The loss of a loved one is devastating to all those left behind and it’s a very difficult time in anyone’s life. You’re trying to cope with your loss as best you can but there are still practical things that have to be sorted, for instance, arranging the funeral. Funeral prices are soaring and if you’re on a budget then this too can add to already high stress levels. Take a look at our guide to the best cost saving funeral ideas that can lead to cheap funerals. You can still have a beautiful memorial service for your loved one without breaking the bank.
Cost saving funeral ideas that can lead to cheap funerals:
1. Decide on cremation or burial
If your loved one wanted to be buried then obviously you’ll have to go with their wishes but if your loved one had no preference then the choice is yours. The more traditional burial option is more expensive than cremation but if you would like to have your loved one buried then it would be a good idea to do some research into cost. The reason why traditional burials are more expensive is that they require a place for your loved one to be buried and if your loved one didn’t have a plot already booked then you will have to purchase one.
Cremation is an alternative to the more traditional burial option and is much cheaper too. If you’re on a budget then this option definitely has to be considered. The reason why a cremation is cheaper than a burial is because you save so much money on caskets, embalming and various other services. You can also save even more money by arranging it directly through a crematory rather than having the funeral home of your choice doing it for you.
When you’re looking for urn prices many companies offer custom made or ready made ones. Do your research though, as some companies will be much cheaper than others. Another way of saving money is by not having to purchase an urn at all and instead scatter your loved ones ashes in a place that was close to their heart.
When you’re looking for the best cost saving funeral ideas choosing between burial and cremation is one of the most important.
2. Consider donating your loved one’s body to medical research
This is definitely another way that will help you to cut costs, as you won’t have to choose between cremation and burial. You will know that your loved one is helping medical science, even when they have gone. Maybe your loved one may have already mentioned this to you and it is one of their final wishes.
If you would like to consider this option then have a talk with your local hospital or university, they will let you know whether it’s possible or not. This is definitely the cheapest option, as you will only have to arrange transport. All you’ll have to do then is arrange the memorial service. For the best cost saving funeral ideas this one could be a good option.
3. Set yourself a budget
When it comes to the best cost saving funeral ideas this is a must. What you really have to do here is set yourself a budget and try your hardest not to exceed it. Funeral costs vary widely but if you can stay within your set budget you won’t have to see your expenses soar nor look like a cheap funeral. Really think about what you can afford realistically. Maybe you have close family members or close friends that will help you with the funeral expenses too. Also, see if your loved one had any burial insurance, life insurance or any other money that was going to be used specifically for their funeral arrangements.
4. Compare funeral home price
Once you know what your budget is and what type of funeral you want the next step is to look for a good funeral director. Funeral homes are there to guide you through the funeral planning process and they help take any worries you have about the funeral away from you. They know how hard this time is for you and they will be there to help you in any way they can. You may not feel like comparing funeral home prices at this time but it really could save you a great deal of money. Call several funeral homes, tell them exactly what you need and don’t need and then ask for a quote. You will then get to compare as many prices as you can.
5. Compare the cost of flowers
Flowers really can be very expensive but if you compare florists you can keep the costs as low as you can. You can have beautiful flowers for your loved one without being too extravagant. Choose flowers that are in season, you will then discover that they are locally available to you. Purchase the flowers yourself, this way you won’t be relying on the funeral home to supply them. This will greatly reduce expenses. If the funeral home offers you a flower package, just decline it. You will be paying large sums of money for this service and you could save this money by hiring a florist yourself.
6. Refuse embalming
Morticians use the process of embalming to help preserve your lost loved one. Embalming slows down the deterioration of your loved one so that you can have an open casket at the funeral. If you do decide to decline embalming then chances are you won’t be able to have the casket open at the funeral service and you will most probably have the funeral service within 3 days of the death of your loved one. If you choose cremation or if you’re planning on giving your loved one’s body to medical science then you won’t need embalming at all.
Final Thoughts
Funeral costs really are soaring, but as you can see, there are many ways in which you can keep control of them. Cheap funerals don’t have to mean cutting many items out of your planned memorial. You can still have a beautiful memorial service for your loved one even when you are on a budget. We hope our guide to the best cost saving funeral ideas has helped you, at what is a very distressing time in your life.
