Managing a funeral for a loved one is likely the last thing you want to do. Unfortunately, if you do not plan, you could get more stressed and more emotional. Making arrangements allows you to have a budget-friendly funeral without worrying about high costs. Read below to find six budget-friendly tips for end-of-life services.
1. Review Your Options
Do not settle with the first funeral home you contact. Call different businesses to find out what services come with their costs. Be open and honest about the services you need for your loved ones. Do not be afraid to say no to the add-ons you do not want to include in the funeral.
2. Look Over Burial Choices
The most expensive way to honor your loved one’s life is to bury them. Consider cremation if your family is open to the idea. Cremating your loved one’s body is a much more affordable and flexible method of preserving life. You can scatter the ashes at a personal location, whether you go to a garden, backyard, or the ocean.
3. Order a Third-Party Urn Early
You can save a portion of the funeral bill by ordering an urn early. You will only need this product if your loved ones get cremated. Order the item early to help you budget in advance of the funeral. You can store the pottery in a closet until you need it.
4. Keep the Obituary Short
You will likely put an obituary in your local newspaper when your family member dies. Believe it or not, the longer the sentiment, the more expensive the cost. Keep your obituary short and sweet, continually honoring your loved ones. You could also choose an online service if you do not want to pay the costs of a newspaper. Consider avoiding an obituary entirely if you do not think your loved ones would care.
5. Avoid Embalment
You do not have to get a body involved before a funeral. The law does not require morticians to use formaldehyde for preservation purposes. The embalming process is very expensive. Avoiding this process will save you over $500 at most funeral homes! Skipping embalmment will only work if your family members get cremated or if you use a closed casket.
6. Look for an Affordable Venue
Many funeral venues are less expensive than others. You can use your home church if you are religious for free! Many churches offer their space for a charge, providing the pastor for the funeral service. Contact a community center or a local park if you would rather avoid a religious background. Most of the time, these venues are much more affordable.
Funerals are stressful times when you are full of emotions and grief. These events are expensive when considering bodily arrangements and venues. Thankfully you can have a funeral on a budget by following the tips above. These steps will alleviate significant stress in the planning process. Grieving a loved one is a hard enough time so make the time less stressful by saving money during the funeral process.
