What affects the cost of a funeral?
Burial or cremation
Burial and cremation have different cost structures. Burial may include cemetery, grave opening, coffin and tombstone costs, while cremation may include crematorium and urn-related costs.
Coffin or casket
The coffin or casket can be one of the larger expenses. Prices vary depending on material, finish and design.
Transport
Transport costs may include collection of the deceased, hearse services, family transport and long-distance transfers where needed.
Venue and service
Costs may differ depending on whether the service is held at a church, chapel, home, community hall, cemetery or crematorium.
Catering and flowers
Catering, flowers, printed programmes, music, tents, chairs and décor can add meaning to the service, but they also affect the total cost.
Tombstone or memorial
A tombstone or memorial may be arranged separately after the funeral and can significantly increase the total cost over time.
Questions to ask before accepting a quote
- What exactly is included in the quoted price?
- Are transport costs included?
- Are cemetery or crematorium fees included?
- Does the quote include a coffin, casket or urn?
- Are there extra costs for weekends, distance or storage?
- Is catering included or separate?
- What payment terms apply?
Funeral Insights tip
Ask for a written quote and compare providers on both price and clarity. A cheaper quote is not always better if important items are excluded or unclear.