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Throughout life, we all have to deal with different challenges that are put in front of us. As the years go by, we all think about what to do with life and how to get the best out of it. We have to be diligent with how we carry ourselves most days because things can go awry if left up in the air all of the time. From the moment responsibilities land on our laps till the day we are no longer, we have to be mature with how we behave. It’s the latter that we are going to be focusing on in this post – especially with regard to funerals.
It would be nice if, when the time comes, we simply said goodbye and everything was sorted quickly. The truth is that there are many costs and many different jobs that come with funerals and the entire departure process. Annoyingly, funerals can burn a hole in your pocket and add extra damage to what is already a difficult period. This is why you have to take a look at things intently and not ignore important parts. Death and subsequent funerals are part and parcel of everybody’s life – here are a few hidden costs that come with them:
Funeral Home Service Fees
Funeral homes will charge fees that cover their professional guidance and coordination. Fees like these will often be the foundation of a funeral bill. They can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. It’s understandable that you may not realize how much these costs actually are and that they are often non-negotiable. To avoid surprises that may come to haunt you, you should ask for a list of services upfront beforehand. Consider whether you actually need all of the services that are offered as it’s easy to accidentally include extras that are not necessary. Understanding certain fees will help you when it comes to making more informed decisions.
Embalming And Preparation
Embalming is a practice that is encouraged by funeral homes but it’s not always required. It’s something to consider, as it preserves the body and makes the entire situation more pleasant. It does add to the overall expense, of course. Additional charges may come with the work in terms of cosmetics, hair styling, and clothing. You may appreciate these kinds of services, but they may also be unnecessary. Think about whether embalming actually aligns with your needs and whether you can afford this service. It’s worth pointing out that comma if you opt for a cremation, embalming becomes redundant.
The Costs Of Burial Plots
Burial plants are often overlooked in terms of how much they are going to cost. The costs will vary widely depending on location, maintenance services, and overall reputation. Urban areas, for instance, often mean space is at a premium. Pre-purchasing a plot can lock in rates that are available now and reduce the financial stream sometime in the future. It’s always a good idea to inquire about specific policies in order to ensure that you understand every fee.
Caskets Or Alternatives
As you’d expect, caskets are one of the most expensive aspects of funeral planning. The fee can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands. Of course, it depends almost entirely on the design and the materials used. Funeral homes will often upsell premium models and tempt you into buying these. Less costly options are obviously available as well as alternatives such as biodegradable caskets or shrouds. You are allowed to purchase a casket from an outside vendor, of course.
Cremation Costs
Cremation is typically a more affordable alternative to traditional burials, but that practice does come with its own set of expenses. Basic packages may seem inexpensive but you may be met with additional fees such as permits and memorial services. Some funeral homes may also charge for witnessing the cremation or holding the body. If you want to save on these costs, it’s a good idea to compare prices among providers.
Memorial Services
A lot of memorial services will come with hidden costs such as floral arrangements and catering. These elements will obviously enhance the entire ceremony, but they can also strain your budget if you have not planned to spend too much. Certain venues may charge extra for setting everything up and cleaning. You might want to look at cost-effective options for programs and decorations. If you stick to a sensible budget, you can create a memorable service without overspending.
Hearse Fees And Other Transportation Costs
Whenever you think about transportation regarding funerals, you typically think about the hearse. Funeral homes may charge additional fees for transferring the deceased to the cemetery or funeral home. If the burial or cremation is in an entirely different city, long-distance transportation fees may apply. To save money, families should consider using their own vehicles for family members instead of shuttle services.
Cemetery Maintenance And Perpetual Care
There are many cemeteries around that will charge ongoing fees for maintaining the grounds. These fees will cover repairs, landscaping, and general upkeep. Perpetual care will obviously provide peace of mind, but it can also be a significant cost – especially if it’s not included in the initial purchase when you were planning things out. Carefully review cemetery contracts in order to determine whether additional fees may arise. If you compare different cemeteries properly, you will be able to find one that balances quality maintenance with affordability.
Headstones And Monuments
Upright headstones are obviously something that you will want to focus on as you want to choose the best possible option. This kind of addition will cost a lot of money, of course. You should expect this if you want something bespoke. The good news is that you can find upright headstones by Memorials.com for cemeteries that are perfect for what you want. A site like this can offer a variety of options and help families find something suitable that is within that budget. It must be noted that some cemeteries have specific regulations regarding size and material. Make sure you research options in advance.
Legal Paperwork And Other Administrative Tasks
Paperwork such as death certificates and permits often come with fees that families might overlook. Costs like these can quickly add up. This is especially the case if multiple copies of the death certificate are needed. This may be for insurance claims, property settlements, or financial accounts. If you work with a funeral home, you can streamline this process, but they may have added service charges. You can minimize these costs by requesting only the necessary number of documents.
Announcements And Obituaries
Publishing an obituary can be costlier than you think. It depends entirely on the length of the notice and the publication. Online memorial pages will often have low-cost options. If you are looking to publish anything like this, it’s a good idea to consider whether certain announcements are necessary in the first place. Social media is a great alternative for anyone looking to announce anything.
Decorations And Flowers
Floral arrangements are common at funerals, of course. They can be expensive, though. Traditional wreaths might cost a fee that enters the hundreds. Additional decorations for the venue can inflate the bill even more. You could save money in this regard by considering simple arrangements or sourcing flowers from local markets. Reusing floral arrangements for both the service and the grave site can cut down costs significantly.
Catering And Hospitality
When it comes to post-funeral gatherings, food and drink expenses can quickly become somewhat of a financial burden. This is especially the case for large families. Catering services and venue rentals can cost a fortune sometimes. It is understandable that you might want to throw a big party, but don’t throw away money for the sake of it. You can save money by considering hosting the reception at home or asking family members to contribute in some way. Planning ahead like this means you will set a clear budget and avoid overspending.
Costs For Any Out-Of-Town Relatives
It’s common that family members need to travel far away for a funeral. The costs of transportation and lodging can be substantial. Of course, these expenses may not directly fall under funeral planning, but they can strain family budgets in the ground scheme. You can reduce the burden by sharing travel information and booking group accommodations. Virtual attendance options can also be a good alternative for those who are unable to travel. If you are mindful of hidden costs, you will be able to help everybody feel included without having to deal with financial stress.
Insurance
Funeral insurance or prepaid plans may ease the financial burden on families. However, these options may come with hidden fees or limitations. Certain plans may not cover all costs or may lose value if a funeral home goes out of business. Before committing to a plan, you should carefully review the terms and compare alternatives. Transparency is key to avoiding unexpected surprises further down the line.