Are funerals expensive?

As a funeral director with years of experience in the industry, I've seen firsthand the financial burden that funerals can place on families. It's a topic that's often misunderstood and can be quite complex. So, let's delve into the costs associated with funerals and why they might be considered expensive by some. 1. Funeral Costs: An Overview Funeral costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of service, location, and the specific services and products chosen. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs involved: - Professional Services Fee: This is a fee for the funeral home's basic services, such as staff to handle logistics and coordination. - Transfer of Remains: The cost to transport the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home. - Embalming and Sanitary Care: Embalming is the process that sanitizes and preserves the body. It's not always required but is often chosen for traditional funeral services with viewings. - Use of Facilities: This includes the cost for using the funeral home for visitations or services. - Purchase of Casket or Urn: Caskets can range from very affordable to quite expensive, depending on the material and design. - Burial Vault or Outer Burial Container: This is a requirement for most cemeteries to protect the casket and maintain the grounds. - Miscellaneous Costs: This can include flowers, obituaries, clergy or celebrant honoraria, and other additional services. **2. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Statistics** According to the NFDA, as of May 23, 2017, the average cost of a funeral and burial in the United States was $7,323. This figure includes professional services, including embalming, a metal casket, and viewing. It's important to note that this is an average, and costs can be significantly higher or lower depending on the choices made. 3. Factors Influencing Funeral Costs - Type of Service: A direct burial or cremation without a viewing or funeral service is typically less expensive than a traditional funeral with a viewing and burial. - Location: Costs can vary greatly by region, with urban areas often being more expensive than rural ones. - Casket and Urn Choices: The material, design, and manufacturer can significantly affect the cost. - Additional Services: Extra services like limousines, a reception, or memorial keepsakes can add to the total cost. 4. Ways to Reduce Funeral Costs - Pre-Planning: Making arrangements in advance can help manage costs and reduce the burden on grieving family members. - Simpler Services: Opting for a direct cremation or burial can be a more affordable option. - Renting vs. Buying a Casket: Some funeral homes offer casket rental for viewings, which can be less expensive. - Government Assistance: In some cases, financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 5. The Emotional and Financial Impact Funerals are not just about the financial cost; they are also a time of great emotional stress. The costs can add to this stress, but it's important to remember that the purpose of a funeral is to honor the deceased and provide a time for family and friends to come together in mourning and remembrance. In conclusion, while funerals can be expensive, there are ways to manage these costs. It's crucial to understand what you're paying for and to make choices that align with your family's values and financial situation.

Planning a funeral can be exhausting, emotionally draining and funerals are so expensive! Consider this nasty little statistic: The average funeral and burial costs today, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, are $7,323 (including embalming, metal casket, and viewing.) And that's no typo.May 23, 2017