Planning a funeral brings both emotional and financial challenges. We consulted an expert to shed light on managing unexpected funeral expenses.

Organizing a funeral is a heart-wrenching task for those left behind, and financial pressures can exacerbate the situation. High funeral service costs can leave families in debt, compounding the sorrow of loss.

In 2019, the average cost of a funeral in the U.S., including viewing and burial, was $7,640, not accounting for cemetery fees, markers, vaults, and other miscellaneous costs.

While planning such a significant event, it’s natural to feel vulnerable. However, it’s crucial to reflect on your needs while honoring the life of the deceased. As Joshua Slocum, executive director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA), states, “The nature of the funeral — whether simple or elaborate — doesn’t reflect your love or respect for that person.”

We gathered insights from the FCA to help consumers simplify funeral financial decisions. Here’s your guide.

Note: The term “funeral” here encompasses all related planning aspects: burial or cremation services, embalming, viewing, ceremonies, cemetery costs, and additional expenses.

Discuss Preferences Early with Loved Ones

If you've never planned a service, the choices may seem straightforward, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Funerals should align with the deceased’s wishes and provide space for loved ones to grieve. Ideally, the first step should happen before death, involving open discussions among family members. Everyone should share the deceased’s wishes and the needs of those left behind, as Slocum emphasizes: “Survivors will be carrying out your wishes, making this a collaborative conversation vital for all.”

Avoiding discussions about death can be common, but it’s best to cover all aspects during these talks: whether a memorial service is desired, location preferences, notification lists, burial or cremation wishes, and more. Slocum notes, “Guilt often drives decisions, but a two-way conversation can alleviate much of that.”

Establish a Budget

Setting a budget for a funeral might feel awkward, yet it’s essential to acknowledge your financial limits. Money is just a means to an end. While emotional aspects are paramount, the financial strain shouldn’t overshadow the grieving process.

“Grief and life changes are traumatic enough,” Slocum points out. “I’ve seen families burdened with funeral debts that take years to repay, which complicates the healing journey.”

The average full-service or “traditional” funeral — including embalming, viewing, ceremony, transportation, flowers, and graveside service — costs over $7,000 in the U.S. Additionally, first-time consumers should factor in cemetery expenses, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 or more, which cover the right to interment, grave preparation, casket vaults, and memorial markers. Cumulatively, traditional funeral and cemetery costs average around $10,000.

However, prices for identical services can vary significantly within the same locality. Slocum has observed full-service funeral prices in one city fluctuate from $3,000 to $8,000.

“Most individuals assume funerals are costly, leading to a defeatist mindset,” Slocum explains. “It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but it’s crucial not to preemptively restrict your budget.”

Understand Your Rights

As a “funeral consumer,” you possess specific rights outlined in the “Funeral Rule,” enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Being aware of your entitlements is key to navigating this vulnerable process.

You’re not required to visit in person for price quotes — funeral homes must provide them over the phone. If you choose to visit, they are obligated to present an itemized price list. Packages cannot be the only option; every service must be available “a la carte,” says Slocum.

“Remember, you have the power to itemize,” Slocum emphasizes. “You, the consumer, make the choices.”

Compare Prices

While you may expect a price difference between funerals in major cities versus smaller towns, there’s often a substantial cost variation even among funeral homes within the same city. “Funeral pricing can vary significantly within the same area,” Slocum notes, with potential price discrepancies of thousands of dollars for equivalent services.

For example, direct cremation — without a ceremony, embalming, or casket — is generally the simplest service offered, costing between $800 and $1,200. However, a cost-comparison survey often reveals variations of $800 to $3,000, or even $4,000, for the same direct cremation within the same city. Similarly, direct or immediate burial without extras typically ranges from $900 to $1,500, yet some funeral homes may charge exorbitantly more.

Even if your family has traditionally used a specific funeral home, it’s wise to compare prices from at least three options before making a choice. Local funeral consumer groups can be valuable resources, as they may have compiled itemized cost lists for funeral homes in your area.