Here’s What a Funeral Really Costs
Relationships are complicated, which can impact our end-of-life planning. Many Americans feel that traditional funerals are the best option to honor relationships. The costs of funerals have skyrocketed over the last couple of decades. Here is what funerals cost.
1. Legal Documents
Many families are left not knowing what their deceased loved ones want where end-of-life planning is concerned. The nature of their relationships is to not talk about death because it is uncomfortable. The best way for anyone to ensure that after their death, the people they have relationships with are not burdened with decision-making is to have a will.
According to Research Gate, about 84% of people surveyed have sent sympathy flowers at some point. It is a lovely gesture, but perhaps the deceased would have preferred a charitable donation to their favorite charity in their name. Without a will, no one would ever know. A will is important, especially if you have relationships that matter to you.
2. Funeral Home Services
As far as funeral costs are concerned, there are several different costs that you will have to cover. The first is the funeral home. The funeral home will charge basic service, visitation, embalming, and body prep fees. The basic service fees cover the funeral director’s costs. Some of the funeral director’s costs are for paperwork, coordination of the funeral, and other administrative costs.
Embalming and body prep fees cover the cost of embalming the body, dressing the body, makeup hair, and making any corrections to make the body viewable at the funeral. The fees vary from funeral home to funeral home but are common fees you will pay to any funeral home. They can range in the thousands.
3. Casket Costs
A casket can cost an incredible amount of money depending on how ornate it is, the type of material it is built from, and what is included in it. Some caskets come with spring-type mattresses. According to the United Mattress Association, spring mattresses have been around since 1857.
Casket costs can vary greatly, but typically, you would be hard-pressed to find a casket under $1,000. If you are shopping for a casket, remember that you don’t need a high-end casket to honor the relationships. Economical caskets serve the same function as elaborate caskets.
4. Burial Costs
If burial is part of the end of life planning, you must purchase a cemetery plot. The average cost of a cemetery plot in the U.S. can vary depending on the geographical location of the cemetery. Most people purchase a cemetery plot near their home to continue relationships after death by visiting the grave.
Additionally, you will have to pay for opening and closing fees, which are fees to dig the grave and fill it back in. There will also be transportation fees from the funeral home to the grave site. Many cemeteries have other incidental costs related to burial.
5. Other Costs
Costs can vary greatly for a funeral, largely relative to what you choose to include. For example, there may be clergy costs, grave marker or headstone costs, and costs associated with the death certificate. Funerals are expensive not only because of the major costs but for all the little costs.
Many people have a ‘reception’ after the funeral that includes food. Catering costs need to be considered. Whether you choose to go to a restaurant or host something at home, food costs alone can run into the hundreds of dollars.
Unfortunately, death is something that is as sure as anything else in life. According to the CDC, about one out of 10 people who get Legionnaires’ disease die from it, and that is only one disease. Being prepared for what will happen to your loved ones after you pass is one of the best ways to support your relationships. Learn more about how to navigate death and relationships.
