When considering 'why do funerals cost so much?' keep in mind that they don't have to.
The simple solution to cut funeral costs is to only pay for what you want or need, and not what you don't.
The death of a loved one is a vulnerable time for those close to the deceased, so planning the funeral can be stressful. The person arranging the funeral is often under time pressure to make expensive decisions quickly, and generally agrees to the first price they were given.
Death is not an emergency. Take a moment to catch your breath and consider all the options. Ask the funeral provider for an itemised price list and see if there's anything you don't want. Some items will be mandatory, for example, registration of death fees and transport, but things like flowers, newspaper notices, and high-end caskets are not.
If you aren't 100% happy with the components of the quote, talk to the funeral director about more affordable options. If they are unwilling to budge, shop around. You may be surprised to learn that it may be possible to transfer to another funeral home even after the deceased has been transported.
It can also help to have a person less emotionally connected to the deceased's immediate family, like an in-law or friend, make initial enquiries into funeral arrangements and prices. If they are not as vulnerable, they may be in a better position to ask questions, push back on expensive features, and request more affordable alternatives.
Our business, Affordable Coffins and Caskets, are an alternative supplier of Coffins, Caskets and Urns at much cheaper prices than that charged by Funeral Homes without sacrificing quality.
We are here to help.