Funeral Cost
By Cedric Burnam
"How much does a funeral cost?" is one of the most asked
questions received from consumers. That cost is
determined by (3) three things: type of services
(traditional, graveside, memorial, etc.), merchandise (casket,vault,
etc.) and advances (i.e. grave space, interment fees,
flowers, etc.).
The average family will experience the lost of a loved
one every 10-15 years. This inevitable experience
requires us to know "what to do" in the event of a
death. First, documenting your final wishes. This will
help tremendously in determining the type of services
required to carry out final wishes. Next, arm yourself
with the cost of services required to carry out these
wishes. Accomplish this task by visiting your local
funeral service provider and request a copy of General
Price List. Lastly, make sure you have the resources
necessary to carry out these request (i.e. insurance,
trust, etc.).
Following is a list of services available along with
perspective "average cost":
Basic Services of Funeral Director and Staff: $2,000
Embalming: $800
Other Preparations of Body:
Cosmetology, grooming, dressing, casketing: $300
Hairstyling: $50
Alternative Care (bathing and surface disinfecting):
$250
Refrigeration (per day): $50
Additional fee for autopsy or organ, tissue, bone
donation: $400
Expedited cremation (additional fee): $250
Transfer of Remains to Funeral Home: $325
Funeral Facilities:
Facilities and Staff for Visitation/ Viewing ($50 per
additional hour): $500
Facilities and staff for funeral service: $550
Facilities and staff for memorial service: $550
Equipment and staff for graveside service: $450
Equipment and staff for church visitation and viewing:
$400
Equipment and staff for church funeral or memorial
service: $550
Staff for Saturday or Sunday service in addition to
selected service: $450
Automotive Equipment:
Hearse/funeral coach for funeral: $300
Flower van/funeral car: $125
Direct Cremations: $3,000 to $10,000
Immediate Burial: $2,500 to $12,00
Forwarding Remains to Another Funeral Home: $3,500
Receiving Remains from Another Funeral Home/Mortuary:
$2,500
Remembrance or Memorial Package:
Register Books: $30+
Acknowledgment Cards: $20
Memorial Folders: $35+
Prayer Cards (per 100): $35+
Temporary Grave Marker: $20
Anticipated Cash Advances:
Medical Examiner's Cremation Permit Fee: Varies
depending on state
Limousine 6 passenger (3 hour minimum): $300
Limousine 8 passenger (3 hour minimum): $325
Limousine additional hours: $100 per hour
Funeral Merchandise:
Caskets: $500-$10,000
Rental Casket: $1,000
Outer Burial Containers: $1,250-$4,000
Cremation Vault: $550
Air Shipment Tray: $200
Combination Casket/Air Tray: $225
Burial or Canvas Pouch: $150
Alternative Container: $450
Clothing: Suits - $250, Dresses - $250, Shrouds - $150
The average funeral cost, service and merchandise, is
$6,500.
I, Cedric C. Burnam, am a licensed funeral service
provider/owner of Burnam & Son Mortuary and Cremation
Services. Experience directs me to educate the public
regarding all aspects of the funeral service industry.
Please visit our site, http://www.BurnamAndSonMortuary.com,
for more information regarding funeral cost. |