Paying for a funeral can be a costly expense.
Grief is a necessary process after the sudden or expected death of a loved one.
Various cultures across the world and throughout history have had rituals for mourning.
For most Americans, the most common ritual of grief is the funeral.
According to a recent USA Today article, titled “The funeral costs no one talks about,” funeral planning should be addressed within your estate planning.
Doing so can provide your loved ones with space to grieve without additional stress, ensure your wishes are followed, and allow for a lower funeral bill.
Planning your funeral before you die can give your loved ones more space to grieve.
Caskets are often one of the most expensive elements of funerals and burials.
Even a simple wood casket can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
And caskets made from mahogany wood, copper, or bronze can reach $10,000 or more.
Yikes!
How are caskets priced?
The costs are estimated based on the hardware, wood, and linking materials used in their construction.
For example, take the burial of Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in a $40,000 casket.
Why so high?
It was lined with velvet and plated with 24-karat gold.
Most people opt for less elaborate options.
To prevent customers from being pressured into purchasing more expensive models, laws require funeral directors to provide a complete listing of available caskets, including their descriptions and prices.
In addition to caskets, funeral home costs can also be high.
The location of a funeral home can be a significant factor in pricing.
They may start at around $2,000, with additional expenses for add-on services such as flowers or limousines.
It is possible to have a nice funeral without leaving loved ones with a significant financial burden.
What can you do?
When a person is cremated or buried shortly after death, they may not require embalming services.
What is embalming?
Embalming involves treating a body with chemicals to slow decomposition.
People often choose this for open casket services.
Some funeral homes will require embalming.
Others allow for families to forgo embalming.
For those buried in the ground, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires the use of a burial vault or grave liner.
A grave liner is placed between the coffin and the ground to prevent the ground from caving in after the coffin begins to deteriorate.
Similar to caskets, the funeral director must provide available options, along with their prices and descriptions.
By comparing prices with providers outside of the cemetery or funeral home, you may be able to purchase a burial vault at a lower price.
The least expensive funeral option is cremation.
Although cremation is often less costly than burial, purchasing an urn through a funeral home can be a significant expense.
Finding and buying one online may allow you to get an attractive urn for a lower price.
Some states have social service programs to aid with the cost of funerals.
If your family member was receiving support from an organization before they died, you can ask the social worker about support with funeral costs.
If you (or your loved ones) were a veteran, you can contact your local Veterans Administration to see if benefits are available.
Although you may work on your funeral arrangements while simultaneously working with an estate planning attorney to create a trust or last will and testament, your funeral instructions should be separate from these documents.
Why?
Your estate planning documents may not be viewed until after you have already been buried or cremated.
Instead, you should share your funeral wishes and arrangements with your loved ones who will be tasked with following your wishes.
You do not need to have an expensive burial to honor your legacy or the legacy of your loved one.
Making plans in advance can keep costs lower.
Funeral wishes and associated paperwork should be shared with those who will be responsible for overseeing the memorial.
Preparing for your funeral and burial in advance can give your loved ones more time and space to mourn your loss.
If you feel pressured by the provider to purchase a package before seeing the menu, you should leave immediately and find a different funeral home.
Todd Schneider of Schneider Family Funeral Home and Crematory is a prime example of what a funeral counselor and provider should aspire to be.
Todd and his staff have taken care of the final arrangements for nearly every member of my extended family in and around Mound City, Kansas.
Whatever you decide, planning ahead is the best way to reduce funeral expenses.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice on any specific issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.
Reference: USA Today (Aug. 18, 2025) “The funeral costs no one talks about”
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