Funeral Service

Concept of a Funeral Service

A funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. These services may include a prepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral.

Particular Market

The funeral industry operates in a market which is characterized by static total demand; demand being defined as the death rate. Demand for services cannot be generated; it is affected by changes in population density.

Services Options

Funeral homes arrange services in accordance with the wishes of families and the deceased. The funeral home often takes care of the necessary paperwork, permits, and other details, such as making arrangements with the cemetery, and providing obituaries to the news media.

Considering that most funeral homes offer similar if not the same service options to the public:

▪ Traditional Service – A traditional funeral service consists of a viewing (sometimes referred to as a visitation), a funeral service at the church of the deceased (or at the funeral home chapel), and a graveside committal service.

▪ Non-Traditional Service – This option may include a visitation prior to a secular service conducted by a Celebrant or other ceremony leaders selected by the family.  

▪ Cremation and Memorial Service – Families can select cremations as an alternative to burial, and still have a traditional or non-traditional service. Others may elect to cremate and then have a Memorial Service

▪ Pre-Need Arrangements – More families are choosing to make funeral arrangements in advance of need. This gives peace of mind knowing critical decisions and financial considerations have been finalized prior to need.  

▪ Grief Counseling – On a referral basis, professional support can be provided to assist families through the grief process.  

▪ Affordable Caskets and Urns – Most funeral Homes offer quality caskets and urns for...