Burial arrangements are normally made by close family members and friends of the deceased person. It is essential that you work out how much money you can afford for the burial arrangements, as there are many expenses to be covered. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, there are a few measures you can take to help you keep funeral costs as low as possible.
Making your own burial arrangements is usually cheaper than having to hire someone else to do it. However, if you must hire someone to help you with the organization, find someone whose services are affordable. Also, only outsource the specific services you want instead of getting a whole package deal that you may not use fully.
You should consider cremation. This is a low cost method of interment because it only involves buying a low cost coffin and having the body interred at a crematorium. There will be no need for a memorial service, viewing of the body or anything else. You must talk to family members to ensure that this is acceptable to all of them.
Shop around and look for affordable caskets. Request to view low cost models. Caskets are usually one of the most expensive items in a burial. Lower priced models are usually made from soft wood. The other option is not to buy a casket but to use a shroud instead.
Do not pay for expensive or extra vehicles and flowers if you do not have to. Use the available vehicles that friends and family are willing to offer. Also, instead of having guests bring flowers, ask them to make a donation instead that will go towards covering the cost of the burial.
You can have the memorial service conducted at a family member's home to avoid having to hire a venue. You can also look around for an affordable officiant or have a friend or family member who is an ordained minister carry out the service. Have volunteer grave diggers and pallbearers so as to keep funeral costs down.
