If you are tasked with setting up your own funeral arrangements, you might be surprised to see how many different things you can be charged for as part of the typical services according to your choices. The costs associated with the average funeral can be as much as $8,000 or more and this is why many people skip the indoor funeral completely and opt for a small, conservative burial service instead. Here are a few of the top questions concerning making the decision to do solely a graveside burial service.

Will you still have to pay for a hearse if you choose graveside services?

Even though there will be no funeral at the funeral home, your remains and casket will still have to be transported to the site. Some people choose to have the service begin with the marked arrival of the hearse and pallbearers bringing in the casket and setting it up.

Will you be able to have an open-casket viewing?

In an outdoor environment, there are a lot of factors that can create a problem with an open casket, such as extreme temperatures or rain. Therefore, it is likely that the funeral director will advise you to do only a closed-casket ceremony. However, in some circumstances, a short viewing may be a possibility if you pay for a temporary shelter for the event.

Does every cemetery allow a graveside service?

Most cemeteries do allow graveside burial services for those choosing to be buried there. Yet there will always be some that have regulations about how the event can be carried out because of space, disturbance of the peace, and other related issues.

What is the average cost of graveside burial service?

If you choose to skip the funeral and only hold a graveside service, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1700, depending on your location and the service options you choose. Keep in mind that the duration of the event, extra seating, and temporary shelter setup are all factors that can all influence the cost.

When you understand how elaborate a graveside service can be in spite of the lowered cost, it is easy to see why this is a logical choice when you want to save on your funeral. Be sure to bring up this option with a professional in charge of the burial service during your funeral planning to find out if this is the right choice for you.