Funeral Expenses
Step1: Determine the Type of Disposition.
There are basically two types of disposition, either burial or cremation.
Step 2: Determine the Type of Ceremony you would like.
Some families desire a traditional service with viewing and a church or chapel ceremony. While others opt for a simple committal service.
Step 3: Select Merchandise
Select the appropriate merchandise for the type of disposition you have selected. For example, burial will require a casket made of either metal or wood and an outer burial container. While those families selecting cremation will want to look at wood caskets or alternative containers and urns. There are also stationary items that you will need, such as a register book, memorial folders and thank you cards.
Step 4: Calculate the Outside Expenses.
Click here to print an Expenses Worksheet.
These are expenses that are associated with the funeral, but are not necessarily charges from the funeral home, such as; death certificates, cemetery fees, flowers, obituaries, printing costs, honorariums, travel expenses, etc. Many funeral homes will allow these charges to be placed on the funeral homes “bill” as a matter of convenience. However, it is unlikely that the funeral home will allow these charges to be written on a pre-funded funeral plan. Therefore, if you are pre-paying your funeral expenses please be aware that these expenses will have to be paid when death occurs.
Note: Many funeral homes group their services and merchandise into packages most often chosen by the families they serve. These packages are generally discounted from their itemized prices and therefore reflect a greater value to the purchaser.
Note: According to the National Funeral Director’s Association, the average cost of an adult funeral as of July 2006 was $7,300. That price included an outer burial container, but did not include outside expenses or cemetery charges. (www.nfda.org)
Funeral Costs Questions
What does the average funeral cost?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral as of July 2006, is $7,300. That cost includes an outer burial container, but does not include cemetery costs or other third party charges such as flowers, burial clothing, or newspaper notices.
What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging?
Funeral service is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and state licensing boards. In most cases, the consumer should discuss problems with the funeral director first. If the dispute cannot be solved by talking with the funeral director, the consumer may wish to contact the Texas Funeral Service Commission at (512) 936-2474 or (888) 667-4881.
What To Do If Death Occurs
What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
When death occurs, Lake Shore Funeral Home personnel are available to assist you at any hour, seven days a week. Call (254) 752-5900 for assistance.
Will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it’s acceptable. Lake Shore Funeral Home staff will come when the time is right for you.
If a loved one dies out of state, can Lake Shore Funeral Home still help?
When death occurs away from home, Lake Shore Funeral Home can assist you with out-of-state arrangements and transfer of the deceased back to Texas. Call (254) 752-5900 for assistance.
