Funeral Add-Ons
Even before McDonald’s asked, “Would you like fries with that?”, American businesses were trying to add on items to the purchase of other items. For instance: “Would you like the extended warranty with that new car/TV/computer/almost anything electronic purchase?” “Would you like stain coating on that new couch?” “Would you like preferred seating on your flight?” “Would you like the insurance package with your car rental?” And on and on they go. Ugh. But I didn’t know that add-on sales had hit funeral homes. Or at least the extent of the add-ons. Sure, I knew they had some “extras” like upgraded casket options and the like, but I wasn’t aware of the range of things offered as add-ons these days. We recently visited a funeral home when a family friend passed away. We stood in line a bit while waiting to give our condolences to the family and while in line walked by a small table. The table had an electronic picture frame that rotated pictures. These pictures were extra services (add-on services really) that the funeral home offered. They included: Balloon release — balloons released at some point as the deceased was buried Dove release — white doves, no less Butterfly release — this would be awkward in January in Michigan Military honors burial — not sure what this entailed (flag? gun salute?) Graveside music — guitar Really? A dove release? There weren’t prices on the pictures but I imagined that each dove cost something like $50. Ok, I’m exaggerating (probably, who knows?) but simply the fact that all these things (and probably more we didn’t know about) were offered really kind of shocked me. Whatever happened to a simple burial? I’m sure some of you reading this will have more information on funeral home add-on options. If so, please share them with us in the comments below. As for me, when my time comes my family can feel free to forego the doves, butterflies, balloons, and the like. Simply put me in an acceptable casket and throw me in the ground. Then have a big party with all the money saved. 
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Funeral Add-Ons