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The following are some of the main questions that Arlington Mortuary receives regarding funeral arrangements:

How much direction should we provide ahead of time to loved ones regarding our wishes for funeral arrangements?
Giving direction with or without much detail is a gift to a family who has lost a loved one. Therefore, you should be willing to provide information about the things you feel strongly about. For example, information such as full body burial in a specific cemetery location; cremation; whether the service is open- or closed-casket; obituary and photos; and specific scripture passages, poetry, etc. are all items that might be important to you to provide to your family in preparation for your funeral arrangements if  possible.

What if prior arrangements that are no longer practical have been made and paid for?
In some situations, it may be in the best financial interest of the family to adhere exactly to the written plan without making any changes. Often, changes made to prior arrangements will incur additional charges to the family and loved ones. Carefully consider the practicality of the prior arrangements in these cases.

What is embalming and when is it required?
Embalming is the process of disinfection and temporary preservation of the body by chemically treating it to reduce the presence and growth of organisms, slow down organic decomposition, and attempt restoration of the deceased’s physical appearance. Chemicals are used in the arteries to replace blood throughout the body. While embalming is not considered permanent, it allows for effective viewing or presentation after weeks. Embalming is necessary and required for public safety if the body is to be exposed to the public beyond 24 hours after death.

What is cremation? What are the options for disposal of the remains?
Cremation, like earth burial, is a form of disposition. It is the process of placing a human body under great heat (up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce the body to bones and ashes or cremated remains. Cremation reduces the size of the remains. Earth burial or placement within a favorite cemetery is an option, as is keeping a loved one’s cremated remains at home. A special container called an urn is typically used. It is ok to scatter or distribute the remains over nature, but permission is necessary.

What are the minimum and average costs for preparation, funeral and disposition of the body?
The least costly service a funeral provider can offer is local pick-up and simple cremation or body donation to the State Anatomical Board. These have minimal costs, and involve local transfer to a facility, death certificate processing, and cremation (if chosen). Any specific needs, such as viewing the deceased or newspaper notification, are an additional cost. A traditional service that includes casket, burial vault, body viewing, memorial products, newspaper notification and fees to other participants, without cemetery costs, ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 or more. For an elaborate funeral, $10,000 or more is average. Optional details that may raise or lower these prices include the type and length of funeral service, casket for viewing and burial, and cemetery costs.