An open casket funeral is a type of service where the body of the deceased is present in a casket, allowing family and friends to view and say goodbye. This kind of funeral is often chosen to help people process their grief and celebrate the life of the person who has passed away. The cost of an open casket funeral can vary a lot depending on several factors, especially if there are any medical procedures involved, such as embalming or body preparation. Understanding these costs is important for families who want to plan a meaningful service without spending more than they need to.
The most basic open casket funeral usually includes several key services. These are the removal of the body from the place of death to the funeral home, embalming, body preparation, the use of the funeral home for the viewing, and the casket itself. Embalming is a medical process that preserves the body and is often required for open casket viewings because it helps the body look more natural and prevents decomposition. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states that embalming is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended for open casket funerals, especially if the viewing is going to last more than a day or two [4]. The cost for embalming alone can be around $725, according to the NFDA’s most recent data [4].
Body preparation is another medical service that is usually included in an open casket funeral. This involves washing the body, dressing it, applying makeup, and styling the hair. These steps help the deceased look peaceful and familiar to those who come to pay their respects. The average cost for body preparation is about $250 [4]. Some funeral homes may offer additional services like hairdressing or cosmetic work, which can add more to the total cost. For example, a hairdresser might charge between $65 and $130, depending on the complexity of the work needed [2].
The casket is often the most expensive part of an open casket funeral. Caskets come in many styles, materials, and price ranges. A simple metal casket can cost around $2,400, while more elaborate or custom caskets can cost much more. Some funeral homes offer caskets starting at $2,660 and going up to $5,325 or higher [2]. The type of casket chosen can greatly affect the total cost of the funeral.
The funeral home itself charges for the use of its facilities for the viewing and ceremony. This includes the cost of renting the space, staff labor, and any other services needed to host the event. The average cost for a viewing and ceremony is about $425 for the visitation and $500 for the funeral ceremony, according to the NFDA [4]. Some funeral homes may charge more if the viewing is longer or if there are additional amenities like food or special decorations.
Other costs to consider include the removal of the remains, which is the process of transporting the body from the place of death to the funeral home. This service typically costs around $325 [4]. There may also be fees for necessary paperwork, such as death certificates and permits, which are required by law. These fees can vary by state but are usually a few hundred dollars.
If the family wants to include a burial, there are additional costs for the cemetery plot, grave liner or burial vault, and opening and closing the grave. A burial vault, which surrounds the casket and is often made of reinforced concrete, has a median cost of $1,395 [4]. The cost to open and close the grave can be around $2,500, but this can vary depending on the cemetery and location [9].
It is important to note that the total cost of an open casket funeral can be much higher if there are any special medical needs or if the family chooses to add extra services. For example, if the deceased had a medical condition that required special handling or if there are complications with the embalming process, the costs could increase. Some funeral homes may also charge extra for services like military honors, flowers, or special transportation.
The average cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing and burial, which is similar to an open casket funeral, was $7,360 according to the NFDA in 2016 [4]. However, this number can be higher or lower depending on the location, the funeral home, and the specific services chosen. In some areas, the cost can be closer to $8,000 or more, especially if cemetery fees and other extras are included [6].
Families who are concerned about the cost of an open casket funeral should ask for a detailed price list from the funeral home. By law, funeral homes must provide a general price list that breaks down all the costs of their services. This can help families make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges. It is also a good idea to compare prices from different funeral homes and to ask about any discounts or package deals that may be available.
In summary, the cost of an open casket funeral can range from about $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the services chosen and the location. The main factors that affect the cost are the embalming and body preparation, the casket, the use of the funeral home, and any additional services or cemetery fees. Families should carefully consider their options and ask for detailed information to ensure they get the service they want at a price they can afford.
Sources:
[1] Accio
[2] Linnemann Funeral Homes
[3] After
[4] Funeralocity
[5] Cremation Austin
[6] John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory
[7] Tierney Funeral Home
[8] Fabrizio Funeral Chapels
[9] Graham Funeral Home
