Funerals are easily one of many oldest ceremonies known to man. Since ancient times, cultures all across the world experienced some method of celebrating the life span of a deceased individual. Not surprisingly, funerals are big business, even today, and institutions that provide assistance with funeral planning can be found everywhere. Every funeral is influenced in some way by religious and cultural traditions, however in a lot of cases budget is what decides the kind of funeral a deceased person could have. Over the years, several types of funerals have naturally emerged, each one of these for a different sized budget.

Types of Funeral

All funerals could be classified as you of three general types, no matter cultural or religious factors: full-service funerals, direct burials, and direct cremation. Each one 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 in fact it is referred to as a "standard" funeral by many providers. It includes a viewing or perhaps 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 type, the body is buried shortly after death. No viewing involved, and the only costs incurred are usually for transportation and care of the body, the coffin, and perhaps for a graveside service supplied by a funeral home.

Direct Cremation - Like direct burial, no viewing is involved, and your body is cremated soon after death. Costs incurred are similar to the ones for direct burials, except there could be a cremation fee if the funeral home will not own the crematory used.

General Costs

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

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

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

Cash Advances - These fees cover whatever the funeral home must purchase from outside vendors, such as flowers, clergy, and obituaries. Many funeral providers charge you for anything they have to purchase for you personally. It's legal for them to add a service fees to this cost, but they must disclose this fact on paper beforehand.