If your plans are mentioned only in a will, the will may not be read until long after other arrangements have been made. Price shop by telephone or in person. There are at least twice as many funeral homes in this country as can be supported by the death-rate. That's not always the case, however, and price-shopping can save you thousands of dollars. To see if you'd be getting a reasonable deal, mentally calculate the actual time you think each funeral option takes.
Many mortuaries depend on a high mark-up for their profit.
Make a simple wood casket. Take a friend or clergy with you. If you are funeral shopping at a time of immediate need, take someone who will help you resist subtle pressures to spend more than you want. 5. Consider cremation. It costs a great deal less to ship cremated remains from one state to another.