Most Flemington and Hunterdon County families are not familiar with the ins and outs of funerals and cremation – until they are faced with the death of a loved one. At Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home, we have extensive knowledge on both topics, and are able to explain options and services with understanding and compassion. It’s no wonder Wright & Ford Owner D.J. Wright and our entire team have the reputations they do within our community, for providing heartfelt assistance during some of life’s most difficult moments.

We’re always available for you, and in this blog, we’ll address several of the questions we hear most often. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information! We are passionate about the services we provide, knowing how much they help families in our area – including your own.

Q.) “I’m not sure I want my family to have a funeral. I would rather they just move on than spend time and money planning a service. Why do you think funerals are so important?”

A.) This is a question we hear often from those in Flemington and Hunterdon County, and it’s one we feel especially strongly about. We see every day how funerals help family and friends grieve and begin to heal after losing someone they loved. In fact, all around the world throughout human history, people have gathered to acknowledge the death of a member of the community – and for good reason. A funeral is an opportunity to come together, acknowledge a death, and share the burden of grief. We hear over and over again how comforting it is to be surrounded by loved ones during a stressful and difficult time. It’s important to tell your loved one’s story and celebrate who they were with those who loved them most.

Q.) “I don’t want a so-called ‘traditional funeral.’ What other options are there?”

A.) There are many options available, including a humanistic service instead of religious one, visitations with or without viewing, and unique ceremonies to honor the person who has died. As members of the Green Burial Council and A Greener Funeral, we also offer green or environmentally friendly funerals and burials. We try to be creative in helping the family make funeral arrangements so the decisions truly reflect their personal preferences and the life that has been lived.

Q.) “I know cremation is becoming more common and I’m considering it. How do I choose between cremation and traditional burial?”

A.) This is a very personal decision and is often made based on individual beliefs, values, and preferences. Some people think if they are cremated they cannot have a funeral, but that is not the case. The majority of our services and personalization options, such as a traditional funeral service or visitation, video tributes, live music, and more are all available to families who choose cremation.

Q.) “What happens to the cremated remains after a cremation?”

A.) There are several options including placing part or all of the cremated remains in a beautiful decorative urn, memorial keepsakes, or remembrance jewelry. We can also help arrange a final resting place for the remains, such as burial or interment in a mausoleum or cremation niche. If scattering is your choice, we can help you determine local and state regulations, as well as plan a meaningful memorial.

Q.) “How much does a funeral usually cost?“

A.) The cost depends on selections before, during, and after the service. This includes the services selected, the choice of final resting place, and transportation. There are many elements involved that affect the budget, such as personal details like flower arrangements and live music, and the selection of a casket or vault. As you think through these options, we encourage you to review our General Price List and check out our online pricing tool and online form.

While the national average for funeral costs would be from $4,000 to $6,000, in actuality it depends on what you select. We believe every service should be affordable and meaningful, honoring the person who died and bringing comfort to friends and family members. We also make certain you are only charged for the services we provide. We have even eliminated the “basic service fee” most funeral homes charge that starts at upwards of $2,000. D.J.’s “Golden Rule Service” promotes complete transparency and a common-sense approach when it comes to costs.

If you’re interested in planning your own arrangements, or want to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. D.J. and our team are here for the families of Hunterdon County, ready to help in any way possible.