Planning a Funeral: Financial Considerations
Please also see the page on planning the liturgy for a funeral
At some point we need to consider the costs and preparations we might make in planning for our own or the funerals of our loved ones. We need to think about where and how we may wish to be buried or cremated when the time comes. However the likelihood is that most of us will leave the worry to others. It would be good if they were aware of our wishes and perhaps aware of what provision if any we have made.
There are a great many advertisements on TV and Radio at the moment encouraging us to make provision some even scare me when they talk about the cost they have in mind to charge us.. One ad states that a widow had to find £7,000 immediately. The answer is apparently to take out a savings policy now ,,,, for the cost of a cup of coffee a week! Let me tell you she drinks expensive coffee..... what is the truth? The research put together by Caritas, points to a cost of £3,500 - £5,500, as the average cost of funerals, However, the costs are inflated by disbursements such as outlined in the paragraphs taken from the Caritas letter below:
At some point we need to consider the costs and preparations we might make in planning for our own or the funerals of our loved ones. We need to think about where and how we may wish to be buried or cremated when the time comes. However the likelihood is that most of us will leave the worry to others. It would be good if they were aware of our wishes and perhaps aware of what provision if any we have made.
There are a great many advertisements on TV and Radio at the moment encouraging us to make provision some even scare me when they talk about the cost they have in mind to charge us.. One ad states that a widow had to find £7,000 immediately. The answer is apparently to take out a savings policy now ,,,, for the cost of a cup of coffee a week! Let me tell you she drinks expensive coffee..... what is the truth? The research put together by Caritas, points to a cost of £3,500 - £5,500, as the average cost of funerals, However, the costs are inflated by disbursements such as outlined in the paragraphs taken from the Caritas letter below:
- Are you planning on paying for your funeral from your life insurance policy? In this case make your wishes clear to your executor by including your wishes in a document with or part of your will. Remember Solicitors acting for you as an executor will charge for the service and you should check this out with them.
- Prepaid funeral services are becoming popular. If you choose one of these it is important to ensure that your family know you have made such an arrangement and which Funeral Company holds your plan. Remember costs for funerals can vary significantly and it may be worth asking two or three companies for an itemised quote.
- Funeral costs are in two parts. The Director's Fees and disbursements; these are the charges he will pay, on you to others. Disbursements reflect your choices and the level of service you have requested from the Funeral Director as well as some required expenses; Death certificates require two doctors to certify death. The Church will receive a donation, and while the Catholic Church does not charge fees as a guide you may wish to review the published Church of England fees table that is brought up to date each year. There is a fee for the opening of a grave, (ensure your executor is aware of any family grave and the location of the Grave papers) or purchase of a new grave. There are different fees involved at the Crematorium depending on your wishes. If you choose to have a body received into church the night before the service whilst the donation to the church is not influenced the undertaker will charge for the use of vehicles and Coffin Bearers. There are other fees to be considered too if you choose, a notice in newspapers, organist fees, flowers, catering and venue hire.
- When planning a funeral thought must be given to the level of service you require; The simplest format would use a simple coffin and hearse. Mourners would travel in their own vehicles. This would cost around £1,200, Additions for disbursements would increase the cost, eg limousines higher grade coffin etc.
- Requiem services in church are a serious liturgical event. Music should be of a sacred kind and hymns should enhance the prayerful character of the occasion. Readings will follow the usual pattern of a church service. You may wish to speak to your parish priest to help in preparing the service and this is especially important if you are preparing your own funeral service. Where you leave any instructions and who you choose as your executor may be helpful to share well in advance of the event. At St Catherine's our practice includes a book of readings and a sheet detailing the format of the service with space to record your choices of readings, and who will read them. A selection of Bidding Prayers, though you may wish to write your own, and some thoughts on how a Eulogy might be delivered briefly by a member of the family. The priest will appreciate a short Pen Picture giving some detail of the person's life to help in his homily; you may wish to record family members names or particularly significant events that you would want to recall during the homily. The choice of readings should reflect the character of the deceased and the variety of recommended readings will usually provide an appropriate resource. It is common these days to put together a mass booklet for the service and this is often inclusive of one or two photographs. Such a booklet serves as an excellent keepsake and prompt to prayer in the days following the interment.
Funerals are generally arranged by the undertaker. They should contact Father John on 0161 445 2079.