What does a funeral cost?
What does funerals cost is not so easy to say and is per country different. It depends entirely on your wishes. The cost calculation is an addition. In general, a cremation, without a church funeral, is the most advantageous. With a small advertisement, a simple coffin and a not too popular condolence, one has to count on € 1.600,- to more then € 6.000,-. An ecclesiastical funeral with funeral, own misbooks and an extensive coffee table can cost up to € 4.500,- to more then € 9.000,-.
Is there more cremated than buried?
Yes, at the moment more than 60% of the deceased are cremated in our country.
What is a testament (codicil)?
In a testament you indicate your wishes for your farewell. Not only whether you want to be cremated or buried, but also more specific wishes such as music choice, the photo and text for the memorial card. More and more people consciously think about their own farewell. Then why not take control in your own hands? It is advisable to have a list of addresses ready at the will. You will then prevent your next of kin looking for addresses. A testament can also include a list of personal possessions to be donated. Such a codicil must be handwritten by yourself, with date and signature. It is always wise to inform a neighbour of the willing will and of the place where it can be found. To make a will, the notary is the designated person.
What is meant by a “silent” or technical cremation?
A “silent” cremation is a cremation in which no use is made of an auditorium of the crematorium. For example, if there has already been a funeral ceremony in a church, or any other occasion. These “silent” cremations are increasingly taking place. Even after a funeral ceremony in a church it is possible to bring the deceased away without the auditorium being used.
Can I choose the crematorium myself?
Yes, the choice is free. In the area there are now crematoria. Depending on the day and time, agreements can be made. The choice of auditorium can also differ.
Can I be present when entering the deceased in the oven?
By appointment it is possible to be present when entering the deceased in the oven. The crematorium does require a sum of money for this, because the furnace must then be readied for the visit.
What happens to the ashes after cremation?
The ash only consists of lime. Only the bones remain after the cremation. The coffin, upholstery and fabrics have gone up in smoke. After the cremation, the bone remains are collected and ground. After four weeks, the next of kin can pick up the asbus from the crematorium or order them to scatter. It is free to keep the so-called urn in the house. It is also possible to place the urn in an urn wall on a cemetery or in an urn cellar. There are also people who burrow the urn in their own garden with a beautiful piece of art above it. Scattering at a loved spot is also possible, provided that the owner of the land gives permission.
Even scattering from a balloon is possible.
What is the function of an evening vigil?
The evening vigil is intended as preparation for the ceremonial funeral service. Usually the evening vigil is provided by volunteers or neighbours. Regularly an evening watch is held, followed by a cremation service the next day. That is understandable, but certainly not the intention.
First a church service and then a service in the auditorium, is not that redundant?
The next of kin take the decision. As indicated earlier, it is possible to opt for a “silent” cremation. Of course it is also possible to bring the deceased to the crematorium and without the use of the auditorium the condolence (with coffee and sandwiches) can take place there.
Can I help with the care?
Most, especially smaller, funeral entrepreneurs like it when family members or friends help with the care. It is the first step in the grief processing. The care is in that case done by at least one qualified nurse and the family.
“I do not let myself be burned, nor do I want to be eaten by the piers. What now?”
In addition to burial or cremation, only the possibility remains to make the body available to science. At a funeral it is good to know more about the decay of the body. This does not happen through the piers and other soil creepers. The body is buried deeper than sixty-five centimetres because the worms and other animals do not get deeper. The dissolution occurs from the body itself. Bacteria provide this. This is also the myth from the world that a heavy solid oak case would slow down the dissolution.
Is it advisable to ask the funeral director to come by before the death?
The funeral director will be happy to give you further advice and go through the testament with you. Especially when there is a situation of an approaching farewell, it is nice to meet each other. It can bring a bit of peace if everything is arranged in advance. You can indicate whether you want to be buried or cremated, what grief card you want and which photo on the memorial card. Which poems you like and what kind of music you find appropriate during your farewell. It is possible to choose a box and have it painted. It is also good for the funeral provider to know the wishes beforehand.
Can I be placed at home?
Yes. Due to the arrival of improved cooling, the number of homewards improved considerably. It is nice to be able to be placed in your own environment. You can go to your loved one when you need it.
I am insured, can I still opt for a different funeral provider?
Yes, you are not obliged to have the funeral service provided by the funeral director of the insurance company. The insurance must always pay a sum of money. The insurance usually pays out the amount to be paid to the funeral director. Depending on the cost of the funeral, you still have to pay extra. Indicate your desired funeral provider in your will.
Funeral, burial or cremation
There are a lot of other questions? Please let me know what kind of questions you miss concerning a funeral, burial or cremation? When reading this article about general funeral questions.