What distinguishes a funeral home from a funeral service provider?

The distinction between a funeral home and a funeral service provider primarily lies in the physical presence of a funeral home. A funeral home is a licensed facility that offers a range of services related to the preparation and holding of funerals, and it has a designated location where these services take place. This includes areas for viewings, services, and often a crematory or embalming facilities.

On the other hand, a funeral service provider can refer to various entities or individuals that offer funeral-related services but may not necessarily operate from a physical location. This could include independent funeral directors or online services that assist families with planning funerals without having a dedicated brick-and-mortar facility. Thus, the presence of a physical location is a key factor that helps delineate what constitutes a funeral home versus a more general funeral service provider, influencing how services are offered and the type of experience families might have.