Can you have a traditional funeral without high costs?

Introduction
What can you do if you want a traditional funeral without the excessive expense?

Many people choose to have a direct cremation for financial reasons. Sometimes it’s simply because they don’t want a funeral service. But what about those who would like a “normal” funeral but can’t afford the additional expense?

People often say that just an average traditional funeral – at a funeral home or a church – can easily cost $10,000 or more, which is simply not an option for some individuals. However, there is still a way.

Traditional Funerals
While fewer people are choosing the traditional funeral option, there is still a keen interest in it. To be clear, a “traditional funeral” is one that takes place indoors at a church, funeral home, or hall, with a minister or celebrant leading the service. There is a certain structure that may or may not include songs, a slideshow, service sheets, flowers, etc. Often, refreshments are also provided afterward.

In the past, the traditional funeral was the type that almost everyone had. For some people, it remains an important rite.

Saving on Expenses
There are many ways to reduce costs while still having a traditional funeral.

Some people decide to handle certain aspects themselves. For example, they might design their own service sheet or slideshow. Many helpful websites can assist with this.
The coffin could be a plain wooden box but covered with a sheet, flag, flowers, or decorated in colors or designs.
Often, a venue will rent a room free of charge if they can handle the catering.
Limit what the funeral director needs to do. For example, There’s no reason why someone cannot transport a coffin with the appropriate transport—but not strapped to the top of a hatchback.

What are the major costs?
The major costs tend to be:

Coffin – usually ranging from $1,000 to $8,000
Professional Fees – several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
Embalming – average $500 – possibly more.

Then the additional costs include:

Chapel hire – $200 – $500
Hearse hire – $200 – $450
Celebrant / clergy – $300 – $900
Flowers – $200 – $500
Service Sheets – $2-$5 each
Live-streaming – $200 – $500
Pictorial tribute / slideshow – $300 – $500

Then there are the other costs:

Medical / Doctor’s certificate
Death certificate
Newspaper notice
Be aware of any additional costs

Additionally, there is the arrangement of the cremation or burial with the entities managing these services, as well as coordinating everything so that it runs smoothly on the day.

SDF – Traditional Funerals
Recently, I have assisted families with traditional funerals instead of direct cremations. There were church services followed by a cremation, and a service at a sports hall with a burial afterward.

The feedback from families indicated that this option may well suit many families.

There is a distinct difference between how I would arrange this from other funeral homes. First, the cost can be less than a third.

The “Simple” approach is significantly less stressful. I prefer to take a more understated role because it is about the person. I encourage people if they want to do some things themselves, such as creating service sheets or slide shows.

Having been involved in the other side of conducting funeral services as a minister, I have gained a lot of experience and confidence in offering a positive alternative.

Conclusion
Some people still want the traditional funeral. I simply want to provide an alternative that makes this a feasible option for families.

The goal here is to provide families who desire a traditional funeral without the higher expenses.