Shop around in advance for the most efficient and effective funeral planning experience. Compare prices from at least two funeral homes. Remember that you can supply your own casket or urn.

<h2>Funeral Planning Tips</h2>

Ask for a price list. The law requires funeral homes to give you written price lists for products and services.

Resist pressure to buy goods and services you don't really want or need.

Avoid emotional overspending. It's not necessary to have the fanciest casket or the most elaborate funeral to properly honor a loved one.
Recognize your rights. Laws regarding funerals and burials vary from state to state. It's a smart move to know which goods or services the law requires you to purchase and which are optional.

Apply the same smart shopping techniques you use for other major purchases. You can cut costs by limiting the viewing to one day or one hour before the funeral, and by dressing your loved one in a favorite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.

Plan ahead. It allows you to comparison shop without time constraints, creates an opportunity for family discussion, and lifts some of the burden from your family.

Funeral Planning Tips That Save Money

In 2009, the average funeral cost between $7500 and $9000. While you want to ensure that your loved ones receive the respect and dignity they deserve, there are several ways to manage the costs of a funeral without compromising the dignity of the departed.

A difficult but important step in arranging a cost-effective funeral is to plan ahead. Shop around to determine the cost of the casket, embalming, gravesite, and related expenditures. Consult impartial sources - not just your funeral director - before deciding on any particular option. Remember to check for military benefits to which your loved one may be entitled. Oftentimes, the U.S. Deparment of Defense will provide a headstone or marker, for example, in honor of a veteran.

Consider also the fact that funeral homes sell their caskets, headstones, plaques, and markers at retail prices, but the manufacturers may offer the same items online for 50-70% less. If you do not feel up to the task of "shopping around," ask for an itemized estimate from your funeral director or planner. Know that the Federal Trade Commission requires all funeral professionals to give you this information.

Although the funeral home will hold a service in honor of your loved one for a price, remember to consult with your church, if you are a member of one, about holding the service there. Keep in mind that a funeral home is a business, whose purpose is to sell its services for profit, while your church is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering its services despite the cost.

Last, bring a trusted friend, who was not as close to your loved one, to the funeral home. Let your friend help negotiate with the funeral director to reach a fair agreement. You can provide a wonderful funeral at a fraction of the cost if you can take the time to weigh your options.

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