Your guide to budget-friendly funerals

It’s probably the last thing you’ll ever pay for, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be a bargain. In fact, funerals in New Zealand can easily cost upwards of $10,000, and that’s not counting recent inflation. 

But even if there’s no such thing as a ‘cheap funeral’, it is still possible to find ways to minimise costs and plan a ‘budget-friendly funeral’. 

Planning a budget-friendly funeral 

Have you ever booked something last-minute and ended up paying a lot more because you don’t have the time to look at all the options? Planning a funeral is similar – if you do it ahead of time and explore all your options, you may well keep it budget-friendly by taking that extra time.   

For example, you can plan to keep it small, short, and simple (fewer people means smaller venues and lower food costs, shorter and simpler can typically add further savings). Plus, by pre-paying for certain items, you can lock in a lower cost before the price rises with inflation. 

Some costs are standard and fairly unavoidable, such as mortuary fees (places that look after a body prior to burial/cremation) and death certificates. However, some costs vary wildly, such as the cost of a casket and the venue itself – it’s here where you can opt for more budget-friendly choices. 

Affordable casket options 

Generally speaking, the more ornate and fancy a casket is, the more it will cost. 

The most affordable kinds are made with plain, untreated pine. Or you can even opt for birch plywood. 

Or if you love socialising and a side of dark humour, you can look for a local coffin club for a final DIY project to make your own on a budget – all while making friends and having a few laughs along the way. 

DIY funeral arrangements  

While a professional will usually do a more ‘expert’ job, there are certain parts of funerals that you may be able to DIY.

For example, you are not obligated to purchase a coffin spray (the flower arrangement that sits on top of a casket). You can opt for flowers from your own garden, the wild, or even loose stems purchased and arranged at home.  

You can also create your own service program for the funeral. Anyone who is a bit savvy with Word or Canva can put together a simple pamphlet with key information and a few beautiful photos. 

Weekday services  

Much like weddings or other events, hosting it over a weekend can come at a higher price. 

By opting for a weekday service, you may be able to make some savings with a lower rate. And even though it may be harder for people to make the service during regular work hours, the majority will still take the time off work for such an important event. 

Alternate venues for funeral services 

The venue for a funeral is usually a dedicated funeral home. These are often beautiful spaces, with plenty of natural light, lots of seating, and a stage area for speeches and the coffin. However, these venues are often quite costly. 

While there are laws around actual burials and cremations, there are no laws about where your funeral service must be held. That means you can explore other options, such as: 

  • A private home
  • A venue such as a hall or function space
  • A public area such as a park or beach
  • A boat (not to suggest hiring a boat could save you cash, but there’s no doubt it could be a stylish way to go)

The ways of paying for your funeral 

Much like planning the funeral itself in advance, planning for how to pay for it all ahead of time can not only be a money-saver – it will also help your loved ones through the difficult time. 

That’s where funeral insurance could be of help.  

Your final farewell might be covered by your estate (the money and saleable assets you leave behind), or you may have a savings plan in place toward your funeral costs. If your estate doesn’t have the funds, or you haven’t put the money aside, your family may need to pay for your funeral – adding financial stress at a time of grief. 

Consider funeral insurance, where your nominated beneficiaries can receive a lump sum to put towards your funeral. You can choose how much cover you get (up to a limited amount, usually 10 to 30 thousand depending on the insurer), so you can opt for a more budget-friendly funeral or add a few special touches that cost a little more. 

Learn more about OneChoice Funeral Insurance. You can request a quote and find out just how much peace of mind can be.


2 Aug 2024