Why do funerals cost so much?

Often the first time we realise just how expensive funerals can be is when we are grieving. We are not thinking about going from funeral parlour to funeral parlous shopping for the best price.

The actual Casket we get buried or cremated in can be the greatest expense for any modern day funeral. Caskets can be made from materials like cardboard, woods, metals or plastics. Caskets are usually sold on their visual appeal but prices can significantly vary in price.

First you need to understand what the casket is for. Is it to provide you with a dignified means of transport before and after your funeral, whether you have chosen a burial or cremation? Its extremely important to note that no casket can preserve your body forever.

Transportation costs can depend greatly on the distance required to be traveled by the Hearse, if you are holding a service in the city but require your body to be taken to a rural burial site you could expect to pay a lot more than someone who is requesting a burial closer to the service.

Land, not all of us choose to be buried but if you do, you may need to purchase a plot of land to be buried in. Land values more often than not, increase in price. This is very similar to how the real estate market works. If you have a partner you may want to be buried together so after you die and your partner is still alive, your partner may choose to buy two burial plots which again, may increase the price further.

Memorial plaques, these can cost a lot of money as well, these can be made from varying types of material like marble. If we choose to have these engraved, this will increase the price.

Wake, generally the more people who turn up, the more you need to cater for, at a wake these days some people like to put on food and beverages before returning to somebody’s house.

So as you can see, the costs of a funeral can quickly add up. There are also additional expenses for other things like flowers.

If you were to die today, how would your family cope financially? Funeral Insurance can cover you for up to $15,000, generally paid out within 48 hours, for more information use the enquiry form on the right, and an Authorised Representative will contact you to discuss further, or get a free quote by clicking here.