Morning Edition had a two-part series about the Funeral Industry today, and it made a few good points about dealing with a funeral home after a loved one dies.

They specifically mention the website Parting, which is trying to make funeral costs available online. The Funeral Industry does its best to get people into their doors before they disclose pricing, at which time few people are inclined to leave and start over, even if the prices seem high. They also mention the Funeral Consumers Alliance, which I am a member of through our local organization (Funeral Consumers Society of Colorado).

My only piece of advice when planning a funeral/memorial service/wake etc is this.  The wife/husband/child/parent should NEVER make these visits alone. It’s easy to be overwhelmed at these visits, and you should have someone with you who is of clear mind about the deceased’s wishes, and can be an advocate for them as well as you. And if you do get overwhelmed, you can leave and come back another day. Any funeral home that isn’t alright with that is one you should walk away from anyway.