Planning a funeral is already an emotionally taxing experience, but the financial burden can be equally overwhelming.
According to a 2023 study by the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial has soared to $8,300.1 This figure doesn’t account for the myriad of hidden fees that can catch grieving families off guard.
Concealed expenses can quickly inflate your final bill by thousands of dollars. Here are the 14 fees that funeral homes often don’t tell you about right away – and the knowledge to navigate this financial situation.
1. The Fancy Casket Upsell
When you walk into a funeral home showroom, you might be dazzled by the elegant caskets. What you don’t see, however, are the more affordable options that are often hidden from view.
Funeral homes are known to prominently showcase their most expensive caskets, hoping to entice grieving families into spending more. Remember, you have the right to see a complete price list of all available caskets, including the more budget-friendly options.
Don’t be afraid to ask about less expensive alternatives that may be just as suitable for your needs.
2. The Package Deal Trap
At first glance, package deals offered by funeral homes might seem like a great way to save money. However, these bundles often include services or items you may not need or want.
Take the time to carefully review what’s included in each package and compare it to the individual prices of your required services.
You might find that creating your customized funeral plan is more cost-effective than opting for a pre-made package. Don’t be pressured into choosing a package deal without fully understanding its contents and value.
3. Timing Surcharges
Believe it or not, the day and time you choose for the funeral service can significantly impact the overall cost. Funeral homes charge extra for services held on weekends, holidays, or after regular business hours.
Consider scheduling the service during weekdays or standard business hours to avoid these hidden fees.
If you must have the service at a specific time, ask about any additional charges so you can factor them into your budget upfront.
4. Accessory & Atmosphere Add-ons
Funeral homes often offer a range of accessories and atmospheric elements to enhance the service. These include register books, memorial cards, and religious symbols.
While these additions can create a meaningful atmosphere, they often come with a hefty price tag.
Before agreeing to any extras, ask if they’re included in the basic service fee, which you’ll be charged separately.
Consider bringing your accessories or opting for simpler alternatives to keep costs down.
5. Storage Surcharges
You might be surprised to learn that some funeral homes charge additional fees for storing the deceased’s remains, even for a short period before the service.
These storage surcharges can quickly add up, especially if the funeral arrangements are delayed. Be sure to ask about any storage fees and how they’re calculated.
Minimize the time between the death and the funeral to avoid unnecessary charges.
6. Embalming Expenses
While embalming is often presented as a necessary service, it’s not always required by law. In many cases, it’s an optional procedure that can significantly increase the funeral cost.
If you’re planning a closed-casket service or opting for cremation, embalming may not be necessary at all.
Always ask about the necessity of embalming and its associated costs before agreeing to the procedure. Remember, you have the right to choose whether or not to have your loved one embalmed.
7. Transportation Fees
Transporting the deceased from one location to another is essential to funeral arrangements, but it can also generate hidden costs.
Funeral homes often charge for each transfer separately, including moving the body from the place of death to the funeral home and from the funeral home to the cemetery or crematorium.
Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of all transportation fees to avoid surprises on your final bill.
8. Flower Arrangement Markups
Floral arrangements are a common way to honor the deceased but can also be a significant source of hidden costs. Funeral homes often considerably raise the price of flowers when arranging them on your behalf.
Consider purchasing flowers directly from a florist or arranging them to save money.
If you choose to use the funeral home’s floral services, ask for a detailed price list and compare it with local florists to ensure you get a fair deal.
9. Casket or Urn Customization Charges
Personalizing a casket or urn can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one, but customization often comes with additional fees.
Engraving, special finishes, or unique designs can quickly drive up the cost of an already expensive item.
If personalization is important to you, consider simpler, less costly options like adding a photo or memento to the casket or urn instead of extensive customization.
10. Viewing & Visitation Fees
Many assume that viewing or visitation is included in the basic funeral service fee, but this isn’t always true. Some funeral homes charge extra for using their facilities and staff during these events.
Ask about any associated costs if you’re planning a viewing or visitation.
To reduce expenses, consider limiting the duration of these events or holding them at a different location, such as a family home or place of worship.
11. Graveside Service Charges
A graveside service can provide an intimate and meaningful farewell, but it may incur additional fees not included in the basic funeral package.
These charges might cover transporting the casket to the cemetery, setting up chairs and a canopy, and providing staff to oversee the service.
Always ask for a detailed breakdown of graveside service costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
12. Cemetery Plot & Maintenance Fees
When purchasing a cemetery plot, be aware that the initial cost is often just the beginning. Many cemeteries charge ongoing maintenance or “perpetual care” fees to keep the grounds in good condition.
These fees can add up over time and may not be immediately apparent when making funeral arrangements.
Be sure to ask about any recurring charges associated with the cemetery plot to assess the long-term costs accurately.
13. Obituary & Death Notice Costs
Publishing an obituary or death notice in a local newspaper is common but expensive. Many funeral homes offer to handle this service for you, often at a marked-up price.
To save money, consider writing the obituary and contacting the newspaper directly to arrange publication.
Alternatively, you might opt for a free online obituary or use social media to inform friends and family of your loved one’s passing.
14. Administrative & Documentation Fees
Dealing with paperwork is unavoidable in funeral planning, but some funeral homes charge extra for handling administrative tasks and obtaining necessary documents.
These fees might cover services like obtaining death certificates, filing for veteran’s benefits, or coordinating with Social Security.
While some administrative work is typically included in the basic service fee, be sure to ask about any additional charges for paperwork handling to avoid unexpected costs.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
