How to Plan for Funeral Expenses
No one wants to think about death, but it's important to plan for funeral expenses in advance. Funerals can be expensive, and it's important to have a plan in place so that you can cover all of the costs.
There are many different expenses associated with funerals, such as the cost of the casket, the cost of the funeral service, and the cost of burial or cremation. It's important to plan ahead so that you can cover all of these costs and avoid any unexpected expenses.
Different types of funeral expenses
Basic service fee: This is a standard service fee that is associated with a funeral. This covers the cost of planning fees, including any permit and administrative fees.
Service and merchandise fees: These cover things like transporting, preparing and embalming the body, as well as funeral home fees for the viewing or memorial and any equipment or services required for the graveside service. You will also need to pay for a casket or burial container or the required services needed for cremation or interment.
Cash advances: There are some services that your funeral may handle for you, such as funeral flowers, clergy, and organists. You may pay an added service fee or marked-up prices to account for the funeral home’s efforts, but per the Funeral Rule, these extra fees must be disclosed to you in writing.
The average metal casket costs about $2,500, while premium caskets made of mahogany, fiberglass, wood, and plastic can all cost as much as $10,000.
Some buyers purchase a casket independently, to avoid third-party markups. However, you will be responsible for shipping the casket to the funeral home, which may be expensive. If you choose cremation, you can avoid the cost of a new casket. Most funeral homes will rent you a casket to use if you plan on holding a viewing or for the funeral as a more cost-effective option if you have other burial plans.
These are some of the average costs you may incur for a funeral, according to 2021 data from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
- Funeral service fee: $2,300
- Funeral home rental: $450
- Funeral home staff for viewing: $450
- Funeral home staff for ceremony: $515
- Vault: $1,572
- Cremation casket: $1,310
- Embalming: $775
- Urn: $295
- Cosmetic services: $275
- Hearse: $350
- Transportation of remains: $350
- Transportation for the family: $150
- Pamphlets and materials: $183
Planning for a funeral can be a difficult process, but it's important to do so in order to avoid any unexpected expenses. You can always consider South Coast Family Funeral Services.
There are many different costs associated with funerals, and it's important to plan ahead so that you can cover all of them. In this article, we've outlined some of the most common funeral expenses and provided tips on how to plan for them.
