Funerals are easily one of many oldest ceremonies known to man. Since ancient times, cultures all over the world experienced some method of celebrating the life of a deceased individual. Funeral & Cremation Loan Services , 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 plenty of cases budget is what decides the type of funeral a deceased person will have. Over the years, several types of funerals have naturally emerged, each one for a different sized budget.

Types of Funeral

All funerals could be classified as one of three general types, irrespective of cultural or religious factors: full-service funerals, direct burials, and direct cremation. Each one of these typically costs less than the last, 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 a wake, a formal service, transport between your funeral home and the cemetery, and the entombment or cremation of the remains.

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

Funeral Home Services - Like direct burial, no viewing is involved, and the body is cremated soon after death. Costs incurred are similar to the people for direct burials, except there may be a cremation fee if the funeral home does not own the crematory used.

General Costs

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

Service Fee - This is actually 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 anything that is considered "optional". Funeral & Cremation Funding Services includes things such as 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 obtain outside vendors, such as flowers, clergy, and obituaries. Many funeral providers ask you for for anything they have to purchase for you personally. It's legal to allow them to add a service fees to the cost, but they must disclose this fact in writing beforehand.