Choosing a Funeral Home – Services, Prices and Your Rights
· 4 min read
What services does a funeral home offer?
The funeral home is the family's most important partner in arranging the funeral. A professional funeral home handles the practical matters so that the family can focus on grieving and remembering.
Basic services
Almost all funeral homes offer the following basic services:
- Collection and transportation of the deceased -- from the hospital, care facility, or home
- Preparation of the deceased -- washing, dressing, and placing in the casket
- Casket or urn -- selection from a wide range
- Official documents -- handling the burial permit, parish contact
- Transportation arrangements -- transporting the deceased to the blessing ceremony and cemetery
- Advice and guidance -- on practical matters throughout the process
Additional services
Many funeral homes also offer:
- Arranging the memorial reception
- Flower arrangements and decorations
- Drafting and publishing the obituary
- Preparing a memorial book or plaque
- Ash scattering or memorial grove service
- Assistance with headstone selection
Comparing prices
The total cost of a funeral consists of many parts. It is important to understand what the price is composed of.
Typical cost structure
| Cost item | Price range |
|---|---|
| Funeral home basic service | 1,500--3,000 euros |
| Casket | 300--3,000 euros |
| Urn (for cremation) | 100--800 euros |
| Flower arrangements | 200--500 euros |
| Blessing ceremony (parish) | 0--500 euros |
| Memorial reception catering | 500--2,000 euros |
| Burial plot | 100--1,500 euros |
| Obituary in the newspaper | 100--400 euros |
| Total | 2,000--6,000 euros |
Tips for comparison
- Request a written, itemised quote from at least two funeral homes
- Compare packages with the same content -- the cheapest is not always the best value
- Ask what is included in the basic price and what are additional services
- Check whether the price includes VAT
- Find out whether it is possible to pay in instalments
How to choose a funeral home
Selection criteria
- Location -- a nearby funeral home is practical but not essential
- Reputation and recommendations -- ask the parish, acquaintances, or read reviews
- Service attitude -- the first phone conversation tells a lot
- Value for money -- the cheapest is not always the best, the most expensive not always the highest quality
- Flexibility -- ability to fulfil the family's special wishes
Finnish Funeral Directors' Association
Member offices of the Finnish Funeral Directors' Association (Suomen Hautaustoimistojen Liitto ry) are committed to following ethical guidelines and good service practices. Membership in the association is one mark of quality, but funeral homes outside the association can also be recommended.
Do not make a hasty decision
There is no need to call the funeral home immediately after the death. The deceased can remain at the hospital or care facility for several days. Give yourself time to consider and compare at your own pace.
Your consumer rights
Funeral services are consumer services, and you are protected by the same consumer protection laws as when purchasing any other services.
You have the right to:
- Receive an itemised price list before ordering
- Compare quotes without pressure
- Change funeral homes at any stage
- File a complaint about faulty service
- Decline additional services you do not need
What to look out for
- Avoid a funeral home that pressures you into a quick decision
- Always ask for the total price in writing
- Check that the contract has no hidden costs
- A good funeral home respects your grief and gives time for decisions
Frequently asked questions about funeral homes
How much does a funeral home cost?
The total cost is typically 2,000--6,000 euros depending on the scope of service. Always request an itemised quote.
Is it mandatory to use a funeral home?
The law does not require it, but in practice, using a funeral home makes arrangements considerably easier.
Can you change funeral homes?
Yes, at any stage. You only pay for services already performed.
What if the estate has no assets?
Funeral expenses take priority among the estate's debts. If there are no assets at all, the municipality can arrange the funeral through social services.
Read more about casket burial, cremation, and funeral etiquette.
Frequently asked questions
How much do funeral home services cost?
The total cost of funeral home services typically ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 euros depending on the scope of services. The basic service (transportation, preparation, casket, paperwork) costs approximately 1,500–3,000 euros. In addition, there are costs for the funeral ceremony, flowers, memorial reception catering, and possible additional services. Always request an itemised quote.
Is it mandatory to use a funeral home?
The law does not require the use of a funeral home. In theory, the family can arrange the funeral themselves, but in practice, using a funeral home makes the work considerably easier. The funeral home handles the transportation and preparation of the deceased, contacts with authorities, and practical arrangements. Without a funeral home, the family must take care of all of these themselves.
Can you change funeral homes?
Yes. You can change funeral homes at any stage before the funeral. You are only obligated to pay for services already ordered and performed. The new funeral home handles the transfer of the deceased and continues the arrangements. Changing is rare, but it is your right.
How do you compare funeral home services?
Request written, itemised quotes from at least two funeral homes. Compare the content of the quotes – not just the total price. Pay attention to what the basic service includes, what are additional services, and what casket and urn options are offered. You can also ask for recommendations from the parish or acquaintances.
What if I cannot afford the funeral?
Funeral expenses are paid primarily from the estate's assets – they take priority over other debts. If the deceased has no assets and the family cannot pay, the municipality can arrange the funeral under the Social Welfare Act. Contact your local municipal social services office.
Read also
A practical guide to the first hours after a loved one's death. Who to contact, what documents you need, and how to take care of yourself.
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.