How Much Does the Average Funeral Cost in 2020?
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Oct 18, 2021
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
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Making end-of-life arrangements is a difficult and emotional task. There are many decisions, and the expenses are often unexpected.
Whether you're planning a traditional church service followed by a graveside ceremony, a simple cremation without a service, or an uplifting celebration of life with decor, live music, catering and more, we want to help you understand the costs involved in funeral, cremation and memorial services in 2020.
In this article you will learn:
How much does the average funeral cost in 2020?
How much does a cremation funeral cost in 2020?
What questions should I ask when comparing funeral or cremation prices?
Why do funerals cost so much?
What's the average cost of a funeral in the U.S. by region?
What's the average cost of a funeral in Canada?
Why do prices vary between funeral homes?
The best way to understand the price of the funeral or memorial you prefer is to work with a funeral planning professional, but our pricing guide will get you started.
How much does the average funeral cost in 2020?
According to a 2019 report by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA),the national median cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing is $7,640.
That cost includes:
recovery of the loved one from home, hospital or hospice and into the funeral homes care at any time, on any day
transportation of the loved one to the funeral home
embalming, hair and makeup
a metal casket
the time of a funeral director and other staff to plan and manage a viewing and memorial service
use of the funeral homes chapels, family rooms, visitation rooms, outdoor spaces and reception areas
completing all paperwork and securing necessary permits
basic printed materials, such as a funeral program and registry book
use of a hearse
coordination of clergy or celebrants
coordination and placement of funeral flowers and/or charity donations
coordination of an online or newspaper obituary
That cost does not include cemetery property or burial charges. Average price varies by state and may not include certain items per state regulations.
How much does a cremation funeral cost?
According to the same NFDA report, the national median cost of an adult cremation funeral with a visitation is $5,150.
That cost includes:
recovery of the loved one from home, hospital or hospice and into the funeral homes care at any time, on any day
embalming, hair and makeup for the visitation
the time of a funeral director and other staff to plan and manage a viewing and memorial service
use of the funeral homes chapels, family rooms, visitation rooms, outdoor spaces and reception areas
obtaining death certificates and securing necessary permits
basic printed materials, such as a memorial program and registry book
the fee for conducting the cremation
coordination of clergy or celebrants
coordination and placement of funeral flowers and/or charity donations
coordination of an online or newspaper obituary
That cost does not include a casket or container that will be used during the cremation or a container to return the ashes to the family. Though some families chose to bring their own containers, buying cremation containers from the funeral provider brings the median cost of a cremation funeral to $6,650.
What questions should I ask when comparing funeral or cremation prices?
Not all funeral and cremation providers are the same. When honoring someone's life and conducting their final disposition, there are no do-overs or second chances. Every detail matters.
Here are the10 most important questions to ask when price shopping for a funeral or cremation, in advance or at the time of need.
What is the funeral provider's online reputation on sites like Google and Facebook? Do they provide compassionate care every time?
Do they offer a service guarantee?
Are the funeral arrangers trained at offering event planning services, with personalized touches customized to the individuals they serve? Do they have experience carrying out the specific traditions you desire? Or do they do the same generic funeral for each person?
Are the spaces comfortable and inviting? Are outdoor spaces, dining or reception are as available for use of the family? When was the last renovation?
Can the funeral provider coordinate a catered reception before or after the service at their location or elsewhere?
How soon can they conduct a cremation?
Do they offer personalized stationery, media or mementos, like programs, prayer cards, guest books, slideshows, videos and favors?
Do they offer livestreamed funeral services for people who can't attend in person?
What is the quality of their online obituary and website? Do they prepare the biography on your behalf? Is it easy to upload photos with the obituary? Can the site collect photos and memories from attendees for you to keep?
Do they offer grief support from mental health professionals to help you well after the service is over?
Ultimately, your funeral provider should listen to what you want and work with you to fulfill your or your loved one's final wishes, with the highest level of service and a proven track record of excellent customer satisfaction.
Why do funerals cost so much?
Almost like a wedding, a funeral requires a great deal of effort to organize but it often happens in a very short amount of time. It's no small feat to bring a large group of people together to remember and celebrate. Few would attempt to plan a wedding in less than a week, but the very things that go into wedding planning are all part of funeral planning.
From announcements, flowers, catering, music, transportation, venues, speeches, videos and event planning not to mention completing paperwork for death certificates and obtaining permits for transportation, burial or cremation there can be many costs involved in a funeral.
There's a lot of value in being able to coordinate all those parts while comforting a family who is experiencing one of the worst times of life. In fact, when it's done well, with attention to detail and in a manner that seems effortless, our families tell us it's priceless.
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