Other Considerations Most decisions about purchasing funeral goods and services are made by people when they are grieving and under time constraints. Thinking ahead may help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. In this way, you can carefully choose the specific items you want and need and can compare prices offered by one or more funeral providers. 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. Most states have a licensing board that regulates the funeral industry.