What is Included in a Funeral Service Package?

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to ensure the service honors your loved one in the best way possible. Understanding what is included in a funeral service package helps make the process smoother. Whether you’re looking for a traditional burial or a cremation service, knowing what a funeral home offers can guide your decisions.

At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we understand that every family’s needs are unique. We offer various funeral service packages to meet the needs of families in Houston, Texas. In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s typically included in these packages and how you can customize services to fit your preferences.

What is a Funeral Service Package?

A funeral service package is a set of essential services that a funeral home provides when organizing a funeral. These packages can vary based on the type of service you’re planning—whether it’s a traditional burial, cremation, or memorial. Funeral packages usually include professional services, care for the deceased, and the use of facilities for the service and burial.

Understanding these components helps you make informed decisions that align with your family’s wishes and budget.

Essential Elements of a Funeral Service Package

1. Professional Services of Funeral Directors and Staff

Every funeral service package includes the guidance and support of professional funeral directors and staff. Their expertise ensures that the service is well-organized and respectful. Here are some tasks the funeral directors manage:

• Initial consultation to discuss your loved one’s wishes and family preferences
• Coordinating with clergy or officiants for the service
• Arranging music, readings, or tributes during the funeral
• Filing necessary paperwork, such as death certificates and permits
• Helping with obituary placement in local papers or online
• Scheduling viewings, services, and the burial or cremation

Our team at Claire Brothers Funeral Home takes pride in providing compassionate and professional services. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

2. Care and Preparation of the Deceased

Another key component of a funeral service package is the care and preparation of your loved one. Funeral homes provide several options for preparing the body, depending on the type of service you choose:

• Embalming: This process preserves the body for an open-casket viewing. It involves using chemicals to slow down decomposition, allowing family and friends to say their goodbyes.
• Dressing and Casketing: The deceased is dressed in clothing chosen by the family and placed in a casket. You can select attire and accessories that reflect your loved one’s style or cultural traditions.
• Cosmetic Preparation: If desired, makeup and hairstyling services are provided to ensure your loved one looks peaceful and dignified.
• Refrigeration: For those who prefer not to embalm, refrigeration keeps the body cool until the funeral service.

Our funeral service packages in Houston, Texas include various preparation options to ensure your loved one is cared for with the utmost respect and dignity.

3. Use of Funeral Home Facilities

Most funeral service packages include the use of the funeral home’s facilities for visitations, viewings, and the service itself. The visitation or viewing gives family and friends the opportunity to pay their respects and share memories in a comforting setting.

Claire Brothers Funeral Home offers spacious, modern facilities that can accommodate both large gatherings and intimate services. Whether you choose to hold the service at our funeral home, a place of worship, or another meaningful location, our team will coordinate the logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.

4. Transportation Services

Transportation is an essential part of a funeral service package. Funeral homes provide several types of transportation services, including:

• Transfer of the Deceased: This service includes transporting your loved one from the place of death to the funeral home for preparation.
• Hearse for the Funeral Procession: On the day of the service, a hearse transports the casket to the ceremony location and then to the burial site.
• Family Cars or Limousines: Many funeral homes provide vehicles to transport the immediate family to the service and cemetery.

If you require additional transportation services or specialized vehicles, our funeral directors will assist you in customizing your package to meet your needs.

5. Funeral Merchandise

Funeral service packages often include necessary merchandise such as the casket, urn, and grave markers. At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we offer a range of options to match your preferences:

• Caskets: Whether you’re looking for a traditional casket made of wood or a simpler, eco-friendly option, we provide a variety of choices.
• Urns: For cremation services, our selection of urns includes elegant designs made from different materials, including wood, metal, and biodegradable options.
• Burial Vaults: Some cemeteries require burial vaults, which help protect the casket from the elements. Your funeral director will guide you through these options.
• Keepsakes and Memorials: Many families choose to create personalized keepsakes, such as memorial cards or tribute videos, which can be included in your funeral service package.

These products are available in a range of styles and price points, ensuring that families in Houston can choose what best honors their loved one.

6. Cremation Services

For those opting for cremation, funeral homes typically include several options in their service packages. Cremation services often involve:

• Direct Cremation: This option involves cremation without a formal viewing or service. It is a cost-effective choice for families who prefer simplicity.
• Cremation with Memorial Service: Many families choose to have a memorial service after the cremation, allowing loved ones to gather and reflect on the life of the deceased.
• Cremation with Viewing: Some families prefer to hold a viewing before cremation. In this case, embalming and body preparation are included.

At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we offer cremation services in Houston, Texas, as part of our funeral packages. These can be personalized to include a viewing, memorial, or celebration of life ceremony.

7. Graveside Services

Graveside services are an intimate way to say a final goodbye. This option may be included in traditional burial packages and involves a simple ceremony at the burial site. A funeral director will coordinate with the cemetery and ensure that the graveside service is conducted with care and respect.

Many families in Houston appreciate the opportunity for a more personal, meaningful gathering at the grave site, where they can reflect on their loved one’s life.

8. Personalized Memorial Services

In addition to traditional funerals, many funeral homes offer customizable memorial services or celebrations of life. These can be held at any time after the burial or cremation and are an opportunity to honor your loved one’s unique personality and legacy. Memorial services often include:

• Custom Music and Readings: Families can choose music, poems, and readings that were meaningful to the deceased.
• Slideshows or Video Tributes: Funeral homes provide audio-visual services for families who wish to create a visual tribute.
• Guest Books and Memory Boards: Many families opt to set up memory tables or boards where attendees can write messages, share photos, and remember the deceased.

At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we help families plan personalized memorials that reflect the life, values, and passions of their loved one.

The Value of a Funeral Service Package

Choosing a funeral service package simplifies the planning process during an emotionally difficult time. It ensures that all necessary services are included, from professional support to the use of facilities and transportation. Having everything organized in one package also provides transparency on pricing and helps you understand the costs involved upfront.

At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we offer a range of funeral service packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose a traditional burial or cremation, our packages are designed to give families in Houston the peace of mind they deserve.

Let Us Help You Honor Your Loved One

At Claire Brothers Funeral Home, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful and personalized funeral service. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your loved one’s farewell is carried out with dignity and respect. Contact us today to learn more about our funeral service packages and let us help you plan a service that honors your loved one in the way they deserve.