Funeral Providers
Leaving It to The Professionals
This page helps you understand what’s involved when working with funeral providers—and how to make informed, confident choices. Here, you’ll learn when you are (and aren’t) required to use a professional, what to know about costs and pricing, and how to spot red flags and avoid scams. You’ll also find a list of key questions to ask before hiring a funeral home, guidance on finding green and affordable options, and tips for steering clear of misleading “comparison” sites that charge providers for listings.
Must you use a professional?
No! You can do it all yourself. The National Home Funeral Alliance Home Funeral Guide provides information on a “pay-what-you-can” basis.
Green options may be hard to find.
Because all the green options are considered specialized, you need to shop for in a different way than searching the nearby funeral homes.
Instead, jump to our Green Options page.
Be prepared for scams and unethical practices.
This is the only sector in the deathcare industry that is regulated at the national level. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs funeral homes with The Funeral Rule.
Also, visit our Frauds & Scams page for more information.
Look for red flags.
Most funeral directors are compassionate, professional, and trustworthy—and many families find them to be a great source of comfort during a difficult time. Still, it’s important to recognize warning signs of unethical practices before committing to services or payments.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- You feel pressured to make quick decisions or spend more than planned.
- The General Price List isn’t available on the website, and staff ask for your personal information before sharing prices.
- You’re steered toward higher-cost options or made to feel guilty about choosing lower-priced services.
- The provider insists embalming is required (it rarely is) and doesn’t explain alternatives.
- They say you must purchase a casket even if the deceased will be cremated.
- The lower-cost casket or urn is suddenly “out of stock.”
If you encounter any of these behaviors, pause and verify with another provider or contact your state funeral board or consumer protection agency for guidance.
What to ask when shopping around.
When you begin calling funeral providers, you may discover new priorities or questions along the way—it’s normal to call the same business more than once. Use these questions to help guide your conversations and compare options clearly and confidently:
- What is your price for a simple, direct cremation or burial, and what is not included in that price?
- How can I get a copy of your General Price List (if it’s not on your website)?
- How far will you travel to transfer the body before additional fees apply—and what are those fees?
- What is your least expensive casket or urn?
- Do you offer viewings without embalming?
- What are your greenest or most eco-friendly options?
- Are you independently owned, or part of a larger company? (Ownership can affect pricing, flexibility, and customer service.)
- Is your staff experienced with specific religious or cultural practices, preparing people of diverse skin tones or hair types, or gender-nonconforming presentation?
- What are your policies and fees for spending time with the body or witnessing the cremation?
Each provider’s answers will help you decide which services align best with your needs, values, and budget.
How much do funerals cost?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral is based on a combination of standard services and items, including: the basic service fee, transfer of remains, embalming and body preparation, a metal casket, facility and staff use for viewing and the funeral ceremony, transportation (hearse and service vehicle), and a basic memorial package (such as programs or a register book).
These totals do not include cemetery plots, monuments or markers, flowers, obituary fees, or other outside costs.
- 2023 Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Burial: $8,300
- 2023 Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Cremation: $6,280
The NFDA’s Price Survey page provides additional details, including full cost breakdowns and regional price differences across the U.S.