Used to sell pre-arranged funerals & cemetery property for a living. Theres many ways to save money…
A normal funeral boils down to 3 separate parts: the funeral service, the cemetery & service, and the memorialization (marker of headstone).
The cemetery is the easiest … price of spaces (plots), perpetual care (1 time charge), opening/closing cost, & vault (or outer burial container). Prices range all over the board for spaces, even in the same cemetery, depending on section. Perpetual care is a 1 time fee, usually a percentage of the plot price (usually 15%). Most modern cemetery’s require vaults or OBCs that the casket is placed in, anything from a concrete liner to a titanium container. The opening/closing fee is charged by the grounds crew at the cemetery. Of these 4 charges, 3 must be purchased at the cemetery - the space, perpetual care, and opening/closing fee. A vault can be bought from a off-site casket supplier & shipped in. Also, you may purchase the cemetery property from a private individual (usually 30-50% of going rate at cemetery) and have the property transfered to your name at the cemetery office for a slight fee.
Memorialization (marker or headstone) can be purchased either at the cemetery or offsite at a better price. Even on the internet. Ask the cemetery people, many cemeterys have standards and rules on what is allowed & what isn’t. The setting of the marker is usually done by the cemetery grounds crew for a standard fee. Also remember, is you’re a honorably discharged vet, you are entitled to a free marker from the Vet Administration.
The funeral is the most costly, and many ways to save money. Caskets can be purchased outside the funeral home sometimes 50% cheaper for the same item. They can even be ‘pre-arranged’ - the offsite business will deliver it to the funeral home when the death occurs. Vaults can also be pre-purchased at the same offsite casket supplier and be delivered at the time of death. If there is going to be a viewing, I’d strongly suggest embalming, but this is not necessary if no viewing will be done. Price of flowers & casket sprays are about the same from either a florist or the funeral home. If limos are desired for the immediate family, use an offsite limo provider, you’ll save about 50%. Misc things like register books or thank you cards can be purchased at Hallmark or a local stationery store much cheaper than the funeral home, & a better selection. The service can be done either at the funeral home chapel, or your church (if allowed), price is slightly higher at church because a hearst is involved. If there is a funeral procession, many localities will charge for police escorts which may be required by law in larger cities.
Pre-arranging can be contracted either on insurance carrier (provided by the funeral home/cemetery) or state trust funds - theres pros & cons of each.
Careful planning & shopping can save thousands and provide the same type service. I’m sure you may have questions, feel free to PM me.
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