When arranging a funeral, you can purchase individual items or buy an entire package of goods and services. If you want to purchase a casket, the funeral provider will supply a list that describes all the available selections and their prices. The law helps you obtain information about the cost and availability of individual funeral goods and services. 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. The type of disposition you choose may affect the cost.
Some people prefer a ceremonial service, religious or secular, with the body present.
Others choose an immediate burial and hold a memorial or other ceremony with no body present. Another service is cremation which may be performed either directly or after a ceremony. To help ensure that your wishes are carried out, you may want to write down your preferences. It may also be helpful to tell relatives and other responsible persons what you have decided. Cremation Many people select direct cremation, which is cremation of the deceased without a viewing or other ceremony at which the body is present and then hold a memorial service at some later date.