The funeral questions to ask
A free, printable checklist of what every funeral home is required to tell you. Take it to any provider — it's the fastest way to catch an inflated quote.
Before you call anyone
- Decide cremation vs. burial — it's the biggest cost lever by far.
- Set a rough budget so a package can't quietly expand it.
- Remember: you can arrange things over a day or two. Urgency is rarely real.
Prices to get in writing (you're legally entitled to these)
- Ask for the itemized General Price List (GPL) to keep.
- Get the all-in total, including the crematory or cemetery fee.
- Ask for prices from 2–3 providers and compare the same line items.
- Confirm the cost of extra certified death certificates.
At the funeral home
- Which items are optional? (Only the basic services fee is non-declinable.)
- Is embalming required for what I've chosen? (Usually no.)
- Can I supply my own casket or urn with no surcharge? (Yes, by law.)
- Are any 'cash advance' items (flowers, obituary) marked up?
Red flags — slow down or walk away
- You're told a package is required or embalming is 'mandatory.'
- You can't get an itemized price in writing.
- You're pressured to decide immediately.
- The quote is far above the fair range for your area.
Want the fair price to check quotes against? See costs by state or read how to read a price list.