When a loved one passes, it can be difficult enough to plan the funeral services without the added stress of the expense involved. You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to honoring your friend or family member, but at the same time, through up-selling, many funeral homes make the costs of the funeral much higher than they need to be. It doesn’t have to be this way—there are ways to make more affordable funeral arrangements that will still allow you to give your loved one the dignified farewell he or she so rightly deserves. Here are six ways to cut funeral costs without compromising the quality of the memorial.
1. Compare funeral home pricing
Don’t assume the cost of a funeral will be the same between two different funeral homes. In fact, some funeral services offer significant discounts for the same amenities offered by funeral homes that charge premium rates. A good funeral home will also be compassionate and work within your budget to help you plan for the things you need at prices you can afford. Compare prices on several funeral homes before making a decision, and you’re almost guaranteed to save money.
2. Consider an alternate venue
When you engage a funeral home to help plan the funeral arrangements, you don’t necessarily have to use their facility for the funeral itself. You might be connected with a church or a meeting space that will allow you to hold the funeral there more affordably, or even for free.
3. Look at discounted packages
Many funeral homes bundle certain services into a package for a discount, and some will offer additional savings if these are pre-paid. These funeral packages can be a great option for affordable funeral arrangements, especially if you have the benefit of being able to plan the funeral in advance.
4. Simplify the funeral service
You don’t have to have an elaborate indoor funeral followed by a procession to the cemetery just because it’s expected. You and your family might do just as well to arrange a simple graveside service, saving on the costs of a separate venue and the procession.
5. Consider the direct burial option
If an open casket or viewing is not that important to you or your family, another cost-saving option is direct burial—that is, burying the deceased in a simple casket shortly after passing. This option saves you the added expenses of embalming, dressing and makeup.
6. Look at cremation as an alternative
Much of the expense of burying a loved one comes from the cost of the casket and cemetery plot. Cremation is a dignified alternative to burial that has been common in other cultures for centuries, and is growing again in popularity today. Not only does it make the funeral more affordable, but it also expands your options as to how to honor your loved one after his/her passing (for example, keeping the urn on a mantle or scattering the ashes in a meaningful place).
Of course, the decisions you make in funeral planning will depend upon your loved one’s last wishes, along with what is most meaningful to the loved ones left behind. In northwest Washington, Funeral Alternatives of Snohomish County specializes in affordable funeral arrangements in a compassionate, no-pressure environment, with 24/7 availability to answer your questions; they can be reached at 1-888-381-6993.
Funeral Alternatives Blog
Written & Published By MORBiZ
