Death cannot be avoided, and organizing a funeral is an essential action after a loved one dies. The average cost of a funeral is around $9,500, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). However, funeral expenses may pile up. Despite the high cost of these events, careful preparation beforehand can help you lower funeral expenses. So that you or your family won’t have to make judgments when emotions are high, it helps to know what you have to pay for — and what you can skip — early. Here are some funeral costs you could avoid when making your plans. 

Burial

Although burial has always been the most popular type of arrangement, the NFDA projects that through 2035, cremations may increase by as much as 30%. This is because cremation can be far less expensive and doesn’t require any additional land. According to the NFDA, the average cremation cost with visitation and funeral in 2022 was $8,260. This figure includes an additional $1,000 for a cremation coffin, formal services, and embalming. You might choose a basic cremation without the viewing or services to skip many of these expenses and save that extra $1,000. A less expensive container might be used in place of the cremation casket. In order to reduce costs, you might even hire a casket for the viewing before having a formal cremation.

Pricey Caskets

Don’t choose the most expensive coffin or vault if you absolutely want to be buried. According to the NFDA, the average price of a metal burial casket is $3,400, while the average price of a vault is $2,395. You can spend far less by choosing one of their more affordable options, even if prices for these items will vary based on the funeral home you work with and where you live. 

Embalming

Most of the time, embalming or body preservation is not required by law. For instance, if you choose not to participate in a formal viewing, you are not required to pay for embalming, which can run into the hundreds. 

Formal Visitation

The NFDA estimated that the average cost of a visitation is $625 (plus the $925 embalming fee), but you are not required to hold hours of viewing in a funeral home. Many people opt to hold visitations in their church, but you can also open your home to visitors. Also remember that you can gather there even if the corpse isn’t, which might help you save money.

Expensive Floral Arrangements

Although a casket surrounded by expensive imported flowers may appear lovely, you can completely avoid the expenditure. Or, at the very least, decide on a less expensive floral design for the event. Although you can look for and buy flowers on your own, make sure to ask your funeral home about any reasonable floral options.

Pricey Burial Cloths

Use an outfit that your loved one already has to save the most money. You don’t have to buy an expensive one if you’re going to get a new one.