Best Funeral Homes in Tulsa

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Funeral homes are establishments that provide both funeral and burial services. Sometimes referred to as funeral parlors or mortuaries, funeral homes are run by funeral directors who work closely with family members and loved ones of the deceased. A funeral director helps with funeral planning, and they advise the bereaved on options for services, caskets, and burials.
  
  Funeral homes employ workers to assist with various services such as embalming and makeup application for the deceased, and the homes generally have designated areas for viewings, wakes, and memorials. In certain instances, a funeral home may be located on cemetery grounds to allow for burials to immediately follow funeral ceremonies.
  

• How do funeral homes dress bodies?

  The first step of dressing a body is embalming (when required by the state), followed by drying the body and applying undergarments. The final steps are putting on the deceased's clothing and shoes and socks. In most cases, clothing is supplied by the families or loved ones of the deceased.

• How much do funeral homes make?

  On average, funeral homes make between $54,000 and $76,000 per year. Actual numbers can vary based on factors such as the number of funerals held annually, whether or not burial services are provided, and the specific rates charged by the funeral home.
  

• Do funeral homes offer financing?

  Certain funeral homes offer financing and payment plans to help the bereaved pay for funeral services in installments. In most cases, funeral home financing comes in the form of unsecured personal loans with monthly payments. Those seeking financing can also inquire with financial institutions such as credit unions and banks.
  

• Do funeral homes handle life insurance?

  Funeral homes do not offer life insurance policies, but many funeral establishments accept life insurance policies instead of cash payments. It is important to note that policies accepted by funeral homes must be assignable, so 401ks and retirement benefits won't be counted towards payment.
  

• Do funeral homes keep copies of death certificates?

  Funeral homes generally request death certificates for family members of the deceased. While specific time lines can vary depending on the establishment's policies, copies of death certificates are usually kept on file at the funeral home indefinitely. Next of kin can generally order death certificates directly from funeral directors.
  

• Do funeral homes cremate bodies?

  There are funeral homes that offer direct cremation and burials along with memorial and viewing services. When cremation services aren't available through a funeral home, crematoriums are another option. However, crematoriums do not offer additional services for memorializing the deceased.