Tips on Finding a Quality Funeral and Cremations Provider in Mercer Island, WA

Professional Funeral Home and Cremations Care in Mercer Island, WA

For over a century, Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory has been serving families and individuals of the Rainier Valley and the greater Seattle area. It’s always an honor to provide funeral and cremations care in Mercer Island, WA. In your time of need, visit us for support at 4567 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118. Call today at (206) 722-1100.

Services: The services that a funeral home provides is somewhat connected to their experience. If the funeral home cares for certain communities of people more than others, they may offer services specific to their needs. All funeral homes are capable of providing a traditional funeral service with a viewing, funeral, and graveside services. But not all will be able to customize those services appropriately to your needs. Additionally, if you want cremation care, be sure to ask how that is handled. Some homes have onsite crematoriums, while others must hire an outside company to handle cremation services. The same applies to aquamation care (alkaline hydrolysis).

Prices: The cost of care can vary by provider and the community and demographic they serve most. The law requires funeral and cremations providers in Mercer Island, WA to publish their pricing for the general public to review upon request. When shopping for services, this can be helpful when cost comparing similar provider services. Just remember that price does not always equate to the value of services provided. Be sure to know what you’re getting for the money spent.

Venue: For those families that are contemplating to hold services at the funeral home, it’s a good idea to evaluate the venue and facilities. You’ll want to review details, including the number of seats in the chapel, ambiance, and environment, receptions area for viewing or gathering, kitchen or caterer staging area (if needed), location and access, etc. If any key details are not ideal for your needs, then make a note of such as you continue your search.

Merchandise: Funerals generally entail the use of certain goods and products to be purchased, such as caskets, vaults, urns, gravestones, monuments, flowers, etc. Funeral homes often carry and sell a wide selection of inventory for their customers to choose from. This is a convenient way to meet their needs. As you are reviewing a particular provider, take a look at their products for sale. Do you see anything that you are interested in purchasing? There is no requirement to buy these products, but it can make things easier to buy directly from the funeral home.

Personalization: Traditional funerals used to be a one-size-fits-all affair. But today’s families are looking for a more personalized experience. Without personalization, the funeral occasion can be a cold and empty experience. The deceased can easily get lost among the details of ceremony and ritual. Family and friends may walk away feeling hurt that the funeral was just another procedure instead of a celebration of life. People attend funerals to honor the relationship they share with the person who has died and their family. They don’t come for the service itself. That’s why personalization matters. Ask the funeral home what they do to assist families in personalizing the funeral experience.

Compatibility: A point that can easily be overlooked is the compatible nature between you, the funeral director, and their staff. As you interview them, try to get a feel for how well you get along. Can you see yourself working with this person to create the funeral and burial services that you want? Do they listen as you speak? Are they caring and warm in your vulnerable moment of loss? Are they interested in helping you create the best funeral experience possible?

Funeral & Cremation FAQs