What Goes Into the Expense of a Standard Funeral?

Planning a funeral for a loved one can be a confusing and stressful time. In addition to dealing with the loss, you are left organizing and ultimately paying for services to lay your loved one to rest. Many life insurance policies cover the basic funeral costs. However, many costs come out of pocket at the expense of the family of the person who has died. 

Hearing the initial quote for a standard funeral from your funeral home can be shocking, to say the least. Sometimes the number is quite higher than originally expected. There are many unknown costs associated with a standard funeral, some that your funeral director may not mention. Here is what the typical expenses of a standard funeral include:

Service Fees

These basic service fees are an important part of the service provided by the funeral home. They include proper storage of the body, coordinating the arrangements with any third party businesses such as the cemetery or crematorium as well as filing the required paperwork such as the death certificate and necessary permits. Many funeral homes charge a flat rate for this. However, the rate could change if there are certain responsibilities that are being delegated to another party. 

Goods and Services

Other costs associated with a standard funeral include the following:

•    Cosmetic preparations, embalming or cremation
•    Use of funeral home space for a viewing, wake, funeral service or memorial service
•    Transportation of the remains by hearse, or limousine for the family
•    Casket, urn or another type of burial container
•    Clothing for the deceased to be buried in

Not all of these costs apply to every funeral service. However, these are just a few of the standard costs associated with a typical funeral. 

The Burial Plot

Many people choose to purchase their burial plot while still alive. By organizing this before dying, it is one less expense for your family to incur. Most burial plots range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the location and size of the plot. In most cases, maintenance and upkeep of the plot are included in the price. 

Miscellaneous Fees

Other costs to consider are the upfront fees or cash advances required from the following:

•    Fee to the officiant or priest for performing the ceremony
•    Cost of floral arrangements
•    Other cemetery or crematorium charges
•    Fee to the newspaper to file the obituary
•    Fee for musicians to perform at the service
•    Car rentals for loved ones
•    Food and drink at the funeral reception

Depending on the services required, most funeral homes offer basic packages to reduce costs and maximize the value of the service. For more information on quality funeral services in Port Perry, ON call Wagg Funeral Home at 905-985-2171.