Funeral Service Planning: Three Tips for Understanding the Total Costs
There are numerous issues that you must address if you are charged with the responsibility of planning a funeral service. Naturally, most individuals focus on creating a beautiful event to commemorate the life and achievements of the departed person. However, a critical aspect of the service is often overlooked: the funds. It is not uncommon for people to ignore the financial angle because their main focus is elsewhere. But, you must remember that there are significant costs linked to this type of event. Moreover, a service does not have to be extravagant to honour a deceased loved one. If you are struggling with grasping the intricacies of financial planning for a funeral, consider the tips outlined below.
Know the Basic Costs
Planning a funeral service usually requires the help of a qualified director or other professionals from a funeral home. It is important to understand that there are basic charges linked to the provided core services. You should discuss this issue when choosing your preferred home. If you have a few options in your area, you can compare the prices of these companies and the quality of services offered. It is also prudent to request a clear outline of the help which is provided under the basic rate.
Consider the Products
You will require several products from different vendors for the funeral service. The specific items will depend on the type and scale of memorial that you would like to hold. The funeral director can help you get in touch with vendors of the items which are not available from the home. This type of service is usually included in the basic costs. However, you will need to pay for the specific items acquired. If you are holding a traditional burial, you will need to budget for a good casket. Other important items include an urn, flowers, wreaths, a cemetery plot and a headstone.
Check Additional Services
Some additional services will be needed, depending on the specific type of funeral. For instance, if you are planning on having a viewing for close friends and family, embalming might be necessary. This is an additional cost to the burial. Cremation also requires a significant portion of the budget. Additionally, you should inquire about the cost of other services like renting the hearse, general transportation and necessary manual labour. Finally, you should understand that funeral homes often have packages that combine different products and services for a complete event. Discuss with your director and compare the total costs.
Contact a funeral director for more information.