The loss of a loved one is devastating and painful. Whether losing someone to a terminal illness or an accident, one is never prepared for the eventuality. Unfortunately, this is usually when the bereaved families are expected to make a broad range of decisions that often involve finances.
Without proper planning and the right information, you are likely to experience disorganization, and you could easily end up spending more than you should.
How can you ensure everything is in order, especially in terms of finances, in such a difficult situation? Have a checklist of the variables that can affect the prices of a funeral.
1. Headstones
You will need to mark your loved one’s resting place. Therefore, a headstone is on top of the lists you will need. There are different headstones you can use for your loved one’s grave. The common options available include sandstone, granite, and marble.
Reach out to a headstones company like Legacy Headstones and get a quote for a headstone of your choice.
2. Casket
Caskets account for a significant percentage of funeral costs. Usually, funeral directors will take you through the different casket options they offer and the costs.
Caskets vary in cost, which can be affected by the size and materials used to make them. Some metal caskets cost less than wooden caskets. The common materials you will find available include bronze, copper, oak, and fiberwood, to mention a few.
The style and color can also affect the cost. If you want to have added features like plaques, gaskets, and decorative handles, you may pay more. Where you buy matters, so do some comparison shopping to get the best price.
3. Funeral Home Fees
If you are getting the support of a funeral home to plan for a funeral, you will have to pay fees that fall in the basic services fees and additional goods and services categories.
You will pay for basic services, including paperwork, permits, overhead expenses, and coordination with third parties. The additional services include embalming, transport services, and the funeral home chapel for a service or viewing.
Talk to the funeral home management to give you a full breakdown of the services they intend to give you and their attached costs. This will allow you to decide which services will fit your budget.
4. Burial Plot
You need to secure land for the burial, whether a public cemetery or private property. Burial plots can be costly, but this will depend on your preferences. Some public cemeteries can cost as low as $350.
There are different types of cemeteries such as single depth, double depth, family plots, mausoleums, private estates, and columbariums. They come at different costs, and your choice will depend on your budget and preferences. Factors that will inform your choice include the size, location, how you want to bury your loved one, and space availability in the cemetery you choose.
Conclusion
Funerals can be expensive, but you can give your loved one a dignified send-off without breaking the bank. List your funeral needs and their costs, and set a budget that you can adjust.
