Most people don’t know, but generally think a funeral is "expensive". Contrary to popular belief, though, the cost of a funeral has become lower in relation to most other products and services.
Even so, if you don’t have an idea of what’s involved, funeral expenses could seem to be costly, confusing, and never-ending. If you know what to expect you will be able to understand and control those costs.
1. Professional Services
Includes such things
as transportation of the deceased, embalming (if
requested), completion of legal documents, burial permits,
cremation documents, consultation, and other costs of
staff, facilities, vehicles and equipment.
2. Merchandise
Refers to material items such as a casket,
an urn or guest book.
3. Disbursements
Disbursements are fees paid on your behalf for
other products and professional services involved in the
funeral such as honourariums, flowers, or luncheons.
4. Resting Place
These costs are associated with wherever
the remains of the deceased are permanently placed.
This includes not only a cemetery or columbarium, but also (in the case of cremation) scattering
by land, sea or air. Costs can vary greatly. The funeral
directors listed in this Guide have no vested interest
in a cemetery; they can provide you with the best
options and can sometimes acquire property for you
at substantial savings.
5. Memorialization
Includes the purchase of a
monument and a memorial plaque, or
another form of memorial such as a donation.
One of the best ways to prevent overspending is
through pre-arranging. That way, you can discuss
your selections and choices, consider the total cost,
and keep your decisions on file with the funeral
home. If you wish, you can also pre-pay those
expenses at today’s prices to reduce the effects of
inflation in the years ahead.