Senin, 20 Desember 2010

Keeping Costs Down For Funeral Services

By Adriana Noton


The cost of a funeral service is more than many individuals have in their savings, but there are ways to save money on funeral services. Pre-planning is just one way to save. Take a look at other budget services that can help keep the costs down.

Handling funeral arrangements can be a task, especially when you are grieving for the loss of a loved one. Finding a place to accommodate you is a matter of speaking with others, getting referrals, or asking members of your religious organization, if you are an active member.

Choosing A Funeral Home

The decision to have services in a funeral home or a church is a matter of personal preference. If the deceased was a member of a religious organization, it is only natural that the services will be held in their place of worship. Memorial services can be held anywhere you choose, in a home, a park, even at the graveside just before the burial. There is no right or wrong place to hold a memorial service.

Deciding on the Service

Choosing a service is a matter of deciding what the family desires. A small simple memorial service is just as nice as an big celebration of life. It is important to take into consideration the number of people who will come to pay their respects. If you choose a small funeral home, but are expecting a large crowd, this may not be appropriate. Discuss the options with the funeral director to get advice on what may be best for your family's situation.

Cremation Options

Cremation is a low cost way to handle a burial. There are not costs to purchase a plot or a headstone, which is quite costly. Some just prefer having that feeling of the person being close to them always. Cremation can include viewing or no viewing. You can have the same services as a traditional funeral minus the burial.

Even when choosing a traditional service, there are things you can do to keep costs down. Retrieving the death certificate yourself, calling the local newspaper instead of having the funeral home do it. Printing up your own program for the service. All of these things can help cut costs. Providing your own registrar book and flowers is another way. Purchasing your own urn if the deceased will be cremated.

There are also other costs incurred with cremation such as transporting the decreased to the crematory, the fees charge for the service, as well as the cost of an urn. Of course, you can provide your own with a much smaller price tag.

Going With a Traditional Service

It is not uncommon for families to opt for a traditional memorial service, regardless of the cost. There are ways to minimize the costs even when you choose this option. Having the calling hours just before the service is one way. Having family members and friends speak instead of hiring clergy. Choosing a lower cost casket instead of an elaborate model will save significantly.

The Funeral Director's Job

Many funeral homes do more than just help you pick out a casket or urn. Most will handle all of the paperwork, including the newspaper notices, take care of the death certificate, provide transportation to the cemetery such as the use of Toronto funeral limo, and flowers at your request. If you do not have a particular funeral home in mind, get referrals from others or call yourself to find a place that you feel comfortable with.

Memorial services for some are a way to say goodbye and for some it's a celebration of life. Preparing for a memorial service can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows. What is really important is that you come to terms that your loved one has moved on and be at peace with it.




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