When starting a funeral home business, it is essential to understand the items and products you will need to provide funeral services. This includes funeral arrangements, memorial services, embalming and body preparation, burial vaults, and more.
This article will outline the different types of funeral services offered and the corresponding investments for each.
Types of Funeral Services Offered
Before we dive into the funeral items and products you will need to purchase, it is crucial to understand the different types of funeral services that are typically offered.
The four most common funeral services include:
Full-service funeral
A full-service funeral typically includes a visitation or viewing, funeral service, and commitment service. This is the most traditional funeral service and usually takes place over three days.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation entails the body being transported to the funeral home, where it is then cremated without a visitation or funeral service. This type of funeral is less expensive and allows for more flexibility with funeral planning.
Memorial service
A memorial service is a ceremony held to honor the life of the deceased without the body present. This funeral can occur at the funeral home, church, or other location.
Pet funeral
A pet funeral is a funeral service held for a deceased pet. This type of funeral is becoming increasingly popular as people view their pets as family members of.
Items and Products for Funeral Arrangements
When providing funeral arrangements, you will need to purchase items such as caskets, urns, and funeral stationery. Funeral arrangements typically take place at the funeral home, church, or other location and can last anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours.
Funeral stationery includes funeral programs, thank you cards, and obituary notices.
Items and Products for Funeral and Memorial Service
For funeral and memorial services, you will need to purchase items such as flowers, music, and photo displays.
Family and friends may send plants to the funeral home before a service. Someone needs to be ready to receive these items, store them, and ensure they’re properly displayed at the correct ceremony location.
Equipment for a Funeral Business
Typical equipment for a funeral business includes:
- Cars
- Software
- Embalming supplies
- Stationery
- Caskets
- Mortuary stretchers
- Flowers
- Urns
The average cost for funeral home equipment is between $10,000 and $50,000. Let’s explore some items in more detail.
Embalming and Body Preparation
Embalming is the process of preserving a body after death. This is typically done to prepare the body for funeral services. This is typically done by injecting a chemical solution into the vascular system. Funeral homes will need to purchase embalming supplies such as:
- Formaldehyde
- Embalming fluids
- Embalming powder
- Cremation urns
- Body bags
- Funeral clothing
- Cosmetics
Burial Vaults
A burial vault is a lined and sealed outer container used to encase a casket. This is done to protect the casket from the weight of the earth and to prolong the life of the casket.
If you offer burial services, you will need to purchase burial vaults. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket from the weight of the earth and are typically made of concrete, metal, or fiberglass.
Funeral Planning Checklist
To ensure you have everything needed for a funeral, create a checklist. This checklist should include all the items and products you will need for the funeral arrangements, service, and burial.
Flower Arrangements and Equipment
Flower arrangements are a common addition to funeral and memorial services. You will need to purchase a variety of flowers, such as roses, lilies, daisies, and more. You will also need to purchase vases, floral foam, and other supplies.
Music
Music is often played during funeral and memorial services. Therefore, you will need to purchase a variety of music, such as hymns, patriotic songs, and popular songs. You will also need to purchase a sound system and speakers.
Photo Displays
Photo displays are often used during funeral and memorial services to remember the deceased’s life. Therefore, you will need to purchase a variety of photos, frames, photo albums, and other supplies.
Obituary Notices
Obituary notices are used to inform the public about the death of a loved one. You can write them to every client by hand. You can also purchase business software that streamlines the process.
Death Certificates
It helps your funeral home business to offer legal paperwork services such as providing death certificates. Software can help you fill out the paperwork too.
Prepare to Start a Funeral Home
Starting a funeral home is a significant undertaking. However, with the proper understanding of the funeral items and products you need to invest in, you can be well on your way to providing quality funeral services for your community.