Funeral Prices

The funeral is the most expensive of the burial services. The reason that the funeral expenses exceed the others is the cost associated with preparing the body for viewing and cemetery burial. Large sums also go to the service professionals who do all of the arranging. To complete the most commonly selected services, a funeral director's fees range from $355 to $1995.

Of the services provided by the funeral home, embalming ranges from 0 to $750. This charge is unnecessary if the funeral will not include viewing. Many people are not aware that embalming is not a mandatory procedure. Cosmetology, burial clothing and other services involved in preparing the body for viewing range from $0 to $400.

The cost of the viewing or visitation event ranges from $0 to $825. If the funeral is held at a funeral home, that ceremony charge is between $0 and $755. Fees for transferring the body are set at $0 to $400. The casket cost is an important variable to total expenditure because casket prices vary widely. Many of the other charges are constant and do not change from person to person. It is the casket cost that can make or break a funeral budget. A casket can be purchased for as little as $200 and as much as $5700.

Costs at The Cemetery

If the funeral is held at a cemetery, the cost of the hearse runs between $125 to $400. The "flower car" and other service vehicles cost from $50 to $200. The cost of opening and closing the grave can run from $350 to $1500. Headstone, marker and statue prices can vary widely, between $500 and $10,000. The cost of a cemetery plot can start at $500 and reach upwards of $12,000.

As can be seen from these price ranges, a consumer can find service and products at every point of the cost spectrum. The best way to find the services that you want and stay within your budget is to plan ahead.