How To Pre-Purchase Burial Products

In order to facilitate the burial, you will most likely need to buy the following:

• Casket
• Outer burial container (burial vault or grave liner)
• Headstone or a grave marker

Reasons To Pre-Purchase Burial Products

For many people, making funeral arrangements in advance offers an opportunity to take some of the stress of decision-making off of family members in the future. By making choices now about the types of burial products you'd like, your family will have fewer difficult and expensive choices to make when the time comes, which can be a huge relief.

Many people also have a clear picture of what they want their funerals to look like, and this vision may or may not be shared by family members. By purchasing products in advance (or even simply having a conversation with your family about what you want) you can ensure that your vision for your funeral, whether simple or extravagant, will be honored.

Where To Pre-Purchase Burial Products

Any products that you’ll need for the burial can be purchased from the funeral home you’re working with. If you will be purchasing products from the funeral home, it might be helpful to read over our article Pre-Purchasing Goods and Services from a Funeral Home to get a better sense of the nature of the purchases and agreements you may be entering into.

Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, you also have the right to purchase any products on your own from a vendor of your choosing and the funeral home is legally obligated to use those products at no additional charge to you. However, be aware that the funeral home will likely not store or transport products you purchase elsewhere.

Burial Product Options

For most burial products, there are likely many options in terms of price, style, and personal preference. If the funeral home you are working with does not have the product or price you want, consider shopping around as another vendor is likely to have the product or price you are looking for. In addition, it may be worth asking if the funeral home can special order a product that you’re interested in. For example, most funeral homes do not stock “green” caskets, but may be willing to order one on your behalf.

Related Articles: Caskets | Outer Burial Containers: Burial Vaults and Grave Liners | Headstones and Grave Markers