Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why use a funeral director?
   There are over 50 details to work through when planning a funeral. Making wise choices that are very personal requires that you be adequately informed. While information is available through a variety of sources, a funeral director is your one source to answer all of your questions and handle all the details in a time of need. With so many details to take care of and arrangements to coordinate, a funeral director can step in and make sure everything is handled completely and professionally. At Branchburg Funeral Home, we are dedicated to serving your needs.
   
   
2. What does a funeral director really do?
   As funeral directors, we are care givers and administrators. We make the arrangements for transportation of the deceased, complete the necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and disposition of a body.
   
   On a more personal note, we are also listeners, advisors, and supporters. Branchburg Funeral Home 's funeral directors have over 50 years of combined experience in helping families in grief cope with death. We are here to support your personal needs, answer questions about grief, recognize when there appears to be difficulty coping, and recommend sources of additional assistance.
   
   
3. What does it mean to be a licensed funeral director?
   In New Jersey, a licensed funeral director must adhere to the ethics and standards established by our profession, including having the recommended years of preparatory and continuing education. It also means that families are treated professionally and will receive the very best care.
   
   
4. Why have a funeral?
   A funeral is an important way to celebrate a life well lived, recognize a family's loss, and a significant change in our lives. A funeral is not a day in a lifetime but a lifetime in a day.
   
   Funerals are recognized ways for the living to show respect for the dead and to help surviving family members begin the grieving process. A funeral is also a way to say goodbye to the loved one with dignity and respect.
   
   
5. Why have a visitation?
   Visitations are part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Research shows that having a visitation surrounded by caring and supportive people, helps families with the grief process.
   
   Viewing is also encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary. Children can benefit from viewing the deceased, as their imaginations can often make the appearance of the body worse than it really is.
   
   Since this is the last time family and friends will see this person, a visitation and viewing can leave positive memories, with the deceased closely appearing as they did in life. Branchburg Funeral Home can coordinate public and private family viewings that meet each family's specific needs.
   
   
6. What is the purpose of embalming?
   Embalming sanitizes and preserves a body, slowing down the natural process of decomposition, and can enhance the appearance of a body if disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming can make it possible to extend the time of a funeral service to allow family members to arrange out-of-town transportation and attend the funeral service.
   
   With public visitations and viewings, embalming is often required. However, some religions and cultures prohibit the practice of embalming, instead requiring that the body be buried within 48 hours.
   
   Embalming is not required by law. Only in special cases (i.e., when death is caused by a contagious disease) is embalming required by law. The staff at Branchburg Funeral Home are here to explain the needs for embalming with respect to each family's personal situation.
   
   
7. What questions should I ask when considering a burial plot?
   A burial plot is the location where the deceased will be laid to rest. Typically this is in a cemetery. There are many considerations when evaluating a plot. Here are just a few of the questions you might consider when selecting the best plot for your personal needs:
   
   
   • Does the plot meet the requirements of your religion?
   • What restrictions are placed on burial vaults?
   • Does the price include perpetual care and maintenance?
   • Are other plots available in the same location to provide for burial of my entire family?
   • Do I want ground burial or mausoleum burial, and are both available?
   • Are the type of monuments and memorials at cemeteries restricted?

   Many cemeteries have restrictions on monuments and memorials. They can also restrict the placement of flowers and remembrance items. At Branchburg Funeral Home, we can help you understand and comply with these restrictions, while keeping in mind your personal desires.
   
   

8. What is a grave liner and is it required?
   A grave liner is a reinforced concrete wall that is used to prevent the grave from sinking or collapsing. Most cemeteries do require grave liners.
   
   
9. How does a burial vault differ from a grave liner?
   Like a grave liner, a burial vault is used to protect the grave from sinking or collapsing. However, a burial vault is a more substantial option which usually costs more than a grave liner. A burial vault is normally sold with a warranty, whereas a grave liner is not warranted.
   
   
10. Does cremation substitute for a funeral?
    Cremation is an alternative to earth burial, often following a funeral service. If a direct cremation is selected, there is not a preceding funeral service. Statistics indicate that direct cremation only occurs in 3% of all deaths.
    
    Primary Reasons for Choosing Cremation:
    
    
    • Saves Money
    • Saves land
    • Preference
    • Body not in interred
    • Simpler
    • Remains can be strewn

11. Can the funeral service be customized?
    We, at Branchburg Funeral Home, make every effort to customize a funeral or memorial service precisely to individual tastes. There are many ways to have a service unique including personal eulogies, special music, display of personal items and pictures, video tributes, and more. Branchburg Funeral Home will work with you to ensure the service is as personalized as your family wants it to be.
    
    
12. When should a funeral service be scheduled?
    As a general rule, you should allow enough time for out-of-town guests to make travel arrangements and arrive in time for the service. Area guests will normally be able to accommodate a shorter time frame. However, some religions and customs require a body be buried within 24 hours, which may be the determining factor in scheduling a funeral. Branchburg Funeral Home will coordinate your planning and work with your family to ensure that everyone is included with ample time for traveling.
    
    
13. Where should the funeral service be held?
    Branchburg Funeral Home will assist you in planning your entire service from beginning to end. A funeral service can be held in a church or in one of Branchburg Funeral Home's chapels. Other options can include holding a graveside service or a service at a family residence. If cremation is used, keep in mind that EPA regulations restrict where cremation remains can be scattered.
    
    
14. Does the funeral service have to be conducted by a minister?
    A member of the clergy is not required to perform a funeral or memorial service. However, if a clergy member is desired, we can locate one if you do not already have a minister, as well as ensure the clergy understands your wishes.
    
    
15. Why plan ahead?
    Unfortunately, many people wait to make plans until someone dies. We understand that funeral planning is a difficult process, but preplanning in advance can help everyone. For more information on preplanning, please click here.
    
    
16. What if I need to reach a funeral director in the middle of the night?
    Not a problem. Branchburg Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year to serve your needs. We will respond immediately, or as the individual situation requires.
    
    
17. What about benefits?
    Branchburg Funeral Home has years of experience in coordinating funerals and is familiar with the various benefits available to a deceased and/or their family. This can include Social Security death benefits, Veteran's benefits, and others. We can help identify available benefit sources and assist your family in filing necessary paperwork.
    
    
18. Are there discounts with airlines if I have to fly to a funeral?
    Most major airlines offer reduced fares for funerals. Discounts range from 50% to 70% off full-fare price for a round-trip coach ticket. Some airlines offer the 7-day advance purchase price for tickets purchased at the last minute for a funeral. These discounts are typically limited to immediate family only, with some airlines extending this to clergy serving funerals, or life/domestic partners. Some proof (i.e., copy of death certificate, contact number for an attending physician, hospital, or funeral home) may be required to obtain reduced fares. Airlines usually require this proof at the time of reservation or at check-in. Prior to booking any air travel, be sure to check with your airline or travel agent for current information.