A funeral parlour is a business that prepares the body of a dead person for burial or cremation. This type of business usually operates out of a commercial location and typically requires a business license. A funeral parlour may also offer other services, such as a memorial products or guest registry book. If you are considering opening a funeral parlour, it’s important to understand how this type of business works so that you can provide your customers with the best possible service.
The funeral home as we know it has a fairly recent history, dating back only 170 years or so. Prior to that time, tending to the dead was a family affair. Many times, the parlor of a well-to-do Victorian frame house or city brownstone served as the place where viewings and visits took place.
As medical technology advanced, so did funeral industry practices. In the early 1900s, funeral directors began to refer to themselves as morticians and funeral directors, while standardized pricing was introduced and funeral homes were encouraged to join a trade association. These changes helped to make funeral homes a legitimate industry rather than simply a place to display the dead.
Funeral directors are typically licensed and insured to operate their businesses. They can assist families with all aspects of funeral planning, from obtaining death certificates to arranging transportation to the cemetery or place of disposition. They can also help with veterans affairs, social security benefits, insurance claims and other financial matters.
Generally, funeral parlors are open to all faiths and cultures. However, some specialize in certain types of religious rites. For example, in the United States, a Jewish funeral home, such as the J. D. Deutsch Funeral Home (established 1887), would likely cater to Orthodox Jews, offering special bathing, Psalm reading during the burial watch and a family-only funeral.
In addition to preparing the body for a funeral or cremation, funeral parlors also provide other related services such as a memorial products, guest registry books and thank you cards. Often, these products are used as ways for people to express their condolences and gratitude to loved ones who have died. Some funeral homes also sell memorial parks, where family members can visit and remember their loved ones in a natural setting.
The most common type of funeral home is a small, single-story building with an awning, a large window and a purple sign that reads “Undertaker.” These buildings are found in cities and towns across the country, from rural areas to suburban neighborhoods. They are typically surrounded by other funeral homes, and they are a familiar sight to many people.
If you plan to start a funeral parlour, check with your local business regulatory agency to ensure that all required licensing and insurance is in place. In addition, you’ll need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO is a document that confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met. It’s the responsibility of the landlord to obtain a CO, and it is generally a requirement that a funeral home get one before leasing space in a commercial building.