Asked & Answered

Local experts answer reader questions

Q:How much money should I be setting aside for preplanning funeral arrangements?

A:This is a personal question and depends on what type of services your family would like. Also if your family would like the funeral home to look after the outside costs as well, like the obituary, reception, prayer cards, stipends for clergy or a musician, cemetery fees, grave markers, etc., this could impact the total cost. I find it’s easier for the family if the funeral home looks after all of the costs so the family have one invoice rather than several invoices.

Costs for a basic cremation could be from $2,300 to $3,000. Cremation with a visitation and funeral would average $3,500 to $5,500. Traditional funerals have the widest margins, from $5,000 to $10,000.

These costs really don’t tell people much because every family is different and have different ideas about what a funeral means and what should occur. Also the extra costs could change the final price because of different items, a family may want the obituary put in multiple newspapers, the obituary could be $200 or $800, depending on the length and the newspaper. Cemetery fees are different with each cemetery, catering could be for 50 people or 250 people. These are some examples that could alter the cost of a funeral.

Whatever the case, Sydney Memorial Chapel would be happy to answer all of your questions. Visit sydneymemorialchapel.com for more information Kollin Weatherbee 902-539-0500 | kollinweatherbee@gmail.com