When faced with losing a loved one, the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming.

Amidst the grief and mourning, practical matters must also be addressed, including arranging a fitting farewell to honor and remember the departed.

However, one crucial aspect often fraught with uncertainty is understanding the financial implications of planning a funeral.

The average funeral costs can vary significantly, making it essential to navigate this terrain with clarity and awareness.

What Is The Average Cost of a Funeral?

Understanding these elements and the range of costs involved will help you navigate the funeral planning process more confidently and avoid any unexpected financial burdens.

Funeral costs have been consistently rising since the 1980s. Presently, the average cost of a funeral ranges from $7,000 to $12,000.

These expenses typically cover the viewing, burial, basic transportation fees, a casket, embalming, body preparation, and service fees charged by the funeral home.

These prices do not include additional expenses like flowers, cemetery plots, and monuments. The total cost will depend on the selected services and the state in which you reside.

The average funeral cost is between $7,000 and $12,000.

What Fees Are Included in The Funeral Cost?

From the necessary components to optional additions, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when making funeral arrangements.

Basic Fee: Funeral providers charge a basic services fee to all customers that includes services that are common to all funerals, regardless of the specific arrangement. 

These include the time for funeral planning, securing the necessary permits and copies of death certificates, preparing the notices, sheltering the remains, and coordinating the arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other third parties. 

The fee does not include charges for optional services or merchandise and is the same across all patrons. Typically this fee is between $2000 and $3000.

Service Fee: These fees can include a wide range of services you may or may not choose to include with your funeral package. 

The services may include transportation, body preparation, embalming, casket, burial container, or the necessary services for cremation as well as funeral home charges for the viewing or memorial service.

Additionally, they include the costs associated with equipment or services required for the graveside service.

Any funeral provider must give you an itemized statement of the total cost of the funeral goods and services you have selected when you are making the arrangements.

What Factors Affect The Cost of Funeral?

Funerals are highly personal events, and the expenses involved can depend on cultural customs, religious traditions, regional variations, and individual preferences.

  • Alternative Location: Many funeral homes provide a space for holding a funeral or memorial service. However, individuals may prefer alternative settings such as churches, temples, restaurants, country clubs, banquet halls, or other venues. The venue you choose may significantly increase or decrease your fees.
  • Religious Member or Funeral Celebrant: Funeral services are often conducted by pastors, priests, or other religious figures who may charge a fee for their services.
  • Musicians: Musicians play a significant role in funerals or memorials. The cost of hiring musicians begins in the hundreds and can escalate into the thousands, depending on the number of musicians and the duration of their performance.
  • Catering Services: Food plays an important role in the traditions of many cultures following a funeral. Funeral providers often offer catering services for both the convenience and comfort of the guests. The cost of catering can significantly increase the overall funeral expenses.
  • Obituary: Newspapers typically impose charges for publishing obituaries, whereas online obituaries are typically offered as a free service.
  • Flowers: Flowers are an integral part of the standard funeral expenses and are not included as part of the funeral package cost. Prices for flowers can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on individual preferences and the scope of the floral displays.

Factors that affect the funeral cost include location, musicians, catering services, flowers, and so on.

How To Pay for a Funeral?

In many cases, there are some uncertainties surrounding how to cover funeral costs. There are several ways to plan or use your resources to plan a meaningful and affordable farewell.

  • Open a Savings Account: One option is to save up the costs over time in a dedicated savings account specifically for your end-of-life costs. It’s recommended to have another person named on the account so the money can be easily accessed after your passing. Otherwise, your bank account could go through the probate process, making the funds inaccessible for several months until the probate proceedings are completed.
  • Use Your Life Insurance: Life insurance in all its forms provides a monetary payout to the beneficiaries you choose, making it a viable option for covering funeral expenses. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your current life insurance policy remains active and does not have an expiration date. If you plan to rely on your policy for funeral costs, it’s best to have permanent life insurance. You can compare offerings from reputable funeral insurance providers to find a policy that suits your needs.
  • Pay With Cash: You can pay for your funeral expenses in cash at the funeral home of your choosing. This option allows you to lock in the current pricing and relieves your family members from the responsibility of covering the costs. This brings peace of mind, as everything is taken care of, and your loved ones won’t face any financial burden in the future. The money then goes into a burial policy or trust that can be picked up by any funeral home in the event the one they originally picked closes. 

 

FAQs About Funeral Costs

It is important to carefully select a reputable funeral director who aligns with your needs and budget. You can explore simple ways to save money on memorial expenses by considering more affordable casket, venue, or catering options. 

Yes, a current life insurance policy can be utilized to cover funeral costs or any outstanding debts.

The most economical burial option available at many funeral homes is a direct burial or cremation. Direct burial involves interring the body shortly after death without any ceremony or embalming. The cost of cremation is typically less expensive than burial costs.

Explore Funeral Pricing

Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home wants to empower you and your family to make informed choices when it comes to honoring your loved one’s memory.

We aim to alleviate some of the uncertainties surrounding funeral costs, ensuring that you are equipped with the knowledge needed to plan a meaningful and affordable farewell.

As you embark on this journey of understanding average funeral and burial pricing, we hope to provide clarity and confidence by demystifying this often-overlooked aspect of life.

We are here to help you make decisions that align with your financial circumstances while honoring the memory of your loved one.