Question 1

Why should I have a service?

Accepted Answer

Whether you choose a funeral, memorial service, celebration of life or private service, all types of services and ceremonies have significance and value to the attendees. All services provide a caring, supportive environment where loved ones and friends can recognize the death, and to share thoughts and feelings about that person. These types of gatherings are the first step in the healing process.

Question 2

What type of service should I have?

Accepted Answer

The type of service that will be held for the deceased is chosen by them before their death or by their family after their passing. Funerals can be planned in advance and very specific wishes can be shared for the family to follow. Funeral directors are trained to help you arrange the desired type of service. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home in Calgary, however, other venues can be considered and may be more appropriate in your unique circumstances.

Question 3

How much does a funeral cost?

Accepted Answer

Funerals can cost as little as $1295 for a direct disposition. Direct disposition includes registering the death, a basic cremation container, transporting the deceased to our crematorium in Calgary and the cremation fee. For a full-service funeral for an adult, consumers typically choose to spend an average of $7,500. This includes a professional service, transfer-of remains, embalming, other preparation, hosting a viewing, hosting a ceremony, stationery, hearse, limousine and casket. With the added costs of cemetery space, obituaries, receptions and other incidental funeral expenses, it is not uncommon for funerals to cost more than $10,000.

Question 4

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

Accepted Answer

No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body’s final disposition. Cremation in Calgary can occur before or after a service. When the body is present for a service and is then cremated, we refer to this as a traditional funeral followed by cremation. When the cremation is completed before the service, it is considered a memorial service. We can assist you with the necessary information to make the best decision for your family.

Question 5

What do funeral directors do?

Accepted Answer

A funeral director is a licensed professional who specializes in all aspects of funerals and related services. They are also caregivers and administrators. They provide guidance and support to the family by helping to identify the services and final disposition the family wishes. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They make the arrangements for the transportation of the deceased, complete all necessary paperwork and implement the selections made by the family. Their job is to ensure everything goes according to plan for you. Funeral directors have the knowledge and information to answer questions about practical matters, such as cemetery spaces, caskets, vaults, urns, flowers or placing obituaries in a Calgary newspaper. They also offer guidance about the logistical & emotional realities of a funeral. Funeral directors have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death and can provide extra support and recommendations for professional help if needed.

Question 6

Why are funerals so expensive?

Accepted Answer

In some respects, funerals are a lot like weddings or birthday celebrations. The type of funeral will dictate the costs, which will vary significantly according to the choices and budget of the family of the deceased.

A funeral home is a 24-hour a day, labour-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.). These expenses are factored into the cost of a funeral, when they are used. The cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets and flowers, but also the services of a funeral director in making arrangements, filing appropriate forms, dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others and seeing to all the necessary details. Contrary to popular belief, family-owned funeral homes in Calgary operate with a modest profit margin. Many people don’t realize just how much work goes into getting everything just right in a very short period of time.

Question 7

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Today, pre-planning and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. It’s as simple as calling our office and setting an appointment for one of our counselors to meet you, either in our office or at your home. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice regarding your own funeral service. Pre-arranging will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, relieving your family of the emotional and financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Planning in advance also relieves the family and executor of making difficult decisions and can prevent conflict in families. Making arrangements in advance also guarantees a service and funeral at today’s prices, free from inflation.

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