Understanding Funeral Pricing
by Mary McGee
Funerals may be costly, especially if you need specialized services. Many individuals are unaware of the elements of funeral expenses. At Mill Valley Funeral Home, we have observed that clients often choose services they do not need, which can raise the overall costs unnecessarily.
The Cost Breakdown
We are here to provide you with all the information you need about costs, to help you better plan your budget. Funeral costs might include things like:
1. Basic Service Fee
You must pay this amount to the funeral director for their services, which is also true for overhead and essential costs. Plans differ from one funeral home to the next, so you should communicate your expectations to the funeral director. They will provide you with an estimate before you opt for their services. In certain instances, the basic package will contain the following:
- Filing the paperwork
- Getting death certificate copies
- Getting the relevant permits
- Storing the mortal remains
- Overhead expenses
- Working with the cemetery/crematorium/other third party vendors
These standard expenses will change only when the funeral home handles aspects like forwarding the remains.
2, Supplementary Services
Other services are available via the funeral home, although they are optional. If you desire a simple funeral, the base package is adequate, and you will not need extra services, which can include:
- Embalming
- Viewing/memorial services at the funeral home
- A hearse/limousine
- Containers like burial boxes/urns/caskets
- Burial attire
Funeral homes offer these optional services. You can contract with other vendors for these, but it is always more cost-effective to let a funeral home handle them. You would be required to pay cash upfront for these third-party services, including cemetery or graveyard usage, clergy or celebrant, singers, and flowers, among others. For details about funeral pricing and our services, please call Mill Valley Funeral Home and discuss your requirements with our team.