On November 4, 2021, the National Funeral Directors Association released its most recent report on the expenses associated with funerals. Surprisingly, the cost has not risen as fast as inflation over the past five years — only 6.6% as opposed to inflation of 13.98%. However, the associated costs, $7,848 for the average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial, or $6,970 for viewing and cremation, can be out of reach for many families. You can work to reduce funeral costs with a few tips.

Cremation vs. Burial

Overall, funerals involving cremation are less expensive than those where the body is buried. Choosing to have your body cremated after you’ve passed away can save upward of $900 in many parts of the country. Cremation is an easy choice for those who follow many alternative religions; it’s the method of disposing of the body used by Hindus, Jains, and many Pagan groups. 

Comparison Shopping

You wouldn’t buy a new TV without doing some amount of comparison shopping. It only makes sense to do the same when it comes to funeral services. Even small towns tend to have more than one funeral home. You can save your family a lot of time and effort during their grief if you do your own comparison shopping and planning before you pass away.

If you’re able, visit the funeral homes in your area. Ask about every line item on their list of funeral expenses. Pick out the casket you want. Metal coffins are usually less expensive than wood ones. Decide on other services the funeral home may offer, then choose whether to pay up front or purchase insurance to cover your final expenses so your family doesn’t have to.

Ask about the costs of having your funeral at the funeral home versus having it at your church or another place of worship if you have one. Inquire about what’s included in the funeral home’s non-declinable basic service fees — that’s the basic charge for using the funeral home. Some things that may or may not be included are the storage of the body, transportation of the body, and professional care of the body, including washing and dressing it.

Inquire about renting a casket rather than buying one. When renting a coffin, the body is placed in a container that sits inside the casket; that container is then used for cremation or burial, as preferred. 

Ask about skipping embalming. The embalming process costs more than $700 in most places, while the cost of refrigerating the body runs closer to $50 per day. If the funeral is being held shortly after death occurs, this may be a viable option. No state law requires embalming, except when there’s the risk of a communicable disease spreading. Even then, there are exceptions.

Shop Elsewhere

You don’t have to buy a coffin or urn from the funeral home. There are many alternative sources for these items. Funeral homes aren’t permitted to charge you a handling fee for any urn or casket you purchase somewhere else. For example, if you’re a Costco member, you could save hundreds of dollars buying an urn or coffin there over funeral home prices.

Donate to Medical Schools

Another way to save on funeral expenses is to not have a funeral at all. If you donate your body to medical schools, or to other scientific organizations, you don’t have to pay for anything related to the disposal of your body. Your loved ones can have a wake at home, and the doctors of tomorrow can learn invaluable lessons from you after you’ve passed away.

It’s easy to overspend on a loved one’s funeral. You can save your family time, effort, and money with a bit of planning before you pass away.