Inflation is going upwards faster than anything else, and the impact can be seen in the cost of funerals also. They are becoming increasingly expensive, and people have now started thinking about budget funerals more to accommodate the event within their budget. But at the same time, there is also a belief that budget funerals are very tough and challenging to organise. This is not true, and in fact, modern-day funeral homes prepare funeral packages in such a way that they include everything required for a dignified funeral that does not breach the budget of a middle-class person.
HOW TO PLAN THE BUDGET FOR FUNERALS?
According to the Cost Of Dying Report 2024 in the United Kingdom, traditional funerals can be very expensive regardless of the country, and the average inflation this industry has experienced is 5%. Another fact regarding funerals is that the cost can vary considerably depending on the types of services and the number of services chosen. The price will also be influenced by the extras chosen for the event and whether you have chosen burial or cremation.
IS BUDGET FUNERAL RIGHT FOR YOU
Modern-day families prefer budget funerals for several reasons, and the top reason is the high cost of traditional funerals. These funerals can be organised successfully if the deceased has already set aside some money for this cause. In that case, the family gets support to cover overall costs. Another reason why budget funerals are more used is that they allow the family to give a respectable and grand send-off to the deceased without breaching the budget. This means a grand funeral will be organised without any financial pressure on the family or the loved one.
Organising budget funerals is very easy, and there is nothing like getting the second-best funeral event after traditional funerals. Funeral homes come up with several low-cost customisation options that can be integrated into the event in such a way that they don't spoil the grandness of the event. The whole goal of budget funerals is to focus more on the deceased and memorial service rather than add-on events apart from burial or cremation.
WHAT COULD BE THE COST OF BUDGET FUNERALS?
According to funeral home professionals, the cost can vary significantly and it depends entirely on the options chosen in funeral packages. The inclusions of chosen funeral packages affect the cost of budget funerals significantly. The cost can be broken down into three sections: BASIC COSTS, PROFESSIONAL FEES and SEND-OFF COSTS. The inclusions of these three sections are presented below.
BASIC COSTS
Includes funeral directors' fees, doctors' fees, clergy/officiate fees, and the burial or cremation fees.
PROFESSIONAL FEES
Hiring a professional to administer the estate
SEND-OFF COSTS
Include a memorial, catering, limo hire, venue hire, flowers, order sheet/service cards, the funeral notice, and the death notice.
However, there are certain factors related to funerals that cannot be changed at all. But several other things are present that you can decide based on your family's choice or budget. The most expensive inclusions of funeral packages are discussed below.
THE COFFIN
For those opting for budget funerals, a simple, respectable coffin suitable for burial and cremation is available for as low as AUD 350. Options are available online as well, but you must ensure that they are certified for cremation and burial.
FLOWERS
It has been noticed that families can spend AUD400 on funeral flowers to decorate the event venue and show respect to the deceased.
HEARSE HIRE
This includes the funeral director's fees and other professionals working to make the funeral event a grand success. However, they are not mandatory and you can convey the deceased to the cemetery or the crematorium on your own.
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE DECEASED
A very expensive inclusion in most funeral packages is the transportation for the body and mostly people opt for limousine hire. Families can spend as much as AUD800 on limousine hire and additional limousines.
THE RENT OF THE EVENT VENUE
This varies based on the venue chosen for the ceremony. The average cost can be anything about AUD 600.
HOW TO KEEP EXPENSES TRIMMED IN BUDGET FUNERALS?
A number of ideas can be implemented to cut down on expenditure and make budget funerals a reality. Different types of funeral services and ceremonies can be organised at very low costs.
DIRECT CREMATION
This has emerged as a distinct alternative to traditional funerals that can save as much as 60% of your total expenditure. Direct cremation offers greater financial control and flexibility and there is no compromise in the quality of saying 'goodbye' to the beloved family member. Funeral homes offer basic coffins and simple and dignified care of the deceased, with no viewing and transportation to the cremation centre. The venue is chosen without calling the mourners at the funeral service.
SIMPLE CREMATION
A simple cremation option added to budget funeral packages includes the care of the deceased and transporting the body to the crematorium. A celebrant will be appointed to lead the service and hearse limousines and pallbearers are not used to keep the cost in control. The coffin is placed in the crematorium chapel before the mourners arrive.
ECO-BURIAL
The safest option has emerged in the form of eco-burial these days, which has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerals. The primary consideration is to preserve our nature and atmosphere and reduce our carbon footprint completely. Funeral directors often include biodegradable urns, burial shrouds, woodland burial sites, eco-friendly coffins, and alternative transportations. The cost is very low in terms of eco-burial, and it has many benefits. For example –
- It minimises harmful impact on the environment
- It offers a meaningful tribute to a conservationist loved one
- It is an option for any type of funeral or memorial service
- It allows families many options for casket styles and personal touches
- It is often less expensive than traditional alternatives
- Forgoing embalming eliminates the added cost
- It is more environmentally friendly than cremation that emits harmful carbon gases.
SOME IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE PLANNING BUDGET FUNERALS
- The cost of funeral director services will vary from town to town, and you can save some money by choosing the lowest-cost service provider.
- The cost of cremation also varies widely based on the venue. You should choose the venue that is at an easy travelling distance from your location.
- Burial fees vary from town to town, and a little research will help you choose an economical service provider.
- Direct cremation allows you to hold a farewell anywhere you like to suit your family.
- Opt for something simple but respectful rather than elaborate or expensive
- Consider having one floral tribute from all the family, with each member writing their own card.
- Family or friends may have floristry skills and could create tributes at a lower cost.
- Let the funeral director provide the hearse and you provide your own cars for family and friends.
- Unless the funeral is in a church, anyone can lead the service.
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