The average cost of a funeral is $8,500, but many traditional funerals can cost more than $10,000. Many people feel there is a connection between how much is spent and how much you loved your family member or friend, but that should not be the case. Letting your family members know your wishes ahead of time will help them realize they do not have to spend money to show their love.

Of course it depends on what you want, but here are some basic costs:

Transportation

• Hearse - $135–$250

• Limousine - $125–$250

Facilities and Services

• Funeral Home - $1,500-$3,500

• Cremation - about $700, including container

Visitation

• On-site - $100–$520

• Off-site - $275–$550

Funeral

• On-site - $100–$850

• Off-site - $200–$660

Graveside Ceremonies - $50–$415

Memorial Service

• On-site - $100–$670

• Off-site - $100–$520

• Removal of Remains - $125–$300

Casket / Cremation Urn

• Low-end Casket - $90–$860

• High-end Casket - $2,995–$65,000

• Low-end Cremation Urn - $25–$235

• High-end Cremation Urn - $335–$3,650

Burial container

• Vault - $375–$525

• Liner - $285–$525

Professional and Administrative Services

• Embalming - $100–$525

• Opening and Closing the Grave - $350-$1,500

• Headstones or grave markers - $500 to several thousand

• Grave Plot - $350-$3,000

• Death certificates - depends on state

• Obituary - call your local newspaper