What Goes Into the Expense of a Standard Funeral?

Most people aren’t familiar with the planning involved or expenses involved in the funeral process. They simply accept what a funeral director or home tells them because they have no time to conduct thorough research. At Gallagher Funeral Home, we like to be honest with our clients and make sure our cost breakdown is clear. Here’s a brief look into funeral expenses:

1. What’s Included in a Basic Fee?

All funeral homes charge a basic fee that includes standard in-house services and can’t be modified. There are no hidden costs but different homes include different services in this basic plan so it’s a good idea to investigate this thoroughly. You will get:

• Funeral planning services
• Shelter for the remains until burial or cremation
• Death certificate and other related paperwork
• Arrangements for funeral or other such services

Some homes will include more or less and the cost of their basic plan will depend on that. This is an industry-standard so you can expect the most essential aspects of a funeral to be covered in a basic plan.

2. Optional Expenses

This includes any services that a funeral home will engage on your behalf with a third-party vendor. This can include transporting the body, embalming services, vehicles, funeral or memorial ceremonies, urns or caskets, and other such services. Some of these can be included in basic services.

3. Cash Advance

Third-party vendors will ask for payments in advance, which is why funeral homes will charge clients some cash advance for services like flowers, clergy/celebrant, limousine or hearse service, pallbearers, etc. This allows them to reserve services on your behalf.

If you need help on funeral-related matters or want to know more about our services here at Gallagher Funeral Home, contact us or give us a call at 318-640-1375 today.