Why are Funeral Services so expensive?
When compared to other major life cycle events such as births and weddings, funeral are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities, (viewing rooms, chapel areas, hearses, vehicles, etc.,) which all must be factored into the cost of a funeral. Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only the merchandise like caskets and burial vaults, but the services of a Funeral Director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers, and others; and seeing to all the necessary details. Contrary to popular belief, funeral homes are largely family-owned with a modest profit margin.
