LogFAQs > #908223516

kind9 posted...

$20k for a funeral?? Who was this kid?

Funerals are insanely expensive.

Basic services of a funeral director: $2000
Embalming: $800
Dressing & preparing the body: $300
Transfer of remains to funeral home: $325
Facilities & staff for viewing: $500
Facilities & staff for funeral service: $550
Hearse: $300
Limousine for family: $300
Caskets: $1500-20,000

And then there's the cemetery fees:

Grave space: $1000-4000
Burial services: $1000
Administration fees: $200
Temporary grave marker: $20
Headstone: $500-10,000

And then you still have flowers, memorial cards, honorariums.

When my grandfather died nearly 15 years ago, his funeral cost over $10,000 and that was with free grave site, burial services and headstone (he was a retired Marine) and free memorial service and minister (he was a Sunday school teacher at his church).

When my spouse died I chose a simple direct cremation with no services, casket, viewing, embalming or anything extra, they just picked up the body, transported it to the crematorium and returned the ashes in a cardboard box, and that cost nearly $4000!