Visitation costs at the funeral home will vary depending on the individual home and the length of the visitation. As a less expensive alternative, you may wish to check to see if visitation can be held at your church. This has been done in some areas and may save you money. Caskets Never lose sight of your budget when choosing a casket. Many different types of caskets are available, from cloth-covered wood models that cost a couple hundred dollars to solid bronze and copper caskets costing several thousand dollars.
Caskets are a high profit item for funeral homes.
Don't be influenced by derogatory statements or unflattering displays of lower-priced caskets. Under the FTC funeral rule, funeral directors must provide consumers with a complete price list of all available caskets with enough information to identify each casket. The rule also says that funeral directors are prohibited from misrepresenting that any casket will delay natural decomposition. Although funeral directors may not misrepresent that embalming, caskets, or burial vaults can preserve the body for extended periods of time, they do have the obligation and the right to pass along any information contained in the manufacturer's warranty. Caskets are not required for direct cremations.