Whether you are planning for yourself or for someone else, knowing the cost of funeral in Ontario can help you plan for a good funeral. You’ll also find out about how you can pay for a funeral, as well as how to prepare for the cost.
How much is the Cost of Funeral in Ontario?
Whether you are in the middle of planning your own funeral or helping a friend or family member with this important task, it’s important to understand how much you can expect to pay. The cost of funeral in Canada varies by region and type of funeral services chosen, like whether or not it includes a traditional burial, a cremation, or a direct cremation, without a memorial and viewing. In addition, funeral expenses can also vary by the type of casket and burial plot you choose.
Funeral cost in Ontario can range from a few thousand dollars for a cardboard casket to tens of thousands of dollars for a metal casket or wood casket. Funeral costs can also include flowers, decorations, and other details.
In addition to flowers, funeral costs can also include cremation or burial costs. Direct cremation costs less than $5,000, while a traditional burial can cost thousands of dollars.
Funerals are very personal events. They bring people together in a time of loss. During this time, family members feel pressure to give a good funeral. They can overspend because of this pressure. However, taking the time to plan ahead can help reduce the cost of a funeral.
Before you start planning your funeral, write down your preferences. You may also want to think about funeral favors and key rings.
The average cost of funeral in Ontario
Depending on your budget and preferences, the average cost of funeral in Ontario ranges between $7,000 to $25,000, the greater Toronto Area would naturally cost more than smaller cities or towns. The cost of funeral, and the funeral arrangement itself can be overwhelming, but planning ahead can help you keep the cost down, and the funeral well-prepared.
The first thing you should do is get an idea of how much money you want to spend. Once you know how much money you want to spend, start making a checklist of things you want to include. Whether you want a burial plot, casket, or flowers, a couple of night viewing, and a memorial. All services, and things needed for a preferred funeral, should be considered when planning so all costs are factored in.
You can find the exact funeral cost in Ontario by calling around and asking funeral homes, and other service providers near you. You can also request price lists, if available. Some funeral homes offer flower packages, which are usually included in the price.
The type of casket you want will also affect the cost. Some are made of wood, others are metal. Wood caskets can cost thousands of dollars, while metal caskets are more affordable. You’ll also need to consider the headstone. Upright headstones cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the cemetery and design.
You may also want to purchase an urn. Urns are made of a variety of materials and can cost thousands of dollars.
Funeral Cost in Ontario: Break Down The Costs
Having to deal with a loved one’s death can be stressful, and often families are overwhelmed by the amount of money they have to spend on a funeral.
Aside from funeral costs, there are also burial costs. Some cultures conduct ritual washing of the body, and this may add to the overall cost.
Funerals may also include personal touches, such as a burn or a casket, depending on the family’s wishes. Some cultures even have overnight visitations.
Some funeral homes offer packages to help reduce the cost of funerals. These packages may include catering services, flowers, and memorial keepsakes. If you do not have life insurance, you can save money by paying for a burial plot ahead of time as the average cost of a burial plot in Ontario tends to be higher at the time of need than when acquired early on.
Below are the usual end-of-life costs and arrangements that play a part in the total cost of funeral in Ontario:
- death certificate ($15-$22), registration fee ($55)
- body transfer fee ($55)
- a shroud/casket/urn ($0 up to $3,000)
- body preparation ($125-$525)
- funeral home service (over $2,000) includes embalming plus ceremonies like visitation or memorial services, and does not include plus staffing fees.
- burial plots or niches ($1,000 or more)
- cremation or burial services ($1, 000 and up
Can you pre-plan your funeral?
Choosing to pre-plan your funeral can be a thoughtful and practical decision for you and your family. It can help ease your loved ones’ stress and provide them with peace of mind. This can be accomplished by documenting your wishes and putting them on file with your service provider.
Preplanning your funeral can help you reduce your family’s financial burden. It can also ensure that your wishes are carried out.
There are two ways to pay for funeral services: You can choose to prepay or purchase a funeral plan, and a cemetery plot or you can choose to purchase a life insurance policy to take care of these costs. You can also use a third-party pre-planning company to pay for the services.
If you decide to prepay, you can do so with a single payment or in installments. The funds you pre-pay will be put into a trust account.
How can you pay for a funeral?
Taking care of the funeral of a loved one is a tough task. You need to make sure you are able to afford the costs. Fortunately, there are several ways to make this process easier.
The first way is to have a funeral provider arrange a pre-paid contract. This guarantees your loved one’s funeral, even if prices rise. The second way to pay for a funeral is by applying for financial assistance. Another way to prepay for a funeral is to purchase a life insurance policy. The insurance death benefit can cover funeral costs, but it can also be used to pay for other associated expenses that may arise as a result of a loved one’s death.
If you failed to plan for end-of-life expenses such as a funeral arrangement, most funeral homes and cemeteries do accept debit, cheque, cash, or credit card. The problem for most Canadians that have failed to pre-plan for a final expense such as a funeral is that the cash isn’t available at the time of death, so either they have to dip into debt or raise funds from friends and family.
What if you can't afford a funeral?
There are some options available for those who cannot afford a traditional funeral. Depending on the situation, assistance may be available through government programs such as Employment and Social Assistance and Ontario Works. You can also ask family and friends to help cover the cost of a funeral through love gifts and donations. Another option is to consider a direct cremation service as an alternative to a traditional funeral.
A direct cremation service is a basic cremation with no visitation, memorial, or other funeral and burial services. It is a simple and inexpensive way to lay your loved one to rest without additional costs. You can also choose to hold a memorial service after the cremation process has been completed. This can be done at a place of your choosing such as a church or another location like an event hall or even a restaurant.
If none of these budget-friendly alternatives is an option, some people have raised funeral and burial fundraising campaigns through GoFundMe.
These options aren’t ideal for a decent funeral. The best option of course is to plan ahead by either purchasing a funeral plan or getting a final expense life insurance so everything is well taken care of at the time of death.
What are the options to pre-plan a funeral?
Whether you are looking for a way to ensure the financial and emotional burden on your family, or you are looking for peace of mind for yourself, there are a number of options available when it comes to pre-planning a funeral in Ontario. By choosing to pre-arrange your funeral, you will have more control over the funeral arrangements and you will be able to decide how your final wishes are carried out.
Pre-planning your funeral allows you to make decisions that are authentic to your own values and lifestyle. You can choose from many different options, including an open or closed casket, cremation, or a graveside ceremony. You can also pre-select songs, pallbearers, and the type of flowers that will be used.
If you decide to pre-pay your funeral expenses, you can choose to pay in one lump sum, or in installments. This will allow you to make the payments more manageable.
Using a funeral home that specializes in pre-arrangement means that you can be assured that the services you need will be available. However, you should remember that some funeral homes have strict regulations when it comes to pre-arrangement.
Conclusion
Planning ahead for your funeral is a responsible and practical decision that can provide peace of mind both during your lifetime and after death. In this article, we have outlined several ways that you can pay for a funeral, whether you choose to pre-arrange or pre-pay. We have also provided information on government assistance programs as well as alternative options for those who cannot afford a traditional funeral.
No matter what option you choose, it is important to remember that the best way to spare your loved ones from any additional stress and grief is to plan ahead for end-of-life expenses such as funeral and burial costs.
Life insurance is an excellent way to ensure that your family will not have to worry about the financial burden of paying for a funeral. A final expense life insurance policy is an affordable and practical way to provide for those who you leave behind.
By taking the time to plan ahead, you can rest assured knowing that your death will be less of a burden on your family and more of a celebration of your life.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to taking care of yourself and those you love. The funeral expenses are just one part of that responsibility. Feel free to book an appointment with us at your most convenient time to discuss any questions you may have about implementing a final expense life insurance that covers funeral and other end-of-life expenses.
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