Understanding The Cost Of A Funeral: Three Things To Know
Planning a funeral can be stressful, particularly because you are going through the grieving process while making arrangements. Sometimes, it may be difficult to understand what is included in the cost of the funeral, and you may be looking for ways to keep costs to a minimum. Here are a few things to know about the cost of funerals so you can better prepare for your loved one's services.
Timing Of The Funeral
Some costs may be dependent on the timing of the funeral. For example, if you are planning on having a viewing and showing the day after your loved one passes, you may not need to pay for embalming. However, if you are planning to delay the services, embalming may be necessary to ensure you can still host a viewing. In some cases, the funeral home may be able to arrange for refrigeration services. This option is ideal if you will be delaying the funeral several days to allow friends and family to travel from out of state. Discuss the various charges for each option so you can be better prepared to make a decision regarding the timing of the services.
Use Of A Casket
If you are planning on choosing cremation but want to have a viewing first, your funeral home can provide you with a rental casket that can be used just for the day. For burials, you'll need to purchase a casket to have your loved one laid to rest in. Some families prefer to buy a casket even if they are choosing cremation for a loved one. In this instance, you would select a cremation-friendly casket. Renting a casket can cost between $750 and $900, but that does not include the cost of a removable liner, which is used only by your loved one. The cost of purchasing a casket is typically around $6,000. Your funeral home director can give you rental information and help you to compare prices with caskets for sale so you can find the right option for your family.
Transportation
There are several different charges for transportation when you are planning a funeral. You may be charged for the transporting of your loved one to the funeral home from the hospital or medical examiner's office, and the costs for this will vary depending on how far the location is from the funeral home. There are also charges for the use of the hearse on the day of the funeral as well as the cost of any limousine rentals. If you are selecting a direct burial, or if you are opting against a graveside service, you will still need to pay for the transportation of the casket to the cemetery.
Fortunately, some funeral directors offer a basic price list on their websites, which you can use as a guide when planning your funeral. Talk to the director about your estimated budget so you can create a plan together that meets your needs without going over the amount you have allotted to spend.