How do I choose a funeral home?

Start by requesting itemized price lists from multiple funeral homes in your area. Compare the basic services fee, casket or urn prices, and any required extras. Read reviews on platforms like Eternal Dream and Google. Ask about experience with your cultural or religious traditions, and always get your final agreement in writing.

What is the FTC Funeral Rule?

The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List to anyone who asks, in person or over the phone. It also prohibits funeral homes from requiring embalming without legal obligation, charging handling fees for outside caskets, and misrepresenting legal requirements.

Can a funeral home refuse a casket I bought elsewhere?

No. The FTC Funeral Rule explicitly prohibits funeral homes from refusing caskets or urns purchased from third-party vendors. They also cannot charge a "handling fee" for using an outside casket. Purchasing a casket online can save hundreds to thousands of dollars.

How to Choose the Right Funeral Home: 10 Questions Every Family Should Ask

When a loved one passes, choosing the right funeral home is one of the first and most consequential decisions your family will face. The funeral home you select will guide the entire process — from caring for your loved one's body to coordinating the ceremony and handling legal paperwork. Taking the time to ask the right questions can save thousands of dollars and prevent unnecessary stress.

10 Essential Questions to Ask a Funeral Home

Before committing to any provider, ask these questions to ensure you are making an informed choice:

1. Can I see your complete price list?

Federal law — specifically the FTC Funeral Rule — requires every funeral home to provide a General Price List (GPL) upon request, whether in person, over the phone, or online. If a funeral home is reluctant to share pricing, consider it a serious red flag.

2. What is included in the basic services fee?

Every funeral home charges a non-declinable basic services fee, typically $2,000 to $3,500. This covers the funeral director's time, facility overhead, and coordination. Ask exactly what is included so you can compare apples to apples between providers.

3. Are there package deals available?

Many funeral homes offer packages that bundle services at a discount. Ask to see package options for both burial and cremation, and compare the package price to the itemized cost of each included service.

4. Can I bring my own casket or urn?

Federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets and urns purchased from third-party vendors without charging handling fees. Purchasing a casket online can save 50% or more compared to funeral home prices.

5. Do you offer cremation services on-site?

Some funeral homes have their own crematory, while others outsource to a third party. On-site cremation can offer peace of mind and potentially lower costs. Ask whether there are additional transportation fees if cremation is performed off-site.

6. What are your embalming policies?

Embalming is not required by law in most states. If you are planning a direct burial or cremation, you can decline embalming. Some funeral homes may require it for open-casket viewings, but refrigeration is often an acceptable alternative.

7. Can you accommodate our cultural or religious traditions?

If your family follows specific customs — such as a Jewish tahara, Islamic ghusl, or Hindu cremation rites — ask whether the funeral home has experience with those traditions. A provider familiar with your customs will handle arrangements more smoothly and respectfully.

8. What do your online reviews look like?

Check Google reviews, Yelp, and platforms like Eternal Dream for genuine customer feedback. Pay attention to comments about communication, compassion, transparency, and whether the final bill matched the initial quote.

9. How do you handle payment and financing?

Ask about accepted payment methods, whether deposits are required, and if payment plans or financing options are available. Some funeral homes also accept funeral insurance (pre-need policies) as direct payment.

10. What happens if I need to cancel or change plans?

Life is unpredictable, and plans may change. Ask about the funeral home's cancellation and refund policies. Reputable providers will have clear, fair policies in writing.

Red Flags to Watch For

Pressure tactics: A good funeral director will give you time and space to make decisions. If you feel rushed or pressured to upgrade, walk away.
Refusal to share prices: Any resistance to providing a General Price List is a violation of federal law.
Claiming embalming is required: Unless state law specifically requires it for your situation (rare), this is misleading.
Vague or verbal-only quotes: Always get estimates in writing. A detailed, itemized quote protects you from surprise charges.

How Eternal Dream Simplifies Your Search

Comparing funeral homes used to mean making dozens of phone calls during the worst week of your life. Eternal Dream changes that. Our platform lets you:

Browse verified funeral homes by location, services, and price range
Read real reviews from other families
Compare providers side by side with transparent pricing
Send inquiries to multiple funeral homes at once

Every family deserves to make this decision with clarity, not confusion. Take the time to ask these questions, compare your options, and choose a funeral home that will honor your loved one with the dignity and care they deserve.