FAQ
Cremation Services
Funeral & Memorial Services
Burial & Cemetery Services
Death Certificates
Preplanning and Payment Options
Cremation Urns, Jewelry, and Trees
Obituaries
Affirm Financing
Cremation Services
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that the average cost of a cremation with a viewing is $6,280. However, the cost will vary depending on the location, the services provided, and any additional wishes (flowers, programs, videos, etc.).
Every funeral home listed on Afterall provides a link to its General Price List. You can search by state or name. You can also find in-depth breakdowns of cremation prices in our Ultimate Guide to Funeral & Cremation Costs.
If you and your loved ones opt for a direct cremation, which skips embalming and a formal viewing, the cost is significantly lower, averaging around $2,600, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
Visit our Ultimate Guide to Funeral & Cremation Costs to learn more about the different costs involved with cremations, with or without services.
Generally, basic cremation (without a memorial service) takes place within a week or less of passing and after all permits and authorizations have been received. However, questions about the cause of death and other issues can delay the process. You can call us if you have specific concerns.
Once your loved one is in our care, we obtain the necessary permits and paperwork. We then respectfully perform the cremation on-site and notify you when you may pick up or have the ashes returned to you. If you want to know more, we have an in-depth guide on the cremation process.
Veterans may qualify for burial benefits such as interment in a national cemetery, a burial flag, a headstone or marker, and monetary assistance for funeral costs. Eligibility depends on service history and discharge status. Learn more about available benefits and how to apply in our Comprehensive Guide to Veterans Burial Benefits.
Yes, we offer several prepaid cremation plans, with costs depending on the different services you choose.
You can get started by clicking Plan Ahead in the navigation, and a preplanning advisor can help you by phone or in person. Please find a location and call to learn more.
Some locations offer compassionate pet cremation. For these locations, we maintain completely separate retorts for humans and pets. Our cremation services are distinct, ensuring that human and pet cremations are conducted separately. Please find a location and call us to learn more.
Funeral and Memorial Services
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that the average cost of a funeral with a viewing is $8,300. However, cost will vary based on location, the services provided, and any additional wishes (flowers, programs, videos, etc.)
Every funeral home listed on Afterall provides a link to its General Price List. You can search by state or name. You can also find in-depth breakdowns of funeral prices in our Ultimate Guide to Funeral & Cremation Costs.
The timing of a funeral can vary depending on various factors, including family preferences, religious customs, and logistical considerations. Funerals typically take place within a week or two after death, but they can be held sooner or later.
To learn more about the factors that influence funeral timing and other aspects of funeral planning, read our guide on Everything You Need to Know About Funerals.
Generally, funeral expenses are not tax deductible on your personal income tax return. However, there may be some exceptions depending on your specific circumstances, such as if an estate incurred the expenses.
Check out our detailed guide, The Ultimate Guide to Funeral and Cremation Costs, for a breakdown of funeral costs, including what to expect and how to plan accordingly.
If the family chose to create an obituary, you might find funeral service details there. Please search by name under the Obituaries in the navigation. You may also call for specific information about upcoming services.
Traditional funeral attire typically includes subdued colors and formal clothing, such as dark-shaded suits and dresses. However, it's becoming more common for families to request less traditional attire or specific colors. It's always a good idea to check the obituary or speak with the family when wondering what to wear to a funeral.
For tips on choosing appropriate funeral attire, especially for spring funerals, check out our 8 Tips for What to Wear to a Spring Funeral.
To find out if a viewing or visitation is planned for your loved one, you can check their obituary under the Obituaries tab on our website. Each obituary typically includes details about any scheduled services. If you need assistance finding this information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us. We're here to help.
Yes, we serve families of all faiths with respectful and compassionate care that adheres to their specific beliefs. Please find a location and call us to learn more.
Burial and Cemetery Services
Grave location information is not on Afterall. If they are in our care, we can help you locate their grave. Please find the cemetery and call us with their name and any other details you have, and we will help you find the exact location.
Most cemeteries have separate sections for different faiths and for veterans. Please find the cemetery and call us; we will gladly discuss these options with you.
Each cemetery follows a regular maintenance schedule to keep the grounds beautiful and serene. To ensure your flowers remain in place for as long as possible, we recommend calling ahead before placing them to check the next scheduled clean-up date.
The cost of a burial plot varies depending on the location within the cemetery and the type of plot selected. Please find a cemetery and call us for more information.
Headstones vary in price, depending on the style, size, and material you choose. Please find a location and call for more information about all the available options.
You may place flowers or a wreath on your loved one’s headstone. However, some restrictions vary by cemetery to ensure the maintenance and safety of the cemetery and surrounding areas. Please call us for additional guidance.
Death Certificates
You can contact the county agency (usually the health department) that issues death certificates, or we can order short—or long-form death certificates for you.
If you need to correct any information on a death certificate, contact the county health department or issuing agency. You may also call us and we will assist you in making the necessary amendments through the appropriate channels.
We cannot get death certificates faster than the county issues them, which might take several weeks or longer. If we ordered death certificates on your behalf, we will call you as soon as they arrive.
Preplanning and Payment Options
Yes, we offer prepaid funeral services, which allow you to plan and pay for your arrangements in advance. Click the Plan Ahead link in the main navigation and fill out a form, and one of our team members will reach out to you or find a location and call us for more details on setting up a plan.
We offer several payment options, including:
Cash
Credit card
Installment plans
Financing through Affirm.
Please find a location and call us to discuss the best choice for your situation.
Many prepaid plans are transferable, but it can depend on the funeral home or insurance company your current plan is with. We offer preplanning, imminent, and immediate funeral arrangements. Please visit the Plan Ahead page or call us to learn more.
Direct cremation and direct burial are generally the most affordable options. The average cost for both is around $2,600. While this is a general estimate, the actual cost can vary depending on location and the specific services chosen.
You can find the General Price List for every funeral home on Afterall to compare prices and services. For a more detailed breakdown of funeral costs and options, we recommend exploring our Ultimate Guide to Funeral Costs. We also encourage you to find a location and call us to learn more about options based on your chosen location.
Affirm Financing
Affirm is a financing alternative to credit cards and other credit-payment products. Affirm offers instant financing for online purchases in fixed monthly installments over 3, 6, or 12 months.
You can pay for a funeral, cremation, or pre-planned funeral immediately and pay over several months. This payment option allows you to split the price of your purchase into fixed monthly payments that fit your budget.
The application process is secure and real-time. Affirm asks you for a few pieces of information. After you provide this information, Affirm notifies you of the loan amount that you’re approved for, the interest rate, and the number of months that you have to pay off your loan – all within seconds.
You don’t need a credit card to make a purchase. Affirm lends to Afterall Cremation directly on your behalf.
You may be eligible for Affirm financing even if you don’t have an extensive credit history. Affirm bases its loan decision not only on your credit score but also on several other data points about you.
Affirm loan application process steps:
- At checkout, choose Pay with Affirm.
- Affirm prompts you to enter a few pieces of information: Name, email, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. This information must be consistent and your own.
- To ensure that you’re the person making the purchase, Affirm sends a text message to your cell phone with a unique authorization code.
- Enter the authorization code into the application form. Within a few seconds, Affirm notifies you of the loan amount you’re approved for, the interest rate, and the number of months you have to pay off your loan.
- You can repay your loan over three, six, or twelve months. Affirm states the amount of your fixed monthly payments and the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the course of the loan..
- To accept Affirm’s financing offer, click Confirm Loan, and you’re done.
After your purchase, you’ll receive monthly email and SMS reminders about your upcoming payments. You can also set up autopay to avoid missing a payment. Your first monthly payment is due 30 days after we (the merchant) process your order.
Affirm does a “soft” credit check, which verifies the customer‘s identity but does not affect a customer’s credit score. Affirm‘s underwriting model does not use a hard credit check. There is no effect on a consumer‘s credit score when they apply for an Affirm loan.
Yes! Affirm works hard to be completely transparent. You’ll see the amount of interest you’ll owe on the terms page and again on the loan confirmation page. If you pay off your loan early, you’ll receive a rebate for any interest that hasn’t yet accrued.
Have more questions about Affirm? Please visit the Affirm Help page
Cremation Urns & Jewelry
We have an assortment of urns on display at our location and catalogs with even more options than we have in stock. We offer a range of different styles at prices ranging from $100 to $500, including select urns that can be engraved.
You can also visit the Memorial Store here on Afterall.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an urn. First, consider how and where the urn is used – for below-ground burial, in an above-ground columbarium niche, or kept at home. We also offer scattering tubes to spread ashes at sea or on land. Size is another consideration – most of our urns will hold the cremation ashes of a 200-pound adult. Finally, consider which design, style, or theme best reflects your loved one’s life, beliefs, faith, and interests.
Affirm is a third-party lender for purchases of $50 or more. You pay zero interest in four monthly installments. This option is popular because there is no minimum credit score or hidden fees.
To pay for memorial store items with Affirm, click the Affirm link at checkout.
Urns should generally be kept in a dry, cool place and not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. The material the urn is made from, such as ceramic, metal, varnished wood, or porcelain, may require special cleaning or care instructions.
Remove cremation jewelry before sleeping, showering, or swimming to ensure the integrity of your loved one’s sealed ashes within your cremation necklace. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when caring for the specific material your necklace is made from.
Each memorial item comes with a funnel and filling stick. You may use a plastic spoon or a funnel to scoop a small amount of ashes at a time. Gently guide the ashes through the funnel's neck into the urn, repeating until the urn is full.
If you prefer not to transfer the ashes, please email [email protected]. We will refer you to a nearby funeral home or crematory that can assist you.
Filling cremation jewelry is similar to transferring ashes into an urn but on a smaller scale. Follow the instructions included with your jewelry.
If you prefer not to transfer the ashes, please email [email protected]. We will refer you to a nearby funeral home or crematory that can assist you.
We do our best to ensure that your order arrives complete and undamaged. If your order is damaged or incomplete, please email us at [email protected] within five days of receipt. We will ask you to take photos of the damaged urn and will replace it at no cost.
Due to the sensitive and personalized nature of our cremation urns, keepsakes, and jewelry, we have a no-return, refund, or exchange policy. If you receive a damaged item, we will issue a store credit that you may use on a duplicate or replacement item. We do not offer refunds for damaged items.
Generally, most orders received by 1:00 pm (EST) are ready to ship the same day. Orders received after that time ship the next day. We reserve the right to choose the carrier that offers the shortest shipping times, lowest cost, and best service (USPS, UPS, and FedEx). Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET
Memorial Trees
The US Forest Service determines planting times and locations. Planting is generally done in the Spring or Fall.
All trees will be planted on public land in a national or state forest. American Forests conserves and restores North American forests throughout the United States and in parts of Canada and Mexico.
Unfortunately, not at this time. The species of trees planted by American Forests vary depending on the area where they will be planted. In every case, the species will be native to the region being replanted. For example, if an area of woodlands was destroyed by fire, native trees will be planted after the area has had time to heal from the fire.
The location of where the trees are planted is based on need.
You will receive a personalized e-certificate commemorating your memorial tree contribution.
Special Requests and Miscellaneous
Our staffed business hours are listed for each location, which varies. Every location is available through our 24/7 answering service.
We are best able to serve you from one of our many locations. If you are already working with one of our funeral homes, please call them directly. Otherwise, you can find a location and call us for help.
The cemetery is open for visitors daily from dawn until dusk. If you have questions about holidays or special events, please call our office during posted business hours.
If the family or next of kin created an obituary, you can use the search function under the Obituaries section of Afterall. Enter their name. The filter option narrows the search to a specific location or state.
Select Obituaries from the navigation, then select “Create a Free Obituary.” Follow the prompts. If you need assistance, call the location you are working with for your loved one's arrangement.
While we cannot promise forever, Afterall obituaries are intended to be free and online indefinitely.
You must be a designated "keeper" to modify an obituary on Afterall. Log into your account. Select the obituary, edit, save, and exit. Follow the same process for deleting an obituary.
We want to create a meaningful memorial that reflects your loved one’s unique personality. Please call or visit a location to discuss your requests with a staff member.
We have a vast selection of memorial jewelry and keepsakes at our location, through catalogs, and in the Afterall Memorial Store. Most of them can be personalized.