When a loved one passes away, you will want to do everything in your power to give them the best service that you can and make sure that they are respected and honored properly.
Finding a funeral home that can arrange a suitable funeral for the deceased that will also be compassionate and caring throughout this rough time, is important to reduce the burden and stress on yourself and your family.
Here are some of the most important considerations when choosing from funeral homes in Pittsburgh to provide the best service possible for the deceased.
What services do they offer?
Funeral homes in Pittsburgh can have vastly different services, so it is important to check with the options you are considering to deduce exactly what they offer.
This is especially important if you are planning to hold either a religious service or a unique type of service.
Their website will often have a list of their funerals and memorial services that you can look through so you can figure out if they provide the services you are looking for.
You can also just visit the funeral home in person or phone them to ask specifics about what they can accommodate.
Where are they located?
You will have to be in frequent communication with the funeral home to make preparations for the funeral service you’re planning.
With Pittsburgh being a relatively large city, it can be helpful to have a funeral home that is close to you.
While many funeral homes do offer remote appointments, if you plan to have the service take place at the funeral home, you will want to make sure it is in a convenient location for you and the majority of the funeral attendants to attend.
What’s their reputation and what experience do they offer?
A good funeral home will help you through every step of the planning process.
While planning a funeral is never easy, it is a funeral home’s role to take on the majority of that burden and make the entire experience less stressful.
It is a good idea to ask for recommendations for funeral homes in Pittsburgh from friends and family, but you can also venture online to see what others have to say. You can go to the funeral home’s website or you can check reviews on other sites.
Experience is also a factor that adds to their service, as a funeral home that has been in business for decades will know a lot more about the funeral industry, which will streamline the process for you.
It is also important to see whether they have staff who are caring and compassionate, as this is the foundation of a good funeral home, with the potential to greatly reduce the burden on you and your family during this time.
You can always figure out whether their staff will be a good fit for you through a simple phone call—just pay attention to their demeanor and whether they actually take the time to answer your questions and respond to any concerns you may have.
Do they provide grief resources?
The death of a loved one is always going to be a tough time for you and your family.
Grief is something that we cannot avoid, and if you or a loved one are really struggling to cope, you should look for a funeral home that offers grief resources.
Many funeral homes in Pittsburgh provide grief counseling services, host grief support groups, and offer home check-ins or phone calls.
Some funeral homes even provide educational content about grief to help guide you and your family on a path towards healing.
Are they upfront about their costs and willing to work with your budget?
When choosing a funeral home, you will want to check up on their costs.
Funerals are notoriously expensive, and having a funeral home that is upfront about their costs will ensure that you know what you are getting into.
All funeral homes have a basic service fee, which typically consists of the cost of the death certificate, funeral planning, notice preparation, and arrangements with the cemetery or crematory.
However, there are also costs associated with flower arrangements, coffins, headstones, and various other accessories.
When you speak to the funeral director or planner, they should be transparent about all these costs.
They should also be willing to work with you to plan an appropriate service within the confines of your budget, no matter how limited.
Everything you need to know to pick from funeral homes in Pittsburgh
Now that you are well versed in everything you should consider when picking a funeral home in Pittsburgh, it’s time to start your research.
