeral ceremony helps mourners: - Acknowledge someone has died
- Say goodbye
- Remember the person who died and share those memories with others
- Affirm the worth of their relationship with the person who died
- Provide a social support system
- Search for the meaning of life and death
- Offer continuity and hope for the living
Meaningful funeral ceremonies help survivors accept a life with out the person who died. The rituals provide comfort in their predictability when events seem chaotic and out of control. The funeral is a socially-recognized forum for expressing intense grief. Without a funeral ceremony, mourners often miss the sense of closure. 2. Why should I work with a funeral director? How do I choose a firm?
A funeral director is a licensed, experienced professional who can guide you through the decisions you'll face in a short time. Your local director is a member of your community and probably knows your family. It's wise to choose someone you know who will discuss all of your options and help you make an informed decision. 3. How do I choose between burial and cremation?
The decision is a very personal one and a matter preference religious or cultural. Funeral services may be held with either a cremation or burial. Because a service is so important to expressing grief, hold a viewing or visitation ceremony prior to a cremation. Burial provides a single, final resting place survivors may visit. Ashes may also be buried, stored in a public niche, kept at home or scattered in an approved area.. 4. Is embalming required?
No. However, most states insist on embalming under certain circumstance such as when the death is caused by a contagious disease or if final disposition isn't made within a certain time frame, etc. In Iowa, embalming is required if the deceased is transported by common carrier, if burial is not within 48 hours of time of death, and if one of a list of thirty-one communicable diseases is present. 5. What can I expect to spend?
The Federated Funeral Directors of America, an accounting management firm headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, reported the average professional services and casket expenditure for August 2009 was $ 6332.78. The average outer burial container cost rose, $1350.00. Cash advanced to others, for the convenience of the family, was not included in these numbers. 6. Is planning ahead a good idea?
Yes, Particularly to ensure you have the type of funeral you want and, more importantly, to make the tough decisions now, with a clear head, so your family won't have to when it's more emotional. You can plan ahead to the extent of also paying ahead to cover your funeral expenses. It's essential to let your family know your preferences. 7. What will make the loss of a loved one easier?
Sharing your grief with friends and family members. The best way to begin the healing is with a meaningful funeral, where you experience the support and love of others. Participating in a funeral by planning a personal service that reflects the life of your loved one will help you celebrate your loved one's life and ease your grief. | 
