Type of Casket ?
The type of casket selected is also a difficult one. The main choices are based on the following: 1) type of exterior material (wood, steel, or precious metal); 2) quality of exterior material (poplar vs. oak, 20 gauge steel vs. 16 gauge steel, copper vs. bronze); 3) color & finish (pink vs. blue, brushed vs. high gloss); 4) fabric & style of interior (crepe vs. velvet, tailored vs. embroidered); 5) hardware & decorations (swing handles vs. stationary ones, painted designs vs. embroidery); and 6) price. There is no right or wrong when making this decision. When all else fails, consider the person for whom the purchase is being made as well as the funds that are available. No matter whether you select the least expensive or the most expensive casket, the funeral service will be a dignified and honorable one.

Type of Service ?
A Graveside Service is one where the service begins and ends at the cemetery. A service at either a Church or the Funeral Home going in procession to the cemetery will require police escorts and their added expense. If you are unsure, it is best to consider who will be attending a funeral service when deciding whether to have a Church Service. Today's working society is allowed very little time off and friends who want to attend, may not be able to obtain sufficient leave. A service followed by a procession to the cemetery will add 1-2 hours to the ceremony. Unfortunately, there is no easy choice.

Cemetery Selection ?
The most difficult decision by far is that of the cemetery plot if one has not previously been selected. Besides the price of the plot, the cemetery will also have an "Opening & Closing" charge. This is the charge to dig the grave and to have the tent and chairs present for the service. Many cemeteries also require an Outer Burial Container. The minimum requirement is an unlined concrete box, although burial vaults are also available. Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are entitled to a grave space, grave liner, opening & closing, perpetual care, headstone engraving and placement, and also the use of all of the facilities for a service, with viewing before (if desired), at no charge at the Houston National Cemetery. If you do not use the space provided at the Houston National Cemetery, and choose burial at a private cemetery, the VA will provide the marker for the veteran at no charge.

Summary
Although everybody hopes they will never have to plan a funeral, unfortunately it is a very real part of life. Whether death results from a long-term illness, or is sudden and traumatic, no one is ever ready for its occurrence. Although pre-planning aids the decision-making process, it is never easy. The best advice we can give you is as follows:

No matter what type of funeral service you plan, nor which casket you select, someone will say that you spent too much. At the same time, someone else will say that you didn't spend enough. The funeral is a time for friends and family to say goodbye and to honor the life of their loved one. There is no right or wrong when making decisions regarding the funeral. We at Aldine Funeral Chapel are here to make suggestions, help with the planning, and then to carry out all of your wishes. No matter what final choices are made, when a funeral shows respect and dignity to the deceased, the resulting service will be a tribute and show the love that went into its planning.