Understanding Prices
Understanding Prices
Planning a funeral can be intimidating and overwhelming. For many, the costs associated with planning a funeral are often confusing as well.
In an effort to educate the families we serve, the following is designed to help those who are trying to navigate the age-old question of “How much is this going to cost me?”
Regardless of the services you select, funeral costs will consist of three components: service, merchandise, and other outlying expenses, commonly referred to as “cash advances.”
Service
The service charge of the funeral home is the base charge of services and can vary depending on the style of service your family selects (for example, a traditional service with calling hours versus an immediate burial or cremation).
Merchandise
Depending on the service you have selected, there will also be merchandise needed for each service as well. This includes, but is not limited to, caskets, vaults, urns, and memorial items, such a register books, tribute videos and service prayer cards/folders.
Cash Advances
This category of expenses refers to charges not generated by the funeral home; however, they need to be considered when trying to calculate overall cost. These often include the charges associated with newspaper obituaries, flowers, clergy stipends, musicians, catering, death certificates, and any cemetery expenses (cost of lot and opening/closing of the grave).
