Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of high funeral costs. Traditional funeral expenses can quickly add up, often making the grieving process even more challenging. Fortunately, there are several unconventional ways to save on funeral costs while still honoring the deceased. Here are 15 creative and respectful strategies to save on these expenses.
1. Home Funeral
Conducting a funeral at home is an intimate alternative to hiring a funeral home. This method allows families to care for their loved ones in a personal space, creating a more heartfelt and less commercialized farewell. Home funerals can involve personal rituals and small gatherings, which can significantly lower costs.
2. Choose an Off-Peak Time for the Service
Funeral services held on weekends or evenings tend to be more expensive. Planning the service during a weekday or in the morning can result in lower costs. Funeral homes often charge less for off-peak times, helping to reduce the overall expenditure. Consider this as an option to save money on funeral costs.
3. Online Fundraising
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe can be used to raise funds for funeral expenses. This method allows friends, family, and even strangers to contribute financially. People want to help, and by setting up online fundraising, there’s less burden on the grieving family. It’s a way to unite a community and share in the costs and planning of funeral arrangements.
4. Rent a Casket
Few people realize that it’s possible to rent a casket for the viewing or funeral ceremony. This is a cost-effective option as the body can be transferred to a more affordable container for cremation or burial in the future. Many funeral homes offer rental caskets that are designed for this purpose. It can be morbid to consider, but it is an option depending on your budget.
5. Direct Cremation
Opting for direct cremation eliminates the need for embalming, a viewing, or an expensive casket. This process involves cremating the body shortly after death, significantly reducing costs. The ashes can be kept in a simple urn or scattered in a meaningful place as per the wishes of the deceased. Obviously, this advice is contingent on the wishes left in your loved one’s will and your personal beliefs.
6. Bring Your Own Flowers
Funeral flowers and arrangements may look beautiful, but it’s sometimes at a high cost. Instead of ordering from a service, ask friends and family to bring a single flower to combine into a bouquet. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to the service. The floral tribute ends up feeling more special and personalized.
7. Potluck Reception
8. Digital Invitations
Don’t waste money printing a bunch of invitations to the funeral service. It’s a sad piece of mail to receive and not worth the extra costs. Instead, create digital platforms, email invitations, or even an event on social media, As long as you’ve done your due diligence and immediate friends and family are aware, acquaintances and others can learn about the service details digitally instead. Be considerate with the font, colors, and photos.
9. Simplify the Memorial Service
A simplified memorial service can be just as meaningful as a lavish one. Focus on what you can do yourself like making meaningful photo boards, arranging the flowers, and asking everyone to bring food. The only things that matter are what the deceased would find meaningful and what honors their life the most. Some of the extra bells and whistles aren’t as meaningful to the bereaved family or the deceased.
10. Natural Burial
Choosing a natural burial can reduce costs by eliminating the need for embalming, a vault, or an expensive casket. Natural burials involve biodegradable materials and often require less maintenance than traditional burial plots. In turn, this is a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option for those who value sustainability. Ask about this service before going with traditional options.
11. Use Public Lands
In some cases, scattering ashes on public lands (where permitted) can be an option that involves minimal to no cost. This method is dependent on local laws and regulations, so it’s important to check with local authorities first. As with other funeral expenses, be sure that you’re honoring the wishes of the deceased. You shouldn’t skip on costs if it goes against their desires.
12. DIY Memorabilia
It’s always a nice gesture to honor those who pass away. Friends, family, and other attendees will want to go home with some kind of nice keepsake to remember the deceased. If you’re crafty, consider creating your own memorabilia, including the programs. Personalized handcrafted items can be more meaningful than store-bought, and they provide a therapeutic activity for the family.
13. Volunteer Pallbearers
While it’s possible to hire pallbearers for the funeral service, it means so much more if you designate a few strong family members or friends for the job. This gesture saves money while also adding personal honor to the role. Ask as many people as are needed, but don’t be upset if they can’t handle the pressure. Everybody grieves in their own way.
14. Skip Embalming
Unless required for public viewing, skip embalming if at all possible. Many natural preservation methods can be used if the burial or cremation is planned shortly after death. This can save hundreds of dollars typically charged for embalming services. Ask directly about alternative options, so you can make an informed choice based on your budget and preferences.
15. Government Assistance
For low-income families, you may be able to get government assistance to save on funeral costs. Check for any programs that may help with burial costs, especially for veterans. Some local governments also offer programs to assist with funeral expenses, which can reduce the financial strain on families. Do your research ahead of time so you don’t end up paying more later.
Feel at Peace
Funeral costs can be overwhelming. However, with these unconventional approaches, families can find ways to reduce expenses without compromising the dignity and beauty of the service. Whether you end up doing many tasks yourself or ask for help from friends and family, you don’t have to find yourself financially strained at a time when you should be grieving. Look into your options, and ask the funeral director about alternative methods to eliminate the stress and worry from the process.
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