If you decide to make advance plans about funeral arrangements either for yourself or a loved one, you can choose among several types of dispositions and ceremonies. Your choice will affect the cost. Some people prefer a ceremonial service, religious or secular, with the body present. Others prefer cremation, which may be performed directly or after a ceremony. To help ensure that your wishes are carried out, you may want to write down your preferences, and tell relatives and family friends what you decided.
Most states have a licensing board that regulates the funeral industry.
You may contact the licensing board in your state for information or help. If you want additional information about how to make funeral arrangements and the options available, you may want to contact interested business, professional, and consumer groups. It encourages advance planning and cost efficiency. More than 750 members own and operate crematories and encourage the concept of memorialization. Membership is by invitation only.