A funeral involves many steps, from preparing the body to the service itself. Each step requires specific training and some costly supplies. Below, we’ll detail why funerals cost so much, and how you can limit the expense.
Cost Factors
Transporting or preparing the body costs money. Caskets range widely in size and style. Larger or more ornate caskets cost more. Funeral home services like transporting the body or coordinating the service add to costs. Fees for embalming and facilities like chapels or visitation rooms also contribute. Premiums from some life insurance policies can help cover funeral costs.
Saving on Funeral Expenses
Rather than buying package deals, choose services individually to save money. The Funeral Rule regulates pricing and transparency in the industry. Price shopping and using this information can lead to savings.
What is the Biggest Expense of a Funeral?
Caskets vary in size and style. Larger or fancy caskets cost more. Funeral services like transporting the body or organizing the service add to costs.
Unclaimed Funerals
What happens if nobody wants to pay for a funeral? If such a case occurs, the responsibility typically falls to the state or local government to arrange a basic service or disposition if no family members or friends are willing to pay for the funeral costs.