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Husband and wife funeral planning

The Importance of Funeral Preplanning

In this guide to funeral planning you'll learn how planning a funeral in advance has significant emotional and financial benefits for the surviving family.


About the FTC Funeral Rule and Consumer Rights

FTC Funeral Rule and Your Rights as a Consumer

Funeral Industry — Regulated by the States The funeral home industry is regulated on a state-by-state basis. Rules can vary widely by state and are subject to frequent changes making state regulations one of the greatest complexities of the funeral business. The vast majority of the jurisdictions require individuals to be licensed to provide funeral related services.


Offering Condolences

Offering Condolences – Saying & Doing the Right Things

Note: Our etiquette tips, including Offering Condolences, have a broad application to many religious traditions; however, some religions and ethnicities have specific requirements or traditions of their own. For more information, see our Funeral Customs section. Acknowledging the Death One of the reasons why people are so uncomfortable at a wake or funeral is because […]


PLanning ahead for a funeral

Why Should You Plan Ahead for a Funeral?

Funerals — Planning Ahead has Advantages Funeral Homes, cemeteries and other funeral service companies can help you arrange a funeral at any time -- even before there has been a death.


Preparing the Deceased for Viewing

Preparing the Deceased for Viewing or Visitation

The time we spend caring for someone’s needs, does not end with death. There are many questions that must be answered after a loved one has passed and some of those questions revolve around preparation and proper disposal of the body. An individual’s death can be just as unique as their life and having the right information will help you be informed as you make those important decisions.


Buddhist Funeral Service Rituals

Note: Buddhist funeral customs vary between traditions or “schools” and even within schools, depending on the country—for example, Zen in Taiwan and Zen in Japan are different. The following information is generalized to fit many or most Buddhist traditions. If you have specific questions relating to Buddhist funeral customs for an individual sect, we recommend […]



Funeral Resources

Looking For More Funeral - Related Information? If you need more information on funeral planning, grief, customs, or other funeral-related issues, you can find more information in books, organizations and on other websites. We are happy to offer various sources of useful information organized in the following categories


History of the Funeral Industry

How the Funeral Industry has Evolved

In the U.S., the funeral service industry is relatively new. Until the 20th century, funerals in the U.S were organized by family and neighbors and held at home. People were often buried on family property. As communities became larger and more established common cemeteries began to be used. Funeral homes were later established to relieve the family of the logistical problems presented by a death.


How Much Will Your Funeral Cost? Try Our QuickPlan to Find Out.