Funerals are easily one of the oldest ceremonies that you can buy. Since ancient times, cultures all across the world have had some method of celebrating the life of a deceased individual. Not surprisingly, funerals are big business, right now, and institutions that provide assistance with funeral planning can be found everywhere. Every funeral is influenced for some reason by religious and cultural traditions, however in a great deal of cases budget is what decides the sort of funeral a deceased person will have. Over the years, various kinds of funerals have naturally emerged, each one of these for another sized budget.

Types of Funeral

All funerals can be classified as one of three general types, no matter cultural or religious factors: full-service funerals, direct burials, and direct cremation. Each one of these typically costs less than the final, and most funeral homes can provide advice about all three types.

Full-service Funerals - This type is the most common and it is known as a "standard" funeral by many providers. It includes a viewing or a wake, a formal service, transport between the funeral home and the cemetery, and the entombment or cremation of the remains.

Direct Burial - In this kind, the body is buried soon after death. No viewing involved, and the only real costs incurred are usually for transportation and care of your body, the coffin, and perhaps for a graveside service provided by a funeral home.

Veteran Services - Like direct burial, no viewing is involved, and your body is cremated shortly after death. Costs incurred act like the ones for direct burials, except there might be a cremation fee if the funeral home does not own the crematory used.

General Costs

The fees associated with a funeral can even be classified into common types, whatever the actual arrangement. The Funeral Rule states that all price quotes must be given in person, or higher the phone if requested, and that any visitor to the home must be provided with an itemized list of prices. Below are the most common fees charged by a funeral home:

Service Fee - Here is the most elementary fee incurred, and is regarded as mandatory. The fee covers everything necessary to a funeral, such as funeral planning, care and storage of the remains, and processing fees for the required paperwork and permits.

Optional Merchandise Fee - These fees cover whatever is considered "optional". That always includes things like a casket or coffin, rental fees for the usage of a funeral home or chapel space, equipment and staff for a graveside service, and the usage of any hearse or limo.

PAYDAY LOANS - These fees cover whatever the funeral home must obtain outside vendors, such as for example flowers, clergy, and obituaries. Many funeral providers ask you for for anything they have to purchase for you. It's legal to allow them to add a service fees to the cost, however they must disclose this fact on paper beforehand.