Funerals can be very expensive, with the average funeral in the United States costing several thousand dollars. The average cost of a funeral can vary greatly by location. That being said, there are practical ways to save on costs without being "cheap". One of the most difficult factors in controlling costs for a funeral is feeling guilty by not paying more or going with the "best" option. However, the suggestions below will show that you can spend less and get more by being savvy.
Bereavement flights are the special reduced rate that airlines offer to relatives of someone who has died or is very sick. They may also offer discounts for family emergencies. While many airlines offer bereavement fares, some do not. You should always remember to look at the terms and conditions of your flight in case there are any restrictions or fine print, such as document requirements (you may be required to provide a death certificate) or cancellation policies.
A direct cremation is a disposition option (method treating a deceased's body) in which the deceased's body is cremated and the cremated remains (ashes or cremains) are returned to family members. Direct cremations have become steadily more popular as an option in recent years due to their cost and the freedom it gives the family to have less formal funeral services or celebration-of-life gatherings.
At Obitia we know that not everyone pre-plans their own funeral. In fact, most people do not. This means that the responsibility for planning a funeral usually falls on the deceased's family who may not only be unprepared but also grieving the loss of their loved one.
Purchasing and sending funeral flowers to the funeral home is one of the most common and time-consuming tasks when planning a funeral. This task can be made even more complicated if you are unable to visit the flower shop or funeral home due to several different reasons. If you want to simplify this task you should either speak with the funeral director or use our funeral flower service.
Buying items online has become the norm in most parts of our modern lives. What many people may be surprised to find out is that caskets and coffins can be purchased online as well and are often more affordable than other options. While you still may want to both browse and or purchase from a funeral home directly, if you want to buy from a third party online retailer you will need to take the following into account.
The world of funerals and funeral homes may be distant and mysterious to many people until they are required to plan a funeral for a friend or a loved one. This usually leads to having to quickly learn concepts and terms that are not used in common day speech, such as internment and Alkaline hydrolysis. This is why we created this guide to terms regarding coffins and caskets, the difference of which is generally the shape, even though the two terms are generally interchangeable today.
The loss of a pet comes with its own grief and difficulties. Pet owners never want to think about the loss of their beloved pet, but they will need to make some plans for when the day comes. Below we outline some of the issues with loss and what practical considerations you should make.
Depending on whether or not your loved one put together a funeral plan before their passing, you may be in the position of needing to find a funeral home. This task is usually done right after the passing and can be time-sensitive. If you are are in this situation right now we will help you navigate this difficult situation.
While many people hold a funeral or memorial service at a funeral home or a church (or temple), some are opting for different and sometimes very unique venues to hold a funeral or celebrate their loved one's life. Below we have put together some unique and interesting ideas if you are looking for a venue to celebrate your loved one's life.
