The last thing you need to be thinking about during the time of bereavement is the cost involved, yet it’s important to know what to expect financially to put together a funeral to honour your loved one. The costs to arrange a funeral vary widely depending on the location and circumstance of death, as well as the funeral requirements. They generally include:
* Funeral director’s fees
* Other professional fees and third-party costs
Funeral Director’s fees
A funeral director offers expert advice and assistance to help you handle the logistics of arranging a funeral during your time of mourning. The funeral director will take into account your wishes and organise accordingly in a discreet and unobtrusive manner. Services that the funeral director provides generally includes:
* Transferring your loved one from place of death to their care
* Preparing your loved one for viewing
* Liaising with cemeteries or crematoria of your choice
* Liaising with the church, chapel or venue of your choice for all necessary arrangements
* Collecting of medical certificates and dispatching relevant documentation to appropriate authorities
* Preparing notice
* Consulting with clergy or celebrant
* Arranging music of your choice – piped in music/band/musicians
* Collecting and returning floral tribute cards
* Organising floral orders and deliveries and coordinating floral arrangements at the venue
* Arranging catering (if needed)
* Embalming by qualified embalmers (if needed)
* Hearse & Limousine – The hearse to transfer your loved one from the funeral home to the cemetery. A limousine can also be arranged to transport the family to the funeral service & home again following the funeral service.
* Having professional staff on standby 24 hours a day
Other professional fees and third-party costs
The funeral director will also assist with coordinating other professional or third-party services including:
* Burial or cremation
* Coffin or casket
* Professional services such as gravedigger services
* Death certificate
* Obituary/notice in newspapers
* Clergy/celebrant
* Musician/band
* Venue
* Funeral flowers
* Catering/refreshments
* Additional transportation
In stressful times, one may make rushed choices that may be costly. Take your time to think about how you want to share the celebration with everyone who was touched by your loved one. The funeral service can reflect your loved one’s life as well as helping your family in the grieving process.
If arranging for the funeral is overwhelming for you, remember that you can always involve a trusted friend or family who can help to alleviate your burden. The funeral director can also assist you in avoiding additional stress in the funeral arrangements.
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