Frequently Asked Questions about Funerals

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony for a deceased person prior to burial, entombment or cremation. A funeral gives the opportunity for family and friends of the deceased to gather and mourn the passing of their loved one, to share cherished memories and celebrate their life. A funeral is a vital first step to help the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

What type of funeral service should I have?

The type of service is entirely up to you. Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship. There is a wealth of different services, ranging from a traditional religious or military service to something  non-traditional. Our funeral directors are more than happy to work with you to figure out what would be the most appropriate.

Can I personalize a funeral?

Of course you can, in fact more and more people are opting for a more non-traditional personalized service. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate somebody’s life. There are many unique ways to celebrate life, let the funeral director know exactly what your desires are and they will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have an obituary notice and what is included in one?

It is not required, but it is highly recommended to have an obituary notice that’s either placed in a local newspaper, or placed online.  An obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred, and gives them information about the service. Obituaries generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city and date of birth and the city they were living in when they died. It also includes the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children or grandchildren. Space may be limited in a newspaper obituary, but you may include a little blurb on the life and legacy of the deceased. An online obituary or memorial website offers you the chance to add a lot more about the deceased.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

Funeral directors are licensed individuals who are expert in helping people deal with the loss of a loved one and handling the remains of the deceased. They provide care to the decedent such as embalming, cosmetology and  restoration; they consul the survivors on the options available for memorializing the deceased; they coordinate all aspects of the funeral services; and they are responsible for making sure the disposition of the deceased and all paperwork is completed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. A funeral director from Selover Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year to serve your needs.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are here to help, funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What if a death occurs away from my home town?

We are here to help, we can arrange to have the remains transported home from anywhere in the world. We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have your loved one returned.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming sanitizes and temporarily preserves the body; it slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of the body damaged by traumatic death or illness. Embalming gives time to the family of the deceased to arrange a service, and allows the family the option of having an open-casket viewing.

Do I need to have an embalming?

Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with a viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have a right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial. The State of New Jersey requires human remains to be embalmed or refrigerated if they are to remain unburied or uncremated for a period longer than 48 hours. (N.J.A.C. 8:9-1.1) Some countries require embalming by law in order for remains to leave or enter the country. If it is not against your religious custom, embalming is recommended, especially if there is an extended gap between death and burial or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of the funeral varies depending on the wishes you have and the merchandise selections you make. The funeral home costs include all professional services including transportation, embalming and other preparations, the use of a facility for the ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn. In addition, monies advanced to third parties that include cemetery or crematory charges, newspaper notices, church or clergy fees, certified copies of death certificates, and so on, will be included in the total funeral cost.

Why are funerals so expensive?

Funerals are labor intensive and require a lot of work from a lot of people. The cost of a funeral goes beyond merchandise such as caskets, it includes the services of a funeral director in making the necessary arrangements, filling out forms, and dealing with all the other people involved in the death (doctors, lawyers, insurance companies, etc.). Funeral directors work an average of 40 hours per funeral. The cost of operating a funeral home is factored into the cost as well. Funeral homes are a 24 hour operation, with extensive facilities that need to be maintained and secured.