10 Things the Funeral Home Won’t Tell You: Unveiling the Hidden Truths of the Funeral Industry

When faced with the loss of a loved one, navigating the world of funeral planning can be overwhelming. While funeral homes provide essential services during difficult times, there are aspects of the industry that they may not readily disclose (and this hidden truths of the funeral industry). This comprehensive guide reveals 10 crucial things that funeral homes often keep under wraps, empowering you to make informed decisions and potentially save thousands of dollars during this emotional process.

10 Things the Funeral Home Won’t Tell You: Unveiling the Hidden Truths of the Funeral Industry

1. You Don’t Have to Buy Their Package Deals

Funeral homes often present all-inclusive packages as the most convenient option, but these can include services and products you don’t need or want. What they won’t tell you is that you have the right to choose individual services and products.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule mandates that funeral homes provide an itemized price list and allow you to select only the items you want. This means you can mix and match services or even bring in products from outside sources.

For example, you might choose to have a simple cremation through the funeral home but purchase an urn from an online retailer. By carefully selecting only the services and products you need, you can significantly reduce costs without compromising the quality of the farewell.

2. Embalming is Often Optional

Many funeral homes push embalming as a necessary service, but in reality, it’s rarely required by law. Embalming is a process that temporarily preserves the body and is typically done for open-casket viewings or when there’s a delay between death and burial.

However, refrigeration can often serve the same purpose for short-term preservation. If you’re planning a closed-casket funeral or a quick burial or cremation, embalming may be an unnecessary expense. Some religions and cultures also prefer not to embalm for traditional or environmental reasons.

Before agreeing to embalming, ask about alternatives and understand your state’s laws regarding the practice. By avoiding this service when it’s not necessary, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

3. You Can Bring Your Own Casket or Urn

Funeral homes often showcase their most expensive caskets and urns, leading many grieving families to overspend on these items. What they don’t advertise is that you have the right to provide your own casket or urn from an outside source.

Online retailers and warehouse stores often offer caskets and urns at a fraction of the funeral home’s price. For instance, a casket that costs $3,000 at a funeral home might be available for $1,000 or less online. Similarly, urns can be found at significantly lower prices through alternative sources.

The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to accept caskets and urns from outside sources without charging a handling fee. This option alone can lead to substantial savings while still allowing you to choose a dignified final resting place for your loved one.

4. There Are Hidden Fees in Cemetery Costs

While not directly related to the funeral home, cemetery costs often come as a shock to many families. Funeral homes may not fully disclose these additional expenses when discussing burial options.

Hidden cemetery fees can include:

• Opening and closing the grave (which can cost up to $1,500 or more)

• Grave liners or burial vaults (required by many cemeteries and costing $1,000 to $5,000)

• Headstone installation fees ($50 to $500)

• Perpetual care fees for ongoing maintenance

These costs can add thousands of dollars to the overall expense of laying a loved one to rest. When planning a burial, be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of all cemetery-related costs to avoid surprises later.

5. You Have Options Beyond Traditional Burial and Cremation

Funeral homes typically offer traditional burial and cremation as the primary options, but there are alternative methods they may not mention. These alternatives can be more eco-friendly and often less expensive:

• Green burial: Involves burying the body in a biodegradable container without embalming

• Alkaline hydrolysis: Also known as “water cremation” or “aquamation,” this process uses water and alkaline solutions to break down the body

• Human composting: A process that turns the body into soil, currently legal in some states

• Donation to science: Many medical schools accept body donations for research and education

These options can align with environmental values and potentially reduce costs. However, availability may vary by location, so research local laws and facilities offering these services.

6. Pre-paid Funeral Plans Have Risks

Funeral homes often promote pre-paid funeral plans as a way to lock in current prices and ease the burden on your family. However, they may not disclose the potential drawbacks:

• If the funeral home goes out of business, your money could be lost

• The plan may not cover all future costs, leaving your family to pay the difference

• You may be locked into using a specific funeral home, even if you move or change your mind

• The money tied up in the plan could potentially earn more if invested elsewhere

Instead of pre-paying, consider setting up a payable-on-death account at your bank specifically for funeral expenses. This allows the money to grow while remaining accessible to your designated beneficiary upon your death.

7. You Can Rent a Casket for Viewing

For families who want a traditional viewing but plan to cremate their loved one, funeral homes offer the option to rent a casket. However, they may not proactively suggest this cost-saving alternative.

Casket rentals typically include a removable interior liner, allowing for a dignified presentation during the viewing. After the service, the body is transferred to a simple container for cremation. This option can save thousands of dollars compared to purchasing a casket outright, especially for those who prefer cremation but want a traditional funeral service.

8. DIY Aspects Can Significantly Reduce Costs

Funeral homes provide valuable services, but there are many aspects of a funeral or memorial that families can handle themselves to reduce costs. Some DIY options include:

• Creating your own memorial programs or prayer cards

• Arranging flowers from a local florist or grocery store

• Providing food for the reception instead of using catering services

• Making memory boards or slideshows to display at the service

By taking on some of these tasks, families can not only save money but also create a more personal and meaningful tribute to their loved one.

9. You Don’t Need to Purchase Protective Caskets

Funeral homes often promote “protective” or “sealer” caskets, claiming they better preserve the body. However, these caskets, which can cost hundreds or thousands more than standard models, don’t provide significant benefits.

In reality, no casket can preserve a body indefinitely. The sealing feature may even accelerate decomposition by trapping moisture and bacteria. Unless you’re transporting the body over a long distance, a standard casket is usually sufficient.

10. Comparison Shopping Can Lead to Significant Savings

Funeral homes may not encourage you to shop around, but doing so can result in substantial savings. Prices for the same services and products can vary widely between funeral homes, even in the same area.

As shared by funeral director Caleb Wilde, “About a year ago, a husband and wife died about four months apart. The wife knew us, so we buried her, and the husband knew the funeral home in a neighboring town, so they buried him. They both had the same funeral, same casket, vault, etc. The family called us to let us know that the other funeral home charged $3000 more. Same value, different cost.”

Don’t hesitate to call multiple funeral homes and ask for their General Price List (GPL). Compare costs for specific services and be wary of package deals that may include unnecessary items.

Empowering Yourself in Funeral Planning

Understanding these often-undisclosed aspects of funeral planning can help you make informed decisions during a difficult time. Remember, it’s your right to choose only the services and products that align with your needs, values, and budget.

While funeral homes provide valuable services, it’s essential to approach the process with knowledge and clarity. By being aware of these hidden truths, you can ensure a meaningful farewell for your loved one without unnecessary financial strain.

As you navigate this challenging process, don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, and explore all your options. A truly compassionate funeral provider will support your choices and help you create a fitting tribute that honors your loved one’s memory while respecting your financial circumstances.

Remember, the most meaningful farewells often come from personal touches and shared memories, not from the amount spent. By making informed choices, you can focus on celebrating the life lived and finding comfort in the support of family and friends.