Why are Funerals So Expensive? The cost of a funeral can easily exceed $10,000, even without the addition of extras such as flowers and music. But how can you save money on a funeral? Read on to learn about some ways to lower your costs. Here are some tips to help you find a great deal:
Cost of a casket
The cost of a casket in a funeral is the most expensive part of a memorial service. There are two common types of caskets: traditional wood and metal. Metal caskets are usually cheaper than wood ones and tend to be more durable. They are also easier to source and are often referred to as “green” caskets. Caskets made of metal can vary in quality, and some come with warranties to guarantee their longevity.
The price of a casket in a funeral can range from $300 to $600, depending on the material, ornamentation, and customization. The price will also depend on its size, weight, and dimensions. Some caskets can be significantly cheaper online than at a funeral home, so it is important to shop around. Remember that your family can still choose the casket that best matches their budget, so the price is not the only factor.
Cost of a cremation
One option for reducing the cost of a funeral is to choose cremation instead of a burial. While this is usually cheaper, there are some instances when it’s more expensive than the other option. For example, Colorado is less expensive than Kansas and North Dakota. If you live in one of these states, cremation is the more economical choice. Whether you choose cremation or burial, the funeral costs should be well-planned before you pass away.
When arranging a funeral, you’ll need to determine the amount of money to spend on flowers. The cost of funeral flowers will vary by location, but typically ranges from about $50-$100. You’ll also need to determine the condition of the body, which will increase the overall cost. For example, if the body had significant injuries, this could result in a higher price tag. In general, funeral flowers cost anywhere from $200 to $800, excluding any additional costs for cosmetic preparation.
Cost of a natural burial
There are some advantages to having a natural burial. For one thing, green burials are more environmentally friendly than traditional burials. Green burials don’t require embalming, which is expensive and toxic. Plus, embalming can damage the environment and the health of those administering it. Natural burials also do not require a concrete vault, fancy casket, or large headstone.
The cost of a natural burial in a funeral can range from $500 to $4,000, but the cost will depend on the location, services, and regulations of the state. To find out how much a natural burial will cost, contact a natural burial ground in your area and ask about the process. Some natural burial grounds charge an additional fee to open and close graves, which can add up to more than eight thousand dollars.
Cost of a metal casket
The cost of a metal casket at a memorial service or funeral is significantly more than a wooden one. While both options are durable, metal caskets are more expensive and require more care during transport and storage. The standard weight of a metal casket is 180 to 220 pounds, so you don’t want to go over that amount. The good news is that there are some alternatives that are considerably cheaper.
While you can purchase a quality metal casket for well under a thousand dollars, there are cheaper alternatives available. If your loved one has a preference for a more earth-friendly burial, you can consider a cremation casket instead. These options are not as elegant as a traditional metal casket, but are still a good option for a small, inexpensive body. Some funeral homes also rent cremation caskets. The average cost of a green casket is around $700.
Cost of flowers
While buying funeral flowers online is certainly convenient, there are still some things you should know about the cost of these arrangements. One thing to consider is the price of the flowers themselves. Some online retailers may offer better prices and higher-quality flowers than others. However, you should also consider the service fee that you have to pay if you plan on relaying an order. A good way to avoid this cost is to purchase flowers directly from a local florist. Some funeral homes have their own florists and may not heavily discount the cost of funeral flowers.
There are many types of funeral flowers, and each variety has its own special meaning. For instance, white roses symbolize spirituality, and pink ones stand for purity and innocence. Meanwhile, red and yellow roses stand for love, and dark pink ones for gratitude. Regardless of the color, hydrangeas are an affordable option that symbolizes sincerity. You can buy a single stem for a reasonable price and make a lasting impression on the family and friends.
Cost of body transportation
Funeral homes will typically charge a fee for preparing and shipping the body. These fees can range from one to four hundred dollars and cover a number of costs, including embalming, document preparation, air tray, and transportation to a common carrier. In addition, these fees may include any touch-up preparations or re-filing necessary. Listed below are some examples of funeral home fees. To compare costs, check with a funeral home representative to determine which fees may be covered.
Depending on the distance and type of shipping service, body transportation can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. In addition, if the deceased died during a natural disaster, financial assistance may be available from FEMA. Business insurance might also cover the cost of body transportation at funerals. A common misconception about the funeral shipping process is that the cost is not worth the convenience and comfort of family and friends. However, the process is much simpler than it sounds.
