Dignity Memorial is a network of independently owned funeral homes under one brand
Dignity Memorial is not a single funeral home but a network of more than 1,600 funeral homes and cemeteries across North America operating under the Dignity Memorial brand. Each location is independently owned and operated, though they share branding, some operational standards, and access to Dignity Memorial's central resources. The network is owned by Service Corporation International (SCI), a publicly traded company that also owns other funeral home brands including The Loewen Group operations in Canada.
When you contact a Dignity Memorial location, you are working with a local funeral home that has chosen to affiliate with the network. The staff, pricing, facilities, and specific services available depend on which individual location you visit. This structure means that two Dignity Memorial funeral homes in different cities may offer different service packages, pricing, and amenities, even though they share the same brand name and some operational guidelines.
Dignity Memorial locations handle traditional funeral services, cremation, pre-planning arrangements, and cemetery services. Many locations also offer grief support resources and merchandise like caskets, urns, and memorial items. Because each location is independently owned, the range of services and products varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- Dignity Memorial is a brand name used by more than 1,600 independently owned funeral homes and cemeteries, not a single company you contact centrally.
- Each Dignity Memorial location sets its own pricing, service offerings, and policies, so costs and options differ between locations.
- You can search for a Dignity Memorial location near you through their website, which lists affiliated funeral homes by state and city.
- Pricing for funeral services at Dignity Memorial locations follows the same disclosure rules as other funeral homes, including the Funeral Rule requirement to provide an itemized price list.
How to find a Dignity Memorial location near you
Dignity Memorial maintains a searchable directory on its website where you can enter your city or zip code to find affiliated funeral homes in your area. The directory shows the address, phone number, and sometimes the website of each location. You can also search by state to see all Dignity Memorial locations in a region.
When you call or visit a Dignity Memorial location, you are contacting that specific funeral home directly. The staff there can answer questions about their services, pricing, and availability. If you are pre-planning, you can meet with a funeral director at the location to discuss options and costs before a death occurs.
Pricing and service packages vary by location
Because each Dignity Memorial funeral home is independently owned, pricing is not set centrally. One location may charge $3,000 for a basic funeral service while another charges $4,500 for the same service. Casket prices, cremation fees, cemetery plot costs, and other services also vary.
Under the Funeral Rule enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, every funeral home—including Dignity Memorial locations—must provide you with an itemized price list when you ask. This list shows the cost of each service and product separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. You can request this list in person, by phone, or by email before making any decisions.
Many Dignity Memorial locations offer package deals that bundle common services at a set price. These packages might include the funeral service, viewing, casket, and basic transportation. However, you are never required to buy a package; you can select individual services instead.
What services Dignity Memorial locations typically offer
Most Dignity Memorial funeral homes offer traditional funeral services, which include a viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony, and transportation of the deceased. They also typically offer cremation services, which may include a memorial service before or after cremation. Some locations have on-site crematoriums; others contract with external cremation providers.
Dignity Memorial locations usually sell caskets, urns, and other merchandise needed for the funeral or cremation. They can arrange for flowers, obituary placement, and coordination with cemeteries. Many locations offer pre-planning services, where you can make decisions about your own funeral in advance and sometimes pre-pay for services.
Some Dignity Memorial locations provide grief counseling resources, memorial videos, and other support services. The specific offerings depend on the individual location, so ask what is available when you contact them.
Pre-planning and pre-payment options
Dignity Memorial locations offer pre-planning, which means you can meet with a funeral director while you are alive to discuss your preferences and costs. Pre-planning does not require you to pay anything; it is straightforward a conversation and a written record of your wishes. This can reduce stress and confusion for your family later.
Some Dignity Memorial locations also offer pre-payment plans, where you pay for funeral services in advance. These plans are regulated by state law, and the money is typically held in a trust account or insurance policy. If you move or change your mind, you may be able to transfer the funds or receive a refund, though the terms depend on your state and the specific plan. Ask the funeral home about their pre-payment policies, including what happens if you move out of state or pass away before using the services.
How Dignity Memorial locations handle complaints and disputes
If you have a complaint about a Dignity Memorial funeral home, you can contact the funeral home directly to resolve the issue. If the funeral home does not respond satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with your state's funeral board or consumer protection agency. These agencies investigate complaints about funeral homes and can take action if laws are violated.
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if you believe a funeral home violated the Funeral Rule. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints but uses them to identify patterns of illegal behavior.
Dignity Memorial as a brand does not have a central complaint process, because each location is independently owned. However, you can contact Service Corporation International, the parent company, if you want to report concerns about how a Dignity Memorial location is operating.
Comparing Dignity Memorial to other funeral home options
Dignity Memorial is one of many funeral home networks and independent funeral homes available. Other large chains include Everest Funeral Services and various locally owned independent funeral homes. The main difference is that Dignity Memorial locations are part of a larger network with shared branding and some shared resources, while independent funeral homes operate entirely on their own.
Network affiliation does not necessarily mean lower or higher prices. Some people prefer working with a chain because of consistency and resources; others prefer independent funeral homes because they feel more personal or local. The best way to compare is to contact several funeral homes in your area, request their price lists, and ask about the specific services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Dignity Memorial funeral home if I have already made arrangements elsewhere?
Yes. You can change funeral homes at any time. If you have already paid a deposit or signed a contract with another funeral home, you may need to cancel that arrangement first. Contact the original funeral home to ask about their cancellation policy and whether you can transfer funds to a Dignity Memorial location.
Does Dignity Memorial offer discounts or financial information?
Individual Dignity Memorial locations may offer discounts or payment plans, but there is no company-wide discount program. Ask the funeral home directly about any discounts for military service, membership organizations, or financial hardship. Some locations may also accept payment plans or financing through third-party lenders.
What should I ask a Dignity Memorial funeral director when I call?
Ask for their itemized price list, which is required by law. Ask about the specific services you are interested in—such as cremation, viewing, or cemetery services—and their costs. If you are pre-planning, ask whether they offer pre-payment plans and what happens to your money if you move or change your mind. Ask about their hours and whether they are available for after-hours calls.
Is Dignity Memorial affiliated with any religion or belief system?
Dignity Memorial locations are secular and serve families of all faiths and backgrounds. Individual funeral homes may have relationships with specific religious communities or offer services tailored to particular traditions, but the network itself is not affiliated with any religion.
How do I know if a funeral home is actually part of Dignity Memorial?
Check the Dignity Memorial directory on their website, or call the funeral home and ask directly. Legitimate Dignity Memorial locations will be listed in the searchable directory. Be cautious of funeral homes that claim to be Dignity Memorial but are not listed, as this could indicate fraud.