The information gathered during the FTC's investigation indicated these claims are not true. For example, funeral providers may not claim embalming or a particular type of casket will indefinitely preserve the deceased's body. The Rule also prohibits funeral providers from making claims that funeral goods, such as caskets or vaults, will keep out water, dirt, and other grave site substances when that is not true. 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.
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 tell relatives and other responsible persons what you have 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. This association, which represents the licensing boards of 47 states, will provide information on the laws of the various states and will accept and respond to consumer inquiries of complaints about funeral providers.