Find the Best Funeral Home (2024)

FAQs

What is the absolute cheapest funeral? ›

For many families, direct cremation is the most cost-effective funeral arrangement available. Direct cremation means your loved one's remains are cremated shortly after death without embalming.

A direct cremation (cremation without a service) is more affordable than a traditional funeral. Paying for a cremation in advance with a funeral plan is a great way to protect against rising costs.

A good funeral home will have a grief counselor on staff who can help you and your family navigate through this difficult time. They will also offer resources and support to you and your family during this difficult time.

The most expensive part of a funeral is typically the basic services fee of a funeral home. The median cost of basic services fees is about $2,300. If you choose a traditional funeral and burial, your highest cost will likely be a metal casket. Metal caskets can cost around $2,500.

The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000. The viewing, burial, service fees, transport, casket, embalming, and other prep are included in this price. The average cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,000 to $7,000.

So, the overall average funeral costs can quickly run between $10,000 - $20,000 in total. How much does a cremation cost?

1. Direct cremation. Direct cremation is a simple and affordable alternative to a funeral. The crematorium will collect the deceased and conduct a cremation immediately, with no service (note there are waiting periods in some states).

You don't necessarily need to worry about what happens to your body if you can't afford a funeral. Signing a form at the county coroner can authorize the release of your body to the state or county for burial or cremation. It may be possible to pay a fee to recover your ashes if your family would like them.

Funeral directors typically do not receive gratuities. However, it's customary to thank the funeral director with a thank-you note, and by leaving a positive review for the funeral home online.

Should you shop around for funeral homes? ›

Funeral Planning Tips

Here are some tips to help you shop for funeral services: Shop around in advance. Compare prices from at least two funeral homes. Remember that you can supply your own casket or urn.

It should reflect the person in every moment. It should bring people together and strengthen the bonds of support. A good funeral will deliver a true celebration of a unique life.

Professional and Compassionate Employees

People are the most important asset of any funeral business.

However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds. In terms of accessories, a white shirt is the most common item of clothing to wear under a suit, while jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not too flashy.

A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), which must be factored into the cost of a funeral. A majority of the expense is typically in the funeral home professional fees and merchandise for the funeral or memorial itself.

Direct cremation is the least expensive way to bury your loves one. It is done respectfully, and gives your and your family time to find the most personal and affordable burial option.

A non-attended cremation, also known as a direct cremation or private cremation, is generally the cheapest funeral option.