Planning a final tribute for a loved one can feel overwhelming for both your emotions and your bank account. And if finances are tight, the added stress can make a time of loss even more difficult. But thankfully, some of the most meaningful parts of a funeral don’t have to cost much at all. In this article, you will find seven helpful tips for keeping funeral costs down while giving your loved one a thoughtful and beautiful service.
1. Create the Tribute Video Yourself
Many funerals include a tribute video that showcases the highlights of a person’s life. And while the funeral home can create a video for you, they may charge a fee. If you are looking to cut down on costs, you can create the video yourself instead.
You can start by compiling photos and videos from family, friends, and your own electronic devices. Once you’ve collected everything, use a free online video editing tool to create a meaningful tribute. Watching the video during the service will bring back fond memories for everyone and create a lasting keepsake.
2. Play the Special Music Yourself
Another common expense at funerals is hiring a professional musician. However, if you or a family member can play an instrument or sing, consider performing the music yourselves during the service. A live cover of your loved one’s favorite hymn or song would be a beautiful tribute.
If live music isn’t doable, ask your funeral director about other music options. They can help you select something wonderful from their music library. Whether you choose a live performance or prerecorded music, you can set a meaningful tone for the service without adding to your budget.
3. Choose an Affordable Casket or Urn
Caskets and urns come in a variety of different materials, and you can choose from whatever price range best suits your financial situation. If you’re looking for affordable casket materials, pine and willow wood are inexpensive. Low-priced urn materials include plastic and standard steel.
No matter what you decide, the amount you spend is ultimately up to you. When you meet with your funeral director, ask about their merchandise offerings, and if you don’t find anything you like, try looking online. While it’s easier to purchase from the funeral home, they are required by law to accept and use any casket or urn you provide.
4. Pick a Different Service Location
Many funeral homes offer intimate, welcoming spaces where you can hold a service for a loved one, but depending on their pricing, it may be more affordable to host the service elsewhere.
As you explore your options, think about the places that were meaningful to your loved one. Perhaps you could host the service at their church, a favorite park, or even inside their home.
Talk with your funeral director and your family about what’s possible. The funeral home can coordinate services at a variety of locations and will guide you through any local requirements.
5. Save on Flowers
Flowers are symbols of love and support for a grieving family, hence their popularity at funerals. However, depending on the types and quantity you select, the cost of floral arrangements can add up. To keep costs low, you might consider buying blooms or artificial flowers from the store and putting the arrangements together yourself. You can include your loved one’s favorite flowers and invite your friends and family to help you arrange them. This joint activity can serve as an opportunity to mourn and share memories together.
Alternatively, you can go small with the flowers, like a small bouquet, or you can skip flower arrangements altogether. There’s no requirement to include flowers, so it’s perfectly acceptable to have none at all.
6. Host a Potluck Reception
After the funeral service, surviving family members traditionally gather for a reception or luncheon. To keep catering costs down, you could instead opt for a potluck reception. Invite select family members and close friends to bring a dish for the reception, so you can share the load of feeding a crowd.
To lower the cost even more, you could host the reception at your church or ask your funeral director about arranging a communal space at the funeral home if it’s included in their service pricing. This way, you’re not spending money on renting out a venue space or providing food.
7. Create A Digital Funeral Program
A funeral program is a memorial piece to honor your loved one during the service. While funeral homes can create and print a funeral program for you, they may charge a fee. To save on costs, consider going paperless! You can create a personalized digital program using a free design tool, then save it as a shareable link and generate a free QR code. At the service, all you’ll need to do is place a printed QR code at the entrance for attendees to scan on their phones.
The digital program not only eliminates printing costs but also removes the worry of running out of copies. It’s easy to share with friends and family who can’t attend the service, and you can add as much information as you’d like without worrying about the extra cost of extra print space.
By incorporating these ideas into the funeral planning process, you can remove some of the financial stress you may be feeling and create a meaningful tribute on a budget.
And if you want to remove future financial stress for your own family, consider preplanning your arrangements with a trusted funeral home. Preplanning allows you to make decisions on your own terms, put your wishes into writing, and pay for it in advance. This way, your family has peace of mind when it matters most.
