Lisa Rigdon

6 Funeral Expenses You Never Expected Over the past 30 years, funeral expenses have increased by more than 200%, and the average funeral now costs $8,000-$10,000. That cost continues to rise. But where does all that money go? While most people know about the major expenses, such as the casket, the plot, and the grave marker, many people are amazed by how quickly the “smaller” expenses can add up. Several of these less-expensive items may not be necessary, especially if the budget is a concern. The choice of what you and your family need for a meaningful funeral experience is personal, but it does not need to break the bank. Before you make any funeral decisions, take a look at this list. Individually, these six items may seem inexpensive, but together they can add an extra $1,600-$3,300 to your total bill. Burial Clothes Unless you provide clothes, funeral homes charge $100-$500 for this expense. Celebrant or Clergy These professionals provide a wonderful service, and they expect to be compensated. Whether paid directly or through a donation, fees may range between $50 and $400. Flowers When people picture their services, they often picture flowers. What they don’t picture is the bill. On average, flowers can cost between $100 and $700. Obituary Costs vary, but some newspapers can charge families as much as $1,000. Printed Funeral Programs Families enjoy making programs into treasured mementos. Printing them costs $50-$200. Use of the Plot After you purchase the plot, there are additional fees to both open and close the grave. These fees range between $300 and $500. And prices may be higher on weekends. Sometimes, these additional expenses could be reduced if purchased as part of a package, but that varies between funeral homes. Before you agree to any expense, always feel free to shop around. To avoid buyer’s remorse – which can be even more detrimental during a time of grieving — always make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what you are getting in return.