Funeral Arranging in Washington DC

What to Consider when Arranging a Funeral or Cremation in Washington DC.

Arranging a funeral or cremation can be a difficult task, especially as you are usually grieving and feeling emotionally vulnerable at the same time, and this can mean making decisions is not easy.

This brief guide to arranging a funeral or cremation in Washington DC aims to provide a starting point and give you an overview of some of the main things you need to consider.

Choosing a funeral home in DC

One of the first things you will need to do, especially if a death has just occurred, is chose the funeral director you wish to handle the funeral services.

There are in the region of 40 funeral homes and mortuaries in the Washington DC so you need to consider what criteria can help you select the right funeral home for your needs. There are also around 16 cemeteries, crematories and Memorial Gardens.

Do you require a traditional funeral or burial service? Or are you seeking a more contemporary life celebration service, or a cremation? Is the cost of the funeral an issue, are you working to a tight budget and looking to save money where you can on funeral expenses? Do you want the services of an African-American black funeral home? Obviously having some clear ideas of what you do need from a funeral home helps you make the decision of which funeral home is right for you.

Many people seek recommendations of referrals from family or friends, and this is a very good way to get information. However, if you are not in a position to benefit from a sound referral, or you are seeking something specific, you may have to resort to contacting funeral homes yourself. Usually people look for a reputable funeral business in their own area, but it is always advisable to check with more than one funeral home and compare services and prices for a funeral or cremation.

What does an average funeral cost in Washington DC?

The average cost of a funeral in the U.S. is $6500 (according to the NFDA - National Association of Funeral Directors 2011), however, the cost of a funeral in the Washington DC may vary to the national average price of a funeral. If you require a cremation in Washington DC, you can most likely find that you can arrange a direct cremation for around $900, if you require a viewing or additional services this will then add to this cost. A traditional burial is going to cost a little more, and the cost for a burial is largely dependent on the type of casket you select and the final cost of your cemetery plot and grave marker. Basic funeral director’s services for a traditional burial can be found for around $4500 in the District of Columbia.

All funeral homes in the Washington DC area must have a general price list (GPL) that outlines their service charges and funeral merchandise prices. They must provide a copy of their GPL when they quote you a price according to the Federal Trade Commission’s ‘The Funeral Rule’.

It is recommended that you DO compare like-for-like, and shop around and compare funeral prices between more than one funeral home. That way you can be sure that you have a “best value” funeral service.

For further information on purchasing a casket at an affordable cost in the District of Columbia visit our page on Caskets.

For help on purchasing an affordable headstone or grave marker in DC, visit our page on grave markers.

How do I decide between a burial or a cremation in the District of Columbia?

The decision between choosing a burial or cremation is very much a personal choice, be that the bereaved family or wishes expressed by the deceased. Faith and/or funds for the funeral service can play a significant role in whether a burial or cremation is chosen. Having a pre-existing cemetery plot can be an important aspect as burial plots can be quite expensive to purchase these days. Cremation is certainly on the increase in the United States, and is becoming a popular funeral alternative for many now. Green burials are also another option that can be considered.

If you are unsure whether to chose between burial or cremation, talk to family and friends, and discuss the decision with your funeral director. Just be aware that a funeral director is running a business, and is likely to want to advise you to “up-sell”, cremation is cheaper than burial so you may find a funeral director is not always unbiased!

Can I pre-plan a funeral in Washington DC?

Yes, you certainly can, and this is becoming a preferred choice for many families in DC now. Pre-planning your funeral alleviates family of both the difficult decisions and the financial burden of funeral expenses. You can make pre-need funeral arrangements direct with a funeral home or purchase burial insurance.

A prepayment option allows you to lock in your funeral costs at today’s prices. Any interest on the prepayment fee you have payed generally covers the cost of inflation anyway.

However, funeral homes will often offer a pre-need planning service that does not require professional fees upfront, but allows you to plan out your final wishes, work out the costs and you can either put some money aside in savings or give the money to family in readiness for the time of need.

Do be assured that all funeral preplanning services are regulated and any money you put into a funeral trust with a funeral director is protected by the state legislation on funeral pre-need funds.

Can I donate my body to science in the District of Columbia?

Yes, donating your body to science can be a great way to facilitate your end-of-life needs and apart from being a gift to society, can also mean that you do not have any funeral expenses. Most of the national organizations that deal with full body donation handle everything from the moment you notify them of the death, including collecting the body, the donation, the free cremation and the return of the cremated remains to the family a few weeks later. Many more people in DC are choosing body donation now, and once they have had the cremated remains returned to them at no-cost, they then arrange their own memorial service for the family.

To find out more about whole body donation read ‘Donating your body to Medical Science’.

How can I transport a loved one either back to, or from, DC after death?

If a loved one needs to be transported back to a state or country of origin following their death in the District of Columbia, you will need the services of a funeral director who can arrange funeral shipping for you. This generally needs a funeral professional who can coordinate arrangements at the place of death and wherever the body is being shipped to.

If transporting a loved one between states in the United States you have the option of flying the body, or transporting the body by land. Certain regulations do apply on moving a body, and it is likely that embalming will be required as well as specific containers to hold the casket. Shipping a body can be quite expensive, so the other alternative you have is to have the body cremated at the place of death, and then transport back the cremated remains.

For more information on transporting the deceased, read ‘What to do when a loved one dies away from home’.

Who should I contact if I have a complaint about a funeral home in Washington DC?

Hopefully you will find the services of your funeral home more than adequate, as most funeral professionals are very dedicated in their vocation. Unfortunately though, it does sometimes happen that you may have a complaint or grievance with a funeral home and you do not manage to resolve it directly with the funeral director. In this case you should make your complaint in writing to the DC Board of Funeral Directors who regulates and licenses funeral businesses in the District of Columbia. They can be contacted at:
1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024