A traditional funeral usually means a viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony, and burial in a cemetery. It is typically the most expensive type of arrangement because it combines funeral home services, merchandise and cemetery charges.
Typical components
| Component | General planning range |
|---|---|
| Basic services of funeral director and staff | About $1,800 to $3,200 |
| Transfer of remains (local) | About $350 to $700 |
| Embalming and other preparation | About $800 to $1,400 |
| Viewing / visitation | About $400 to $1,000 |
| Funeral ceremony | About $500 to $1,200 |
| Hearse and service vehicle | About $400 to $850 |
| Casket | About $1,200 to $12,000 depending on material |
| Outer burial container (vault or liner) | About $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Cemetery plot plus opening and closing | About $2,500 to $7,500 |
| Headstone or marker | About $800 to $3,000 |
These are broad educational ranges used in our funeral cost calculator, not quotes. Your total depends on the provider and your choices.
The biggest variables
- Casket. Prices range from simple cloth-covered or pine models to bronze and hardwood. You may buy a casket elsewhere; the funeral home must accept it without a handling fee. See casket cost.
- Cemetery. Private and religious cemeteries set their own prices, and opening and closing fees are separate from the plot. See cemetery and burial costs.
- Package vs. itemized. Packages can be good value, but compare them against the itemized General Price List.
Ways to reduce the cost
- A private family viewing instead of a public visitation
- A graveside service instead of a chapel service
- A less expensive casket, or one purchased elsewhere
- Using a family-owned cemetery plot
- Veterans’ benefits, such as burial in a VA national cemetery. See veterans funeral benefits.
Protect yourself
Ask for the General Price List, the Casket Price List and the Outer Burial Container Price List, and review the written statement of goods and services before you sign. See your rights when planning a funeral.
Prices mentioned on this page are general ranges for planning purposes, not quotes. Actual costs depend on the provider and the goods and services you choose. Funeral homes must give you an itemized General Price List on request. Editorial policy.