Planning a funeral or cremation can be challenging, especially at a difficult time in your life. Knowing what your options are, from a traditional funeral to direct cremation to planning, helps you to make the right decisions. With hundreds of funeral homes and crematories in the state, the best option would be to seek different services, prices, and even reviews in choosing the right cremation service provider.
The following guide covers everything from legal requirements for embalming and burial plots to scattering ashes and purchasing caskets. It also includes other options, such as direct cremation and knowing your rights under the Funeral Rule, which can save you money on arrangements. So, let’s move forward to learn everything about it.
How to Choose the Right Funeral Home or Cremation Service?
These steps can make things easier and help you obtain a provider that meets your requirements.
- Define Your Requirements: Consider whether you have a requirement such as budget restrictions, a specific cultural expectation, or a personal need for unique non-traditional options.
- Compare Prices and Services: Funeral homes charge varying prices, and their services can differ. Compare different offers so that you get the best within your budget.
- Find Recommendations: Read reviews and ask people you trust for recommendations. This will give you an understanding of what to expect from the provider regarding customer service and satisfaction.
- Ensure Transparency: A provider must be clear on how much things will cost, and there should be no hidden expenses or misunderstandings you may encounter.
How to Find an Oklahoma Funeral Home or Cremation Service?
With hundreds of cemeteries, crematories, and funeral homes in Shawnee, it can be daunting to determine the best option. The US Funerals Online directory makes it easier to organize funeral establishments by state and city. It helps in the easy searching and reviewing of providers in the region for easier identification of the most fitting choice for individual needs.
What Does a Funeral or Cremation Cost in Oklahoma?
The FTC’s funeral rule dictates that a funeral home must provide a GPL (General Price List) upon request, either over the telephone or in person. The National Funeral Directors Association estimates that, in 2024, an average cremation with viewing and memorial service will run about $6,300 in the United States. Prices also depend on factors, including:
- Ownership of the crematory
- Transportation requirements
- Locations
- Local regulationsÂ
- Memorial facilities
- Visitation
- Specialized containers
Why Choose a Direct Cremation Service?
Direct cremation provides an affordable, dignified way to manage funeral costs. The funeral home handles everything from dealing with the deceased to conducting the cremation. After this, the family receives the ashes, and they are free to conduct a memorial service or scattering as needed at a time and place of their choosing.
Is Embalming Required in Oklahoma?
Embalming is not a legal requirement in Oklahoma. However, if a body is held longer than 24 hours, the storage must be refrigerated. Since refrigeration is enough to preserve the body, embalming is not required. Some funeral homes in Shawnee, Oklahoma, even require embalming if the public viewing or the open casket service is involved. It is basically up to the individual’s desire and situation.
What Are the Options for Purchasing a Casket?
You are not obligated to purchase a casket, as an adequate transportation and cremation body would be a cardboard or plywood box. The FTC funeral rule does allow some purchase of caskets made by non-funeral-home entities, but Oklahoma, again through local lobbying activities, allows only licensed directors to sell caskets.
What Are the Laws for Scattering Ashes in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, you can scatter cremated remains on private land after getting permission from the owner. A good practice for uninhabited public rural areas is to scatter 100 feet away from roads, trails, and water bodies.
If scattering in public parkland or state parks, a permit may be required, and containers must be biodegradable or floral tributes. Remember, as cremated remains are environmentally safe, this act is a last tribute to your loved one, so take it with great thought.
Where Do I Get a Copy of a Death Certificate From in Oklahoma?
You can obtain a certified copy of a death certificate at the Oklahoma Department of Health’s Vital Records Service. Fill out an application form, provide suitable identification, and pay the $15.00 service fee. Either mail it or visit their office.
Conclusion
To summarize, preparing a funeral or cremation in Oklahoma requires a thoughtful process. Once you have the appropriate information, making arrangements becomes much easier. Knowing your rights under the law, the costs involved, and what options to select the right funeral home or cremation service in Oklahoma will help you compare providers.
To make an accurate decision for your loved one, consider either a traditional service, a direct cremation, or something in between pre-planned according to individual requirements and budgets. Remember to ask questions, check the reviews, and demand transparency from your providers so there will be no surprises. Proper planning with positive cues can make a farewell meaningful enough.
