Understanding Funeral Costs

Funeral Costs Explained

What do you pay for anyway when it comes to a funeral? Well, for starters, there are too many answers to that question for us to address all the possible scenarios. You see, there are so many different services available to Canadian families that understanding funeral costs as a whole can be a cumbersome undertaking. It may be best to first understand all of the hands and expertise involved in the funeral process.

More importantly, you should explore what the type of funeral YOU want would cost and then explore what goes into that estimate. Just like people, all funerals, memorial services and celebrations of life are unique in one way or another. So, analyzing funeral costs is far more personal than it has ever been before, but luckily funeral homes are along for the ride.

Menu-like Guides to Funeral Service

Unlike your favourite restaurant or sports venue, funeral homes do not generally actively promote their price list. However, you should know that every funeral home has one - a menu-like a list of every service and product available through their firm. All you have to do is ask and they will share it with you. In fact, they are by law required to give it to you when asked. This general price list will have a line by line breakdown, which will allow you to understand potential total costs. This is required and is the most accurate way to research funeral costs. 
Request a General Price List

Understanding Major Funeral Expenses

Traditional funerals are more expensive, typically than non-traditional funerals. However, there is far more detail as to why each costs what they do. What can be considered major funeral expenses are the costs associated with integral parts of the funeral service? 

For example, there are greatly different prices for cremation and burial. Each of these includes their own services (like the use of the crematory or the embalming process), their own products (caskets and urns) and the type of event planned. What you pay the funeral home is largely dependent on these decisions. There are other things, too, like burial plots and headstones that can be quite costly. You will also have to, no matter what, pay the funeral professionals - just like you pay electricians to wire your house, for their expertise and services.

Additional Funeral Expenses

After you have learned about the major funeral expenses, it is also important to note the additional costs that can be associated with a funeral. Things like flowers, musicians, venues, clergy, and honorariums quickly add up. Additionally, most newspapers charge for the publication of the obituary if you choose to go this route. These are the kind of costs you would not see on the general price lists, per se, but are definitely something you want to consider while either doing your research or planning a pre-need or at-need funeral. 
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