The Truth About Funeral Home Myths

You research TVs, computers and phones before buying, so why not do the same with funeral homes? One of the best wats to make sure you understand what you’re purchasing when it comes to funeral homes in Garyville, LA is to get clear on some common funeral home myths and misconceptions.

While there are a lot of misconceptions out there, the following list of funeral home myths and their truths will help begin to guide you on your process of being prepared to plan for the loss of a loved one or for your eventual passing:

• Myth: Funeral home products like caskets and cremation urns have to be bought from the funeral home. Truth: There’s actually a law that prohibits that! The Federal Trade Commission’s 1984 Funeral Rule protects consumer’s right to purchase funeral products from any source.
• Myth: The law requires embalming. Truth: The law does not require embalming in most situations. There are some circumstances that vary by state in which embalming is required. However, these are rare.
• Myth: Funeral directors only want to make money. Truth: Like any other professional in customer services, from doctors to florists, funeral directors do charge for their services but strive to make those services worthwhile. There are some funeral directors who are “bad apples” but they are few and far between.
• Myth: Funerals are crazy expensive. Truth: You can spend as little or as much as you like when planning a funeral. Services vary in cost depending on location.
• Myth: A high-quality casket and vault will preserve remains forever. Truth: Caskets and vaults that are well made with durable construction and high-tech seals help keep water and dirt out, but they will never stop decomposition entirely.
• Myth: There are strict laws governing the disposition of cremated remains. Truth: Laws about cremated remains vary greatly from state to state, but they only deal with burial or scattering. Some states have regulations on where ashes can be scattered, but there are no federal laws. Be sure to double-check your state’s laws before scattering remains.
• Myth: Funerals homes are sad, depressing places. Truth: While this may have been true in the past, funeral homes have changed a lot Funerals themselves can be very joyous occasions as loved ones celebrate the deceased’s life. In a typical modern funeral, laughter and music coexist with tears and ritual.
• Myth: The law requires burial vaults. Truth: Some cemeteries require burial vaults, but there are no laws that require them. Check with your cemetery to make sure you understand their requirements before the funeral.
• Myth: Cremation is the only environmentally friendly alternative to burial. Truth: While cremation can be greener than burial, that’s not always the case. There are also lots of other green alternatives out there, and you can choose to have a green burial where there are no embalming fluids, chemicals or unnatural casket materials.

Millet Guidry Funeral Home is here to help if you want a Garyville, LA funeral home you can trust. Please visit us or give us a call to learn more.