Whether it’s a family member or friend, the departure of a person you’ve been close to can be a tragic experience. Giving them a proper funeral is a great way to commemorate their life, and it can also help you handle the grief. There are several types of funeral services, and you might want to think about what’s right for the deceased and the family. Also, knowing how much funeral costs can help you plan your finances.

This article looks at the various types of funeral services and costs.

Types of funeral services

Here are the different types of funeral services:

Traditional
A traditional funeral, also referred to as a full-service funeral, is the most popular funeral type nationwide. It’s held at a church or funeral home, where friends and family gather to view their loved ones at either an open or closed-casket ceremony. A traditional funeral is usually religious and involves a priest sharing a few words and a blessing, eulogies by family and close friends, and music and songs. After the conclusion of the formal service, the deceased is buried or cremated, at either a cemetery or crematorium.

Graveside service
A graveside service, also called a committal service, is a funeral ceremony that generally takes place at the cemetery, where friends and relatives gather to pay their final respects before the burial. The ceremony often involves prayers and a few words from friends and family. The attendees also present flowers and other memorabilia at the grave of the deceased. As only a part of the ceremony that follows the traditional funeral, a graveside service is a short ritual.

Direct burial
Not everyone desires a formal ceremony. In such cases, direct burial is a good option. It skips the visitation, funeral, and even graveside service part, and only requires the funeral home to bury the casket, usually in the presence of immediate family. It’s a short and simple procedure and excellent for those who want to save money.

Direct cremation
This option is similar to direct burial, except the body of the deceased is cremated rather than buried. It’s also commonly referred to as “simple cremation,” as it doesn’t involve visitation or funeral. It’s a go-to option for those who desire privacy or can’t afford to arrange a formal ceremony.

Wake
A wake, also referred to as a vigil, is a ceremony that typically takes place right before the funeral. Traditionally, the ceremony was organized at the home of the deceased, where loved ones came together to comfort one another and pay their final respects to the deceased. However, these days it’s usually held at funeral homes or places of worship. A wake is typically a religious ceremony that often includes prayers, recitations, and readings.

Green funeral
A green funeral may be an ideal option for those concerned about the negative environmental impact of a traditional funeral. This type of funeral service does away with the embalming chemicals and features a casket made of biodegradable materials. Plus, the gravesite is not vaulted with steel or concrete. Also, since green funerals do not involve cremation, they may have a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to a traditional funeral.

Burial at sea
In this type of funeral service, the remains of the deceased are released into the sea or ocean. This is usually done via a ship or boat but sometimes from an aircraft. While many people think burial at sea is only available to Naval personnel, the truth is that almost anyone can request this funeral service. However, note that sea burials are heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you might want to work with someone who specializes in this service.

Cost of funeral services
The type of funeral service you choose plays a significant role in determining the total cost of the funeral. For example, the median cost of a basic cremation is about $2,650, while the average cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing and burial is approximately $7,640. The cost of arranging a funeral has shot up in recent years, and it’s not uncommon for funerals to cost more than $10,000 today. It’s important to keep in mind that, current, the average funeral costs anywhere between $7,000 and $12,000. This price typically includes viewing, burial, service fees, transport, casket, embalming, and other preparation required for the funeral.

To help family members calculate the approximate funeral costs, The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) have provided average cost for various elements involved in a typical funeral.

• Funeral service fee – $2,100
• Vault – $1,395
• Cremation casket – $1,000
• Funeral home rental – $500
• Funeral home staff – $500
• Embalming – $725
• Urn – $275
• Cosmetic services: – $250
• Hearse – $325
• Transportation – $325
• Transportation for the family – $150
• Pamphlets and materials – $160

It’s also worth noting that the overall cost of a funeral varies depending on the location. Nevertheless, funerals can be expensive, so families of the deceased must carefully consider their options and plan finances accordingly.