Unexpected Funeral Planning Costs & How to Avoid Them

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Funeral planning is never an easy task, but it can be especially difficult when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. In addition to the emotional toll, funeral planning can also be a financial burden — especially if someone passes away suddenly. The average cost of a funeral in the United States is now over $7,000, and that number is only going to continue to rise. 

One of the biggest challenges of funeral planning is unexpected costs. These are costs that you may not have planned for, and they can add up quickly. Here's what you should know about unexpected funeral planning costs and how you can avoid the worst of these unplanned expenses. 

Click here to read why you need to plan ahead for funeral expenses. 

There are many funeral costs that can take a family by surprise. Some of the most common unexpected funeral costs include embalming, which is not required by law, but is a common practice. The cost of embalming can range from $500 to $2,000. Likewise, the cost of a casket can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Funeral services can also be expensive, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. 

Other unexpected costs you may have to consider include the cemetery plot and the headstone. The cost of a cemetery plot can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, as can the cost of a headstone. These costs do fluctuate depending on the cemetery you choose and the type of headstone you wish to have. 

While these are just a few of the unexpected funeral costs that you may encounter, it's crucial to be prepared for these costs and to have a plan in place to pay for them. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to avoid unexpected funeral costs. One of the best things that you can do is to preplan your funeral. Preplanning your funeral allows you to make decisions about your funeral arrangements ahead of time, and it can help you to save money. 

When you preplan your funeral, you will need to decide on several different factors ahead of time. You will also need to decide on a budget for your funeral. Once you have decided on your budget, you can start to shop around for funeral homes and cemeteries. First and foremost, you'll need to think about what type of funeral you want. Do you want a traditional funeral, or would you prefer a cremation? 

Next, you'll need to make a decision regarding what type of casket you want. Do you want a metal casket, or would you prefer a wooden casket? If you do choose one material over the other, be aware that more ornate designs, or those made with rarer materials like exotic hardwoods, will be more expensive. 

After that, you'll need to choose what type of cemetery plot you want. Is there a specific cemetery you would want to be laid to rest, such as one where other family members are already? Do you want a single plot, or would you prefer a double plot so that you can be buried alongside your spouse? 

Finally, you'll need to decide what type of headstone you want. Do you want a simple headstone, or would you prefer a more elaborate headstone? There are various materials you can choose from today, such as bronze, marble or granite. You will also need to choose the engraving for the headstone. 

We all want to ensure the funeral of a loved one or our own funeral is both meaningful and affordable. In this case, it's important to keep the following additional tips in mind during your planning process: 

• Get quotes from multiple funeral homes. While most funeral homes will have similar costs and services, there can be variation between them. 
• Ask about discounts for veterans, members of certain organizations, or those who prepay. Many funeral homes are happy to provide discounted services to certain individuals or families. 
• Consider cremation instead of burial. Cremation is typically less expensive than burial, as there’s no need for an ornate casket, a headstone or a burial plot. It’s also considered an eco-friendlier option. 
• Keep your funeral simple. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a lavish funeral. This is, of course, completely optional if you want an ornate funeral. Just be aware that these funerals are much more expensive than simpler ones. 
• Consider using a funeral prepayment plan. A funeral prepayment plan can help you to lock in today’s prices for future funeral expenses. This helps immensely if you have concerns about the affordability of your own funeral in the future. 

Click here to read about inexpensive burial options. 

It is important to remember that you do not have to go through the funeral planning process alone. There are many resources available to help you, including funeral planning guides, funeral planning websites and funeral planning professionals. You can also rely on close friends and family members for advice and feedback. This is true whether you're planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one that recently passed. 

By taking the time to preplan your funeral, you can help to ensure that your own loved ones are not burdened with unexpected funeral costs. You can also help to ensure that your funeral is a reflection of your wishes, and that it is a meaningful and dignified send-off. As everyone deserves to be laid to rest with dignity and respect, taking the time to plan your funeral in advance will help you achieve these goals. 

Want more information about preplanning your burial? Visit memorialplanning.com or read any of these articles written by industry experts: 

• How Much Does Cremation Cost? 
• Cremation vs Burial: Advantages, Benefits of Each Option 
• Planning Your Own Funeral: How to Make Arrangements for Yourself 

By MemorialPlanning.com

MemorialPlanning.com By StoneMor Inc.

Honoring your family is our life's work. As a family-first network of cemeteries and funeral homes, we aim to be an industry leader in celebrating and honoring a person's life in a way they want that story to be told. MemorialPlanning.com, an on-line resource provided by StoneMor Inc., has everything you need to plan end-of-life services at both a time of at-need as well as in advance to secure the comfort of peace of mind.