Tips for Making an Affordable Funeral Budget

Funerals at funeral homes in Amboy, IL, do cost money. And for most people, that’s just fine. But what if you need to save? Working within a small funeral budget can be hard, especially for people who have big dreams of what they want their lost loved one’s service to look like. If you’re worried about the cost of a funeral, maybe it’s time to cut back on the budget. Think about it this way – you won’t be stressed about bills or money, and you’ll actually be able to soak in the time spent honoring and remembering your loved one.  

Not sure how to decrease your budget to save you money? Here are some tips for cutting down your funeral budget to help you save money and stress:   

• Make Cuts to the Guest List – This is the simplest way to save money on a funeral. Think about it like this: a 300-person funeral reception will automatically be twice as expensive as a 150-person reception. Pair down your guest list to just people you really know and really love and you’ll see your budget go way down.  
• Omit Stationary – The cost of paper death announcements and funeral invitations really adds up. Luckily, there are tons of digital platforms that will send these out for free. If you’re set on having paper invitations, consider mixing them with a digital RSVP system. You can also cut things like day-of programs, and menu cards as they always get thrown out anyway. Instead, try big chalkboard signs that can give the same information for way less than half the cost.  
• DIY as Much as Possible – While there are some aspects of a funeral you don’t want to DIY, like preparing the body, there are tons of things you can. For example, make your centerpieces, create your own floral arrangements, design your own programs, or ask friend and family to help with set up and tear down. There’s also the option of DIYing the food at the reception following the service if you want to go with a more casual vibe and your venue allows. 
• Don’t Pinch on the Funeral Home - The one thing you shouldn’t try and scrimp on? The funeral home. The funeral home has such a massive impact on the entire day, so don’t try and cut back there. Instead, use these tips for other ways to save money.  

Funerals are a big deal and oftentimes the memories of your lost loved one and meaningful moments honoring their life are worth the expense. But for some, it’s important to save money on a funeral so they can spend it on other things. And that’s OK, too. As an Amboy, IL funeral home, we have the expertise needed to make your lost loved one’s service the best it can be, no matter what your budget. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or preplanning.