What Goes Into the Expense of a Standard Funeral?

By: Danny Amoruccio
Monday, August 24, 2020

Funerals can cost anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000. The expenses can get out of hand if you’re not careful and don’t have a reliable director to help with planning. At Willowbrook Cemetery, we try to ensure our clients understand all of the costs involved so they can make informed decisions regarding the funeral plan. We have explained what’s involved in a standard funeral below and will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the matter.

What Does the Basic Service Include?

Most funeral homes have a minimum or basic plan that involves all essential funeral components. When you book a service, all of these essentials are included in the cost and they are:

  • Funeral planning services
  • Storing the remains until it is time for burial or cremation
  • Obtaining a death certificate, permits, and related paperwork
  • Arrangements for funeral services, burial, or cremation

The plans can vary from one funeral home to another but you can expect them all to include these four components in their basic plans.

Additional Costs

Many families like to personalize the ceremony and are willing to spend more for a satisfactory farewell. A funeral home will contact vendors on your behalf and negotiate prices for these additions. These costs include:

  • Memorial ceremonies
  • Urns and caskets
  • Embalming services
  • Flowers and décor
  • Food
  • Celebrant or priest fees

Some of these items are included in the basic plan. Consider the plans carefully to make sure they have everything you need. Discuss the ceremony in detail with your funeral director and make sure wishes known to them.

Families often have to pay cash advance for items like flowers, celebrants or priests, hearse service, pall-bearers, etc.

If you want to know more or need to book a service, just give us at Willowbrook Cemetery a call on (203) 222-8646 or contact us through our online form.

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