How to choose a funeral home in Switzerland

Why choosing a funeral home is crucial

The choice of a funeral home directly influences the quality of the tribute paid to your loved one and your experience during this difficult period. A competent funeral service provider offers you much more than a simple technical service.

A good company provides you with personalised support that respects the wishes of the deceased and your family's traditions. It guides you through the choices to be made, explains the available options without rushing you, and adapts to your specific needs, whether cultural, religious or personal.

Administrative support is also crucial. The procedures following a death are numerous and complex: death declaration, authorisations, body transport, coordination with authorities. An experienced company takes charge of these formalities and saves you from costly errors or stressful delays.

Conversely, a poor choice can have painful consequences: excessive costs not announced in advance, lack of transparency regarding pricing, shoddy services, or worse, commercial pressure to sell superfluous services. These situations add stress to an already trying time.

It is perfectly normal and even recommended to take the time to compare several companies. Contrary to what some might think, this approach is not a lack of respect towards the deceased: it is, on the contrary, a responsible way of paying them the best possible tribute, whilst respecting your budget.

Essential criteria for choosing your funeral service provider

To make an informed choice, it is important to evaluate your funeral service provider according to several dimensions. Here are the fundamental criteria that will allow you to distinguish a reliable company from another and find the one that best matches your expectations.

Each criterion plays a specific role in the overall quality of service. Some are objective and easily measurable (pricing, services), others more subjective (relationship quality, empathy). The ideal is to find a balance between all these elements.

Range of services offered

Not all funeral homes offer the same range of funeral services. It is essential to verify that the provider can meet all your needs, according to the type of funeral desired.

Basic services generally include:

• Complete organisation of the funeral and coordination with all parties involved

• Transport of the deceased (from place of death to funeral home, then to ceremony venue)

• Placing in coffin and provision of the coffin

• Mandatory administrative procedures

• Preparation of the ceremony room

Additional services may include:

• Thanatopraxy (body preservation and presentation care)

• Provision and delivery of flowers and wreaths

• Printing and sending of death notices or publication of death announcements

• Organisation of personalised ceremonies (music, videos, decoration)

• Stonemason services for the headstone

• National or international repatriation

Before choosing, clearly define your needs. If you are hesitating between different types of funeral, our guide on cremation or burial can help you clarify your options and therefore the services you will need.

Also check whether the company offers "all-inclusive" packages or if each service is billed separately. This information is crucial for comparing offers fairly.

Pricing and quotation transparency

Pricing transparency is a major indicator of the seriousness of a funeral home. A detailed and written funeral home quotation is not only a legal obligation, but also your best protection against unpleasant surprises.

A good quotation must include:

• Details of each service with its unit price

• Fixed costs (transport, placing in coffin, staff)

• Variable costs according to your choices (type of coffin, flowers, ceremony)

• External costs (cemetery plot, crematorium, publication of notices)

• Total amount including VAT

• Payment terms and any facilities available

In Switzerland, funeral costs vary considerably according to canton and type of ceremony. For a simple burial, expect between 5,000 and 10,000 CHF. For cremation, prices generally range between 4,000 and 8,000 CHF. More elaborate ceremonies can exceed 15,000 CHF.

Beware of hidden fees: some companies announce attractive prices but then add numerous supplements not initially mentioned. Ask specific questions about what is included and what is not.

It is strongly recommended to request several comparative funeral quotations from different companies. This approach allows you not only to compare prices, but also to evaluate the clarity and honesty of each provider. A reliable company will always accept this comparison without applying pressure.

Geographical proximity and availability

The geographical proximity of the funeral home greatly facilitates exchanges and reduces transport costs. Ideally, favour a company located near the place of death or your home.

24/7 availability is an essential criterion. A death can occur at any time, including at night, at weekends or on public holidays. A professional company must be able to intervene quickly, whatever the time, to take charge of the deceased in the best conditions.

In Switzerland, the geographical coverage of companies varies. Some are local family businesses with excellent knowledge of their region, others are part of larger networks covering several cantons. Both models have their advantages:

• Local companies: proximity, perfect knowledge of cantonal and communal specificities, more personal relationship

• Regional networks: more resources, ability to manage complex repatriations, standardisation of processes

Cantonal specificities can influence your choice. For example, burial deadlines, necessary authorisations or common practices differ between cantons. A company that knows your canton well will be able to navigate these particularities effectively.

To find reliable funeral homes in Switzerland near you, consult our directory of funeral homes which lists providers by region with their contact details and services.

Reputation and customer reviews

The reputation of a funeral home is a valuable indicator of the quality of its services. In such a sensitive sector, feedback from other families can guide you towards a reliable provider.

To verify reputation, consult several sources:

• Online reviews: Google, Facebook, specialised platforms such as Wolky

• Recommendations from relatives: ask those around you if they have already used a company

• Longevity: a long-established company has generally proven itself

• Professional certifications: membership of recognised professional associations

When reading customer reviews, maintain a critical mind. Be wary of exclusively positive reviews without any concrete details: they may be fake. Similarly, one or two isolated very negative reviews do not necessarily reflect the overall quality of service.

Rather look for:

• Recent and detailed reviews that describe the experience

• Comments on specific aspects: welcome, listening, respect for deadlines, pricing transparency

• A consistent average rating across several platforms

• The way the company responds to criticism (professionalism, willingness to improve)

Do not hesitate to ask the company directly if it can provide you with references or testimonials from families it has supported. A company confident in the quality of its work will accept this request.

Human support and listening

Beyond technical and financial aspects, the quality of bereavement support and the human dimension are essential. You will interact regularly with your funeral adviser during an emotionally difficult period: the quality of this relationship is paramount.

A good funeral adviser is characterised by:

• Empathy: ability to understand your pain without being intrusive

• Active listening: taking into account your wishes, your values and your budget

• Availability: time given to answer all your questions, without rushing

• Pedagogy: clear explanations of options and procedures, without technical jargon

• Respect: for the wishes of the deceased, your cultural and religious traditions

The personalisation of ceremonies is another important aspect. Each life is unique and deserves a tribute that reflects it. A good company will offer you options to personalise the ceremony: choice of music, projection of photos or videos, speeches by relatives, particular decoration.

Before committing, it is strongly advised to meet the funeral adviser in person. This first contact will allow you to evaluate the "feeling" and verify whether you feel confident. Ask yourself these questions:

• Did I feel listened to and respected?

• Was I able to ask all my questions freely?

• Did the adviser take the necessary time or rush me?

• Did I feel commercial pressure or rather benevolent support?

• Were the explanations clear and understandable?

Trust your intuition: if something makes you uncomfortable, do not hesitate to consult another company.

Professional certifications and guarantees

The professional certifications and guarantees offered by a funeral home are marks of seriousness and competence. They attest that the provider respects certain quality and ethical standards.

In Switzerland, several professional associations bring together funeral homes:

• Cantonal funeral home associations: each canton generally has its own professional association

• Swiss Association of Funeral Services (ASF): umbrella organisation that establishes quality standards

• Regional associations: in French-speaking Switzerland, German-speaking Switzerland or Ticino

Membership of these associations generally implies:

• Respect for a professional code of ethics

• Continuous training of staff

• Respect for quality standards in services

• An obligation of pricing transparency

• A mediation system in case of dispute

Also check the insurance and guarantees offered by the company:

• Professional liability insurance

• Financial guarantee in case of funeral prepayment

• Insurance for international repatriation if necessary

The training of funeral advisers is another element to consider. In Switzerland, there are specific training courses for funeral professions. A trained adviser possesses not only the technical skills, but also the relational aptitudes necessary to support bereaved families.

Do not hesitate to ask the company what its certifications, professional affiliations and team training are. A serious company will be proud to share this information.

How to effectively compare several companies

Comparing several funeral homes may seem tedious, but this approach is essential for making the best choice. Here is a structured method in several steps to make the task easier.

Step 1: Establish a list of 3 to 4 companies

Start by identifying 3 to 4 potential companies in your region. You can use our directory of funeral homes in Switzerland to find providers near you. Favour a mix between local companies and larger networks to have a complete view of the offering.

Step 2: Prepare your questions

Before contacting companies, prepare a list of standardised questions that you will ask each one. This will greatly facilitate subsequent comparison. We detail these questions in the following section.

Step 3: Request detailed quotations

Contact each company and request a detailed quotation for the same type of service. Be specific about your needs so that the quotations are comparable. Ask for everything to be put in writing, including services included and excluded.

Step 4: Arrange appointments

If possible, meet in person with the funeral advisers of the companies that interest you most. This direct contact will allow you to evaluate the quality of welcome, empathy and professionalism of the team.

Step 5: Create a comparison table

Gather all the information collected in a comparison table. Here are the columns to include:

• Company name and contact details

• Total price and details of services included

• Additional services available

• Availability (24/7, response times)

• Professional certifications and affiliations

• Average customer review rating

• Personal impression after the appointment (feeling)

• Payment facilities offered

Final checklist for your decision:

• ✓ I have obtained at least 3 detailed and written quotations

• ✓ I have checked customer reviews on several platforms

• ✓ I have met at least one adviser in person

• ✓ I have asked all my questions and received clear answers

• ✓ I have verified professional certifications

• ✓ The value for money seems fair to me

• ✓ I feel confident with this company

• ✓ The deadlines and availability correspond to my needs

Take the necessary time for this comparison. There is no urgency to sign immediately, even if some companies may try to rush you.

Essential questions to ask funeral homes

During your first contact with a funeral home, asking the right questions will allow you to quickly evaluate its professionalism and transparency. Here is a list of concrete questions to ask systematically:

About services and provisions:

• Which services are included in your basic package?

• Do you offer all-inclusive packages or is each service billed separately?

• Are you specialised in certain types of ceremony (cremation, burial, repatriation)?

• Can you organise personalised ceremonies according to our cultural or religious traditions?

• Which services do you subcontract to other providers?

About pricing and quotations:

• What is the timeframe for obtaining a detailed and written quotation?

• Which costs are mandatory and which are optional?

• Are there possible additional costs not mentioned in the initial quotation?

• Do you offer payment facilities or instalments?

• Do you accept payments by death insurance or funeral provision?

About availability and organisation:

• Are you available 24/7, including public holidays?

• What is your response time after a call?

• How far in advance must the funeral be organised?

• Who will be our main contact throughout the process?

• How can I reach you in case of questions or problems?

About references and guarantees:

• How long has your company been established?

• Are you members of a professional association?

• Can you provide me with references or testimonials from families you have supported?

• What professional insurance do you hold?

• What happens in case of problems or disputes?

About practical aspects:

• Do you take charge of all administrative procedures?

• Can we modify certain elements after signing the contract?

• Do you offer follow-up after the funeral (help with procedures, psychological support)?

Do not be afraid to ask these questions, even if they seem indiscreet to you. A professional funeral home will appreciate your approach and respond with transparency and patience.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing

In a moment of emotional vulnerability, it is easy to make mistakes when choosing a funeral home. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Rushing without comparing

The most frequent mistake is to contact the first company and sign immediately, out of urgency or embarrassment. Even if time is pressing, you always have a few days to compare. Take this time: it can save you thousands of francs and ensure you better service.

Choosing solely on price

The lowest price is not always the best choice. An abnormally low price may hide poor quality services or unannounced additional costs. Conversely, the most expensive does not necessarily guarantee the best service. Look for the best value for money by considering all criteria.

Not reading the contract in detail

Before signing anything, read the contract and quotation carefully. Verify that all discussed services are mentioned, that the prices correspond to what was announced, and that the cancellation or modification conditions are clear. Do not hesitate to ask for clarifications on unclear points.

Forgetting to check reviews

Do not rely solely on fine commercial promises. Systematically consult customer reviews online and ask for references. Feedback from other families is valuable for evaluating the reality of the service.

Not asking questions out of embarrassment

Many people do not dare ask certain questions, particularly about pricing, out of modesty or embarrassment. This is a mistake: you have every right to know everything before committing. A serious company will understand your questions and respond without judgement.

Accepting unwanted services through commercial pressure

Some unscrupulous companies may exert commercial pressure to sell you superfluous services (high-end coffin, expensive flowers, unnecessary services). Remain firm on your choices and budget. A good adviser will respect your decisions without insisting.

Neglecting the human aspect

Figures and services are important, but relationship quality is equally so. If you do not feel comfortable with the funeral adviser, if you sense a lack of empathy or respect, look elsewhere. You will interact regularly with this person during a difficult period: trust is essential.

Ignoring local specificities

Each Swiss canton has its particularities regarding funeral regulations. Choosing a company that does not know your region well can lead to administrative complications and delays. Favour a provider experienced in your canton.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you maximise your chances of finding a reliable funeral home that will support you with dignity through this ordeal.

Cantonal specificities in Switzerland

Switzerland being a federal country, certain funeral regulations and practices vary from one canton to another. These cantonal specificities can influence your choice of funeral home.

Variable regulations

Legal deadlines between death and burial or cremation differ according to canton. In some cantons, burial must take place within 48 to 72 hours, whilst others allow longer deadlines. These time constraints influence funeral organisation.

The necessary authorisations also vary: some cantons require specific permits for body transport, cremation or burial. A local company knows these procedures perfectly and can manage them effectively.

Regional cultural practices

Funeral traditions differ between French-speaking Switzerland, German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. In French-speaking Switzerland, ceremonies are often more sober and intimate. In German-speaking Switzerland, traditions may include more formal and communal elements. In Ticino, Italian influences are reflected in sometimes more demonstrative ceremonies.

A funeral home that knows local practices well will better meet your cultural expectations and offer you a ceremony in line with the customs of your region.

Available infrastructure and services

The availability of crematoria, cemeteries, ceremony rooms and other infrastructure varies according to canton and commune. Some rural areas have fewer options than urban centres. A local company will be able to direct you towards the best solutions available in your region.

Local pricing and costs

The costs of cemetery plots, cremation fees and other administrative charges vary considerably from one canton to another, and even from one commune to another. These differences can represent several thousand francs. A provider experienced in your canton will be able to inform you precisely of the costs to expect.

Practical advice

During your search, favour a funeral home that has been operating for several years in your canton. Its local experience will be a valuable asset for navigating the administrative and cultural specificities of your region.