Many times the passing of a loved one can cause your emotional state and financial security to spiral into disarray. When a loved one passes, it’s often that their loved one will be overwhelmed with their medical costs and other financial ties. In addition to these expenses, the average funeral cost is between $7,000 and $12,000 dollars.
Funerals allow loved ones to seek closure and memorialize their loved ones. It can be difficult to justify cutting costs, so we are here to help. Keep reading to learn how to plan a memorial service that honors your loved one without breaking the bank.
1. Buy Online
Caskets and urns are one of the most expensive parts of a funeral. Oftentimes crematoriums and funeral homes significantly mark up the costs of these.
When meeting with a funeral home director or crematorium, you should inquire about their ordering process. Some funeral homes require you to select a casket from their inventory, so be sure to ask about this. If you are willing to take the time to purchase the casket or urn online, you can cut costs.
2. Shop Around for a Venue
Funeral homes typically charge a fee for hosting a funeral or wake. Read this link to gain a greater understanding of the price of a funeral. When planning a memorial service costs can quickly add up.
You can consider using a community center or place of worship as the venue. These areas may be free or more inexpensive alternatives. Don’t be afraid to shop around for an affordable venue that will accommodate your needs.
3. Send Digital Announcements
Digital invitations can be an efficient way to cut costs. These invitations also allow you to quickly share information with a large group of people and allow people to spread the word about the passing of a loved one.
These invitations allow you to track RSVPs, send updates in real-time, and make sure you can update any invitees about venue changes or updates.
4. Accelerate Burial Process
Forgoing a viewing and accelerating the funeral process can help cut costs. Once a mortician has finished embalming a body you should proceed with the memorial service. Not only will you be limited in what venues you can use for a viewing, but you also will have to incur a series of charges.
Many funeral homes and crematories charge additional fees for long storage periods. Being able to negotiate a deal and know your needs while you seek out a funeral home or crematory will help you get upfront costs and avoid hidden fees.
5. Invest in Your Priorities
No one knows how to best honor your loved ones than you do. You need to make your memorial service meaningful for you and the family.
You should determine what features of the funeral you want, and that is where your financial resources should go. This can be photos, prayer cards, or a particular color of flowers at the service. By narrowing your priorities, you can make a beautiful display that honors who has passed.
Be Thrifty as You Navigate How to Plan a Memorial Service
By following our guide on how to plan a memorial service, you can plan a beautiful way to honor your loved ones while making financially conscious choices. Putting yourself in debt is not a proper way to honor a loved one.
Liked this article? Connect with us to read more like it.