No one wants to think about death, but it’s something that we all have to face at some point in our lives. When that time comes, you’ll need to calculate the costs of a funeral. This can be a difficult task, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the various factors that go into calculating funeral costs. We will also provide some tips on how to save money on funerals. So, whether you are planning for your own funeral or helping a loved one through this difficult time, read on for helpful information!
Identify The Location Of The Funeral
There are many factors to consider when calculating funeral costs. The first is the location of the funeral. If you are having the funeral in a church or other religious venue, there may be fees associated with the use of the space. You will also need to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the funeral. The next thing to consider is the funeral home itself. Funeral homes typically charge a basic fee for their services, which can range from $500 to $2000. However, there are many other fees that can be added on, such as the cost of a casket or urn, embalming, and funeral planning.
Choose A Casket Or Urn
One of the biggest expenses associated with calculating funeral costs is the casket or urn. Caskets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the material and style. Urns are typically less expensive than caskets, but they can still be a significant expense. When it comes to urn costs, it’s important to consider your budget and what you feel comfortable spending. You should also think about the size of the casket or urn. If you are planning a traditional funeral service, you will need to choose a casket that is large enough to hold the body. However, if you are cremating the body, you will only need an urn that is large enough to hold the ashes. Similarly, if you are planning to scatter the ashes, you may not need an urn at all.
Embalming And Other Preparation Fees
Another significant expense associated with calculating funeral costs is embalming and other preparation fees. Embalming is typically required if you are having a public viewing or holding the funeral more than 24 hours after death. The cost of embalming can range from $500 to $1000. In addition, embalming is not typically required if the body is being cremated. If you are having a public viewing, you may also need to pay for hair and makeup services. These can range from $50 to $200. Finally, you will need to factor in the cost of transportation for the body. This can be done by hiring a funeral home or using your own vehicle.
Funeral Planning Fees
Lastly, you will need to factor in funeral planning fees. These fees can be charged by the funeral home or an outside planner. They cover the costs of things like arranging the funeral service, coordinating with the cemetery or cremation service, and handling paperwork. Funeral planning fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the complexity of the funeral. You want to make sure that you calculate all of these fees when budgeting for the funeral to avoid any surprises.
Yet another thing to have in mind is the flowers. The average cost of funeral flowers is about $300, but this will depend on the type and number of arrangements you choose. Namely, a standing spray can cost around $100, while a more elaborate casket spray can cost $500 or more.
Consider Having A Funeral At A Church
You should consider having the funeral at a church or other venue that doesn’t charge fees. Many churches will allow you to use their space for free or for a small donation. This can be a great way to save money on the funeral. You will still need to factor in the cost of transportation and any other fees associated with the church, but it can still be a cheaper option than renting a space at a funeral home.
Now that you know the various factors that go into calculating funeral costs, you can start to budget for the expenses. Keep in mind that there are many ways to save money on funerals. For example, you can choose a less expensive casket or urn, have the funeral at a church or other venue that doesn’t charge fees, or scatter the ashes instead of having a traditional burial. By being mindful of the costs, you can make sure that you don’t overspend on the funeral and end up in debt.
Featured image: Unsplash (Suhyeon Choi).
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