Quick Start: Choose Your Scenario
Assign Costs to Each Event
Click to assign each item to Funeral, Memorial, or Both events
Venue & Facilities
Funeral home chapel
F: $0-$500
Church/religious venue
F: $100-$500M: $100-$500
Event venue rental
M: $300-$2000
Graveside setup (tent, chairs)
F: $200-$500
Professional Services
Funeral director services
F: $1500-$3500
Embalming
F: $500-$900
Body preparation (no embalming)
F: $200-$400
Officiant/clergy
F: $150-$400M: $150-$400
Event coordinator
M: $200-$800
Transportation
Hearse
F: $300-$700
Limousine for family
F: $200-$500M: $200-$500
Transfer of remains
F: $200-$500
Casket & Burial
Casket purchase
F: $1000-$10000
Casket rental (for viewing)
F: $400-$1000
Burial vault/liner
F: $500-$2000
Grave opening/closing
F: $500-$1500
Cemetery plot
F: $1000-$5000
Cremation
Cremation fee
F: $200-$800
Urn
F: $50-$500M: $50-$500
Flowers & Decor
Casket spray
F: $150-$500
Standing arrangements
F: $200-$600M: $200-$600
Table arrangements
F: $100-$300M: $100-$400
Memorial decor/photos
F: $50-$200M: $100-$500
Catering & Reception
Light refreshments
F: $200-$600M: $200-$600
Full meal catering
F: $500-$2000M: $800-$3000
Beverages (non-alcoholic)
F: $100-$300M: $100-$300
Beverages (with alcohol)
M: $300-$1500
Cake/desserts
F: $50-$200M: $100-$400
Music & AV
Organist/pianist
F: $100-$300M: $100-$300
Soloist/vocalist
F: $100-$400M: $100-$400
Sound system rental
F: $50-$200M: $100-$400
Video tribute/slideshow
F: $100-$400M: $100-$400
DJ/background music
M: $200-$600
Photography & Video
Photographer
F: $200-$600M: $200-$800
Videographer
F: $300-$800M: $300-$1000
Livestreaming setup
F: $100-$400M: $100-$400
Printed Materials
Programs/bulletins
F: $50-$200M: $50-$200
Memorial cards
F: $50-$150M: $50-$150
Guest book
F: $20-$75M: $20-$75
Photo displays
F: $50-$200M: $100-$400
Quick Comparison: Funeral vs Memorial
| Aspect | Funeral Service | Memorial Service |
|---|---|---|
| Body Present | Yes (casket/urn) | No |
| Timing | Within 1-2 weeks | Any time |
| Typical Cost | $7,000-$15,000+ | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Location | Funeral home, church | Any venue |
| Tone | More formal, somber | Can be casual, celebratory |
| Flexibility | Limited by disposition | Very flexible |
Planning Tips for Multiple Events
- • Consider a small family funeral followed by a larger public memorial
- • Repurpose flowers and photos between events to reduce costs
- • Memorial services don't require a funeral home - explore cheaper venues
- • Allow time between events for family to recover emotionally
- • Consider livestreaming the funeral for those who can't attend both
Frequently Asked Questions
A funeral has the body or cremated remains present. A memorial service is held without the body - either after burial/cremation or when remains aren't available. Funerals typically happen within a week of death; memorials can be scheduled at any time and often focus more on celebration than mourning.
Memorial services are typically less expensive ($1,000-$5,000) than full funerals ($7,000-$15,000+). Memorials skip embalming, viewing, and often casket/burial costs. However, if you're also having a burial/cremation separately, the combined cost may be similar to a traditional funeral.
Yes, it's common to have a small private funeral/burial followed by a larger public memorial. This allows intimate family time during burial and a more accessible celebration for others. Budget for both events if planning this way.
Funeral-specific: embalming, viewing/visitation, casket rental, hearse, grave opening, burial vault. Memorial-specific: often higher venue rental (since not at funeral home), more elaborate catering for longer events, personalized decor. Both share: flowers, officiant, printed materials, reception food.
Traditionally, the deceased's estate or immediate family pays. For memorials, costs are sometimes shared among family members or friends. Some families set up a memorial fund or ask guests to contribute to the reception costs in lieu of flowers.
First, determine your total budget. Prioritize the essential elements (disposition of remains, main ceremony). Allocate percentages: typically 50-60% for funeral/disposition, 30-40% for memorial/reception, 10-20% for miscellaneous. Be flexible as needs become clearer.