1. When should I begin planning a funeral?
• Ideally, pre-planning can ease the burden on families. However, if a loved one has
just passed, you should start planning within the first 24-48 hours.

2. What are the first steps in planning a funeral?
• Notify the funeral home, gather important documents (e.g., death certificate), and
decide on burial or cremation.

3. How do I choose between burial and cremation?
• This is often based on personal, religious, or cultural beliefs. We can discuss your
options and help guide your decision.

4. What is included in a basic funeral service?
• Typically, it includes the preparation of the body, a viewing or visitation, a service,
transportation, and burial or cremation.

5. How much does a funeral cost?
• The cost can vary widely, but we offer affordable packages tailored to your needs.
Basic services start around $3,000 and can increase depending on add-ons.

6. Do I need to use a funeral home?
• While it’s not required by law, funeral homes help manage legal paperwork, logistics,
and provide professional care, which eases stress on the family.

7. Can I plan a funeral that reflects my loved one’s personality?
• Absolutely! We encourage families to personalize the service with music, photos, or
themes that reflect their loved one’s life and legacy.

8. How long after a person passes away should the funeral take place?
• Most funerals happen within a week, but we can work with families to accommodate
specific needs or religious practices.

9. What is a “green” or eco-friendly funeral?
• This involves minimal environmental impact, using biodegradable materials for
burial and avoiding chemicals like embalming fluid.

10. What documents do I need to bring to the funeral home?
• You’ll need the death certificate, your loved one’s ID, social security number,
insurance policies (if applicable), and any pre-arranged funeral plans.

11. Can I still have a viewing if my loved one is being cremated?
• Yes, we can arrange for a viewing before the cremation process, so family and friends
can say their goodbyes.

12. What should I do if I can’t afford a funeral?
• We offer payment plans and can help you explore community resources or financial
assistance programs to reduce the financial burden.

13. How do I arrange a military funeral for a veteran?
• We will help coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure proper
military honors are provided.

14. What is included in a memorial service?
• A memorial service is typically held without the body present, and it can include
speeches, readings, music, and a eulogy.

15. Can I hold a funeral service in a location other than a funeral home?
• Yes, you can hold services in a church, community center, or even at home. We are
flexible and can help coordinate any venue.

16. Do I have to embalm my loved one?
• Embalming is not legally required unless certain conditions apply, like extended time
before the burial. It’s often a choice for families who want an open casket viewing.

17. What’s the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?
• A funeral is more formal and often follows specific religious or cultural practices,
while a celebration of life is usually more casual, focusing on memories and joy.

18. Can we plan a funeral remotely if we are out of town?
• Yes, many aspects can be handled remotely via phone or video consultations. We will
coordinate with you to ensure your needs are met.

19. What are the benefits of pre-planning a funeral?
• Pre-planning relieves emotional and financial stress from your family. You can lock
in today’s prices, ensure your wishes are honored, and make arrangements easier for
loved ones.

20. How do I write an obituary?
• We can help guide you through this. An obituary typically includes basic biographical
details, family names, and information about the funeral service.

21. What’s included in a burial service?

• It typically includes a graveside service, the grave/plot , opening and closing, the casket, and transportation to the cemetery.

22. Can I transport my loved one’s remains to another state or country?
• Yes, but it requires special documentation and transportation arrangements. We
handle all the logistics of shipping remains.

23. How do I select a casket or urn?
• We have a wide range of options for all budgets. We’ll explain the materials and
styles, and help you make a choice based on your preferences and budget.

24. What is a direct burial or direct cremation?
• Direct burial or cremation skips the funeral service, meaning there’s no viewing or
ceremony. It’s often more affordable for families.

25. What happens after the funeral service is over?
• We assist with any post-service needs, such as filing death certificates, helping with
insurance claims, and guiding you through the grieving process with aftercare
resources.

At Brown Legacy Memorial, providing compassionate, high-quality service is at the
heart of everything we do. To ensure families have access to clear and helpful
information, I created the Ask the Funeral Director document as a resource to address
frequently asked questions. Unlike generic materials, this document reflects my deep
understanding of the concerns and needs families face during such challenging times.

Drawing from my years of experience and commitment to serving with excellence, I
carefully crafted this guide to offer practical, empathetic, and thoughtful answers.
In addition, I plan to use these questions across various social media platforms, creating opportunities to delve deeper into each topic for better understanding and engagement.

 

This approach allows us to reach and educate more families, offering insights and clarity in a way that fosters trust and builds meaningful connections. It’s one of the many ways I remain intricately involved in every aspect of our services, ensuring that every family we serve feels supported, informed, and cared for with the utmost professionalism.

Your funeral director

Richard Brown III