What Are Funeral Packages - Costs And Types Explained
What Is A Funeral Package?
A funeral package is a combination of services offered at a fixed price usually by your funeral home that can help you save on funeral costs. Funeral homes offer funeral packages of two primary types - burial packages and cremation packages. Many funeral homes will be open to customizing a package for you based on your requirements, if no existing package suits you.
People can opt for packages depending on the types of funerals they are looking to organize. The cheapest package offered by most funeral homes is that of a direct or burial, making it the right choice for those under financial duress. However if you are seeking something more memorable, you can opt for a premium package instead.
Six Ways Of Paying For A Funeral
Paying for funeral services can be challenging. Titan Casket offers this valuable guide to finding financial help while planning for a funeral.
Burial Packages
When it comes to a burial, most funerals will offer at least two types of packages, one being more affordable while the other is more elaborate. Some services that you can expect to see in burial packages are
- Any and all documentation and paperwork that needs to be done
- All government fees that need to be paid are covered by the cost of the package
- A hearse or transport van and transport to a local cemetery
- Professional services of funeral director and other staff
- A casket for the decedent
- Personal care and washing and dressing of the decedent
Some funeral homes offer a direct burial package which does not include embalming or the usage of the funeral home as a venue for a service. This is a good option if you are financially strained and looking for an affordable package with only the basics covered. If you are looking for something more remarkable, you can browse the options offered by the funeral home.
While a direct burial package usually costs just under $1,000, you can often choose from more luxurious packages with slight variations among them. A burial package that includes embalming, a hearse, a choice among multiple premium caskets, and a graveside service will likely cost you at least $3,500.
Cremation Packages
A direct cremation package is usually the most affordable option among all funeral package options, and costs around $1,000 on average. On the other hand, if you would like a more elaborate cremation package, some funeral homes provide multiple package options depending on what services you would like to avail. You should know that most cremation packages do not include embalming, but you can avail the service at a separate charge.
For example, the most affordable cremation package after the direct cremation package would probably include a basic crematory service which could be witnessed by close friends and family. On the other hand, a higher priced package would also include a private viewing and a rental casket, and transport from the funeral home to the crematory of your choice. These packages can cost you upwards of $2,500 and $3,000 respectively.
Repatriation Packages
Some funeral homes also offer repatriation packages wherein they ship the remains of the deceased, usually in ashes, back to their native land. Although this package usually does not include the airfare, it does cover all the paperwork and other formalities you will need to complete in order to enable the repatriation.
The Funeral Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established the Funeral Rule in 1984 to protect consumers of funeral services. Some of the right you have under this rule are:
- The right to see a written price list of the services offered by the funeral home, known as the General Price List (GPL)
- The right to buy your own casket or urn from somewhere other than the funeral home
- The right to avail only the services you wish for without having to opt for a package
So you should remember that choosing a funeral package is entirely optional and no funeral home can force you to do so if it is not the right choice for you.