How to Choose a Funeral Home: Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything

Choosing a funeral home is often done quickly, sometimes within hours of a death, which makes it easy to overlook questions that matter. A few direct questions can prevent overpaying or misunderstanding what's included, and asking them upfront rarely comes across as inappropriate, even during an emotional first meeting.

Ask for the General Price List up front

Under the FTC's Funeral Rule, funeral homes are required to provide an itemized General Price List if you visit in person, and to share pricing over the phone if you ask. Request this before discussing any packages, so you have a clear baseline for comparison rather than reacting to bundled pricing that's harder to evaluate on the spot.

Ask what's required versus optional

Only the basic services fee is mandatory. Embalming, a formal viewing, and certain caskets or urns are often optional, even if they're presented as standard. Ask specifically what state law requires versus what the funeral home simply recommends, since recommendations are sometimes presented in a way that makes them sound mandatory when they aren't.

Ask about outside purchases

Many funeral homes allow you to bring in a casket or urn purchased elsewhere, often at a significant savings, without charging a handling fee. It's worth asking directly whether this is allowed before assuming it isn't, since federal law actually requires funeral homes to accept outside caskets without charging extra for it.

Ask about payment timing and plans

Some funeral homes offer payment plans or accept life insurance assignments directly, which can ease the immediate financial pressure. Understanding these options before committing to a package can prevent an unexpected financial strain during an already difficult time, particularly if funds from an estate or insurance policy haven't been released yet.

Ask about their experience with your specific needs

If there are religious, cultural, or logistical considerations, such as a same day burial requirement or an out of state transfer, ask directly whether the funeral home has handled this before. A funeral home with direct experience in your specific situation will usually be upfront about it, and their answer can tell you a lot about how smoothly the process will go.