Funerals are expensive. According to the Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report of 2017, a funeral can cost an average of £3,757, depending on the location and services rendered. But what do you do if you can’t afford the $4,000 bill? How can you say goodbye to your loved one without worrying about the expenses?
If the deceased has not prepared for their funeral before their passing, here are some tips to help you reduce funeral costs:
1. Compare funeral homes
Not all experienced funeral service directors in London and other cities are the same. And while you might want to get the funeral over and done with so you can grieve properly, you should always compare funeral services instead of going with the first one you see or the one that your relatives use.
Search for funeral services online and consider at least three options. In this way, you can find a service that better fits your budget.
2. Consider cremation
Cremations cost less than a burial with more or less than a £1,000 difference. If your family is comfortable with cremating the deceased and there are no objections in the will, consider this option if you can’t afford the burial.
3. Look for other caskets or urns
You are allowed to choose a casket or urn other than those that the funeral home is selling you. Browse online or in warehouse stores to find a casket or urn that’s within your budget. And keep in mind that you don’t have to pay a fee if you choose to buy it somewhere else.
4. Skip embalming
The funeral home may agree to not embalm the body if the viewing will be held right after the time of passing, more so if you are opting for direct burial or cremation. You would only need to embalm the deceased if the viewing will take longer than a certain period, so be sure to check with your local laws regarding this rule.
5. Say no to a gasket casket
Some funeral homes may offer you a gasket casket that is designed to “protect” the deceased’s body from natural elements. However, not only is this type of casket, but it’s also wholly unnecessary. No matter what type of casket you choose, the body is going to decompose all the same.
6. Have a home service
You can also hold the funeral service at home or some other significant place instead of the funeral home. From the decorating to the transport of the casket to the cemetery or cremation facility, the family can do it themselves.
7. Ask for donations
Turn to crowdfund if there is no other way your family can finance the funeral without help. Family and friends might be eager to help you in this difficult time. If you don’t want to ask for monetary donations, ask them to donate flowers or offer services instead.
Funerals can be costly, and being financially unprepared for one can make the grieving process ten times more difficult. That said, if you can’t afford the cost of a funeral, use these suggestions to reduce the expenses so that you can say goodbye to your loved one in peace.
