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Planning a Funeral in Chicago

Chicago offers several unique and meaningful traditions for organizing funerals and memorial services. There are an abundance of resources available for anyone seeking out these services. Funeral and memorial traditions in Chicago often blend religious and cultural rituals with historical locations around the city. With such a storied history and central location in the United States, Chicago has an incredible combination of cultural heritages and backgrounds from all corners of the world. The diverse population in this region gives all cultures the ability to celebrate the lives of their loved ones with the respect and authenticity it deserves.

Reasons to Plan Arrangements Now

The grief and other emotions experienced by family members after the death of a loved one can make planning a funeral even more difficult. Financial concerns may also add stress. Making funeral arrangements in advance can lessen this burden.

Visiting our Planning Center provides resources to make pre-planning arrangements for a funeral easier, including the option to schedule virtual and in-person meetings with our funeral specialists. These same resources can also be used for immediate, at-need planning.

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Immediate Planning

Immediate planning may include flower arrangements, finding settings, customizing a burial, planning cremation, planning a service, writing an obituary, headstone creation, accessing resources and planning for a veteran, transportation arrangements, assistance throughout the planning process, and more.

We are here to help with all of these needs. Free consultation with a funeral or cemetery specialist are available by phone, virtually, or in person.

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Free Funeral Planning Guide

Download our free burial & funeral planning guide for step by step guidance and a detailed checklist for funeral arrangements.

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Complete this request form and receive a copy of the Cemetery.com Pre-Planning Guide & Checklist by email.

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Resources for Funeral Planning in Chicago, Illinois

Cemetery.com provides the information needed to locate and schedule services at cemeteries and funeral homes all across Chicago. The website can connect you with an experienced and knowledgeable professional that will help get a plan started. Choose to receive a complimentary burial & funeral brochure with further information on what Cemetery.com can do for you, or feel free to set up a meeting at a time that works for you. One popular resource is the glossary of terms that can shed light on different words and phrases associated with these services. The glossary is arranged in alphabetical order and can be printed for easy use. There are also two checklists available with helpful steps to consider.

Funeral Terms Cemetery Terms

Cemetery & Funeral Costs in Chicago, Illinois

The costs attached to funerals can fluctuate based on where the services are located. The average cost for a funeral home in Illinois is $7,336. The factors involved in determining funeral costs include the hearse, caskets and urns, service fees at different facilities, the burial land, headstones, viewing times, and the staff available to assist during services. It is important to note there may be other fees associated with cremation services. People who are pre-planning services are often interested in insurance policies. It may be wise to connect with other family members to discuss a fund to help out with funeral or memorial service costs.

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Cremation & Memorial Services in Chicago, Illinois

It is common to have a memorial service when opting for cremations. There are a number of options in Chicago available to honor loved ones both before and after the cremation has taken place. Some families opt for a final viewing period prior to cremation by holding a service for others to attend. More often than not, memorial services are held after the cremation to pay tribute and commemorate the deceased. These memorial services offer family members a chance to heal and share in their grief. Those close to the deceased can also choose to display an urn at the memorial service. These ceremonies can be held at a funeral home, religious setting, or any other location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral consists of a service that honors a deceased individual while the body is present. Alternatively, a memorial service aims to memorialize a loved one without the body present. It is important to note that the ashes of the deceased may still be present at the service.

Is burial or cremation better for me and my family?

It is important to handle each situation independently. Based on your situation, you may be looking for the most affordable option, or you may be looking to schedule the service at a specific time and location. You also may be taking individual beliefs or religious traditions into account when deciding the proper service.

What if I am a veteran or the loved one I am planning for is a veteran?

You should reach out to the appropriate veteran organizations to figure out if you are eligible for VA benefits. Veterans will sometimes qualify for financial support to alleviate some of the burdens of paying for burial and cremation services. You may also be looking to have the burial take place at a national cemetery or specific location.

Can I purchase multiple cemetery plots next to each other at the same time?

Yes, some cemeteries will give you the option to purchase a number of plots together to keep your family close together.

What can I do to show my support and condolences in Chicago, Illinois?

It is important to support those that you care about and offer sympathy. Often this will depend on your relationship with the grieving individuals. A few ways to demonstrate support are: calling them on the phone, sending a nice text message, setting up a time to meet up with them, or even sending flowers. Econdolence.com is a great resource available to help you express your condolences to a loved one. It also has tips on how to attend a funeral service, as well as what to bring or say to someone grieving.

Do I need a burial permit in Chicago, Illinois?

Yes, the funeral director or whoever has custody of the body must get a permit from the office of the registrar. Most often, those in charge of the cemetery will collect the necessary permits required for the burial and transportation of the deceased. You should always check with your county or town advisory board before attempting a home burial.

How much does cremation cost compared to a burial?

A cremation is typically about 1/3 of the cost of a funeral. Families looking to relieve some of the financial stress can opt for cremation as it is a more economical option.

Can you be buried without a casket in Chicago, Illinois?

There are no laws requiring a casket for burials or cremations in Chicago. With that being said, you should always check with the cemetery being used because of their individual rules.

How long will I be grieving the loss of my loved one?

There is no schedule for getting over the loss of a loved one. Even after a significant amount of time has passed, your loss can still feel fresh. Everyone deals with loss in their own way, and healing should not be rushed. There are several resources available for anyone grieving in Chicago. There are a few links below that offer some advice on getting through this difficult time:

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