Frequently Asked Questions
Funeral Service FAQs
Why is it important to have a funeral service?
People have gathered to commemorate the loss of a community member throughout human history and around the world. A funeral ceremony is the one (and sometimes the only) chance for everyone to come together to mourn the deceased's death, honor the community's shared loss, and share the burden of grief, regardless of who the deceased was.
What is the average cost of a funeral service?
Aside from statistics, the cost of a funeral ceremony is entirely determined by the services and products chosen by the family during the funeral arrangements. Sure items as the cemetery opening fee, death certificates, pallbearers and a burial vault are additional. Your funeral director will completely explain all possibilities, ask pertinent questions about your budget, and do all possible to ensure that you have a service that matches your needs.
Is it required that flowers be present during the service?
Flowers provide a warm and beautiful backdrop to the funeral service, adding to its dignity and solace. Flowers during a funeral or other end-of-life event serve several vital reasons, including a visual expression of sympathy, love, and respect, as well as a manner of offering support.
When it comes to funerals, who should be invited?
When making a guest list for a funeral, you should follow your emotions as well as your common sense. You're aware of the people who meant the most to your loved one, as well as those who didn't. Regardless of what you do, don't invite more guests than the location can properly accommodate. It is appropriate to contact certain people by phone, email, or social media to make sure they are aware of the service date/time and to convey your desire for their presence.
What goes into preparing a body for a visitation or funeral viewing?
A professional and qualified embalmer and restorative artist can execute a variety of activities in preparation of the deceased. Without getting into too much detail, the body is preserved for a short time by embalming, refrigeration, or a mixture of both. It is bathed, dressed, and groomed before being placed in a casket of choice for viewing. Please contact us if you have any questions about the procedure.
Cremation Service FAQs
How much is a cremation service?
Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, Inc. offers low-cost direct or simple cremation services starting at $2,450.00 with a basic cremation container or cremation caskets (plus a crematory fee, death certificates, and cremation permit, if necessary). This means that families can choose a typical full-service funeral home for their cremation needs without having to worry about breaking their budget. We can also arrange for a public or private viewing, a religious service at a church or temple, or a memorial service at our location.
Can I participate in the cremation?
In general, you are welcome to take part in the cremation. The extent to which you can participate may vary from crematory to crematory (depending on their facilities); if this is an issue for you or another family member, please speak with your funeral director.
What should I do with the ashes of a loved one?
You can do a variety of things with your loved one's ashes, including simply taking them home to keep them safe. You may know exactly what you want to do with them at some point in the future, but that time may not be now. After all, you have many possibilities, such as dispersing the ashes on land or sea, using the cremated remains in keepsake jewelry, or creating significant works of art. If you're interested in learning more about your alternatives, give us a call at (718) 884-6100 (link to tel:7188846100) and we'll tell you what we know.
How long does cremation take?
From start to completion, the cremation process can take anything from four days to two weeks, including any waiting period, authorization, and the actual cremation. The cremation itself takes around 2 to 3 hours, plus 1 to 2 hours for processing.
Can you tell us which type of service is right for us?
We would never presume to advise you on the finest service for your loved one. Your funeral director, on the other hand, will be happy to explain and advise you on the differences between service formats (traditional funeral, memorial service, and cremation), as well as share stories of meaningful services they've witnessed–all in the hopes of empowering you to make your own decision.
Memorial Service FAQs
What is a memorial service?
A memorial service is comparable to a funeral, except it is significantly less formal and is led by a celebrant or master of ceremonies rather than clergy. It allows everyone who attends the service to engage in some way, rather than just observe and reflect.
What type of service format is best for my family and me?
There's no way for us to know which service would be ideal for you in your scenario. We believe it's our job to show you the range of possibilities. We can walk you through your options and give recommendations, all with the purpose of empowering you to make the best decision possible.
What additional fees or charges will I be responsible for?
Some of the goods you'll discuss with your funeral director will require purchases from other vendors, which you'll be required to pay for at the time of the service. Fees for clergy or musicians, floral arrangements, and reception essentials such as food/beverage or space rental could all be included in the bill. For all cash advance goods, your funeral director will send you a thorough invoice.
How and when should I pay?
Expect to pay after the service contract is signed, as a general rule (at the time of the arrangement conference, or soon afterwards). To learn more, speak with your funeral director.
How much will I have to be involved?
How much do you want to be a part of it? Certain data, such as where and when will undoubtedly be required by your funeral director. You'll make crucial decisions about other details together, but once those are made, you may either "stand back" and let us handle everything or give us as much input as you like.
Burial Service FAQs
What is a graveside service?
Some families prefer to assemble simply at the cemetery rather than having a service in a church or funeral home chapel and then adjourning to the cemetery for the burial. They are guided through a ceremony organized by a clergy member or celebrant, and they watch the in-ground committal of their loved one's casket. If the concept of a graveside service appeals to you, discuss your options with your funeral director.
How does graveside funeral service work?
Religious service at a house of worship or a funeral chapel may be followed by a ceremonial procession to the cemetery, followed by a graveside funeral service. We simply assemble at the cemetery office and are then led to the grave for direct graveside service. Direct Burial services begin at $5,575.00, plus other funeral costs such as cemetery fees, clergy, and death certificates.
Does my loved one have to be embalmed prior to burial?
If you're organizing a viewing or visitation, many funeral homes recommend (and in some cases, require) embalming. This is because they want everyone in attendance to have the best possible experience and effective embalming can ensure the deceased looks as wonderful as possible. However, if the body is cared for in a reasonable amount of time, embalming is not obligatory or legally mandated. For specific state or local requirements, please contact us.
How much will a casket cost?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the average casket costs roughly $2,000 on average. If you're worried about casket expenses, have a talk with your funeral director. He or she can help you choose the right casket for your situation and budget.
Where do I purchase a headstone or grave marker?
We have good working relationships with reputable monument firms, as does the cemetery where your loved one will be laid to rest. When you're ready to order a granite headstone or bronze grave monument, we'll work together to plan the design, fabrication, and installation.