Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a "good funeral"?
A: A good funeral is one that is authentic, creative, personalized and meaningful in relation to the person who died and those who are grieving. Think about the funerals that you have attended and determine what you liked , and what you didn't like about them. Use this as a guide for the elements of your own plan.

Q: What are the benefits of having a funeral?
A: A funeral can help to:
· Acknowledge and accept the reality of death
· Move toward the necessary pain of loss
· Ease the transition from being with, to remembering the person
· Develop an identity separate from the person who died (As yourself, instead of as that person's son, friend, wife or husband).
· Search for renewed meaning in your life
· Receive support from others

Q: I am not religious, why have a service?
A: The gathering of family, friends and loved ones at the time of a death is an important part of the grieving and healing process. A service acknowledging a life is equally important. There are many alternatives to a religious service that you may wish to consider. In fact, many people today are choosing to "celebrate" a life and its accomplishments by allowing family and friends to speak at a secular gathering devoted to sharing memories, music, videos and pictures. These creative services can take place at home, in the funeral home, at the graveside or any other suitable location. Attendees gain the benefit of a healthy transference through sharing this memorial service.

Q: What does a funeral cost?
A: Since each family is unique, costs vary depending on the services selected. Things like cemetery, type of service, method of disposition, number of days of visitation, and casket selection all contribute to the total cost of a funeral. It is best to discuss your needs with an Open Dialogue Funeral Director in order to get a detailed breakdown. At all Open Dialogue Funeral Homes, you will find that the simplest arrangements may start well below $1000 and, depending on services provided, may approach the Ontario Provincial Average of $4800.

Q: Should Children attend funerals?
A: In our view, children who are old enough to love are old enough to grieve. Grieving helps the healing process, and a funeral is a time to mourn. If the children are with you, they too will benefit from the support. 

Q: Do I have to pay in full when I arrange in advance?
A: No. Although payment in full is one way of confirming your arrangements, your Open Dialogue Funeral Director can give you details of the many payment options available through our member Funeral Homes. There are three general streams to choose from:
· You may simply plan the arrangements and pay at need
· You may fund your arrangements through a convenient insurance plan; or 
· You may arrange payment over time with your Open Dialogue Funeral Home.