Many people experience sticker shock when they realize just how much it can cost to have a traditional funeral for a loved one. There are alternative, cheaper options to traditional funerals. But if you need to have a traditional funeral, there are still ways you can save some money. Here are a few of them.

1. Shop as You Would For Anything Else

People don't like to associate funerals with other things in life. But really, just like anything else, the costs of these services can vary widely. You can certainly shop around for things like caskets, headstones, and the accessories you would like for the viewing.

Remember that these are all physical items. They come in varying styles, quality, and prices. A lot of the costs of the funeral have to do with physical items, so shop around. A cheaper casket doesn't make it a low-quality one.

2. See If There's Assistance

There are many assistance programs out there for funeral expenses. These programs vary from place to place, and you may not have the eligibility for many of them. However, you won't know unless you try. Search for state or local funeral funds.

If you're a part of a religious institution, your church or congregation may put aside money for the express purpose of helping those who need it. You can also try crowdfunding some of the expenses. There are people far and near that are willing to contribute to such causes.

3. Leave Out the Embalmment Process

Embalmment isn't a requirement. It's something that you can leave out entirely. Embalmment isn't cheap. You can have the body of your loved one refrigerated instead. Refrigeration costs accumulate daily. If you have the funeral quickly, you can save hundreds of dollars by having the body refrigerated. With refrigeration, you can still have a viewing as well.

4. Allow Visitation Right Before the Funeral Rather Than a Day or More Before It

You don't have to rent the space for a day or night before the funeral. You can have the viewing literally an hour or two before the funeral. This can save you a lot of money.

You don't even have to invite people to a formal viewing. Just put the word out the body is available for people to pay their final respects before the funeral services begin.

5. Don't Buy What You Don't Need

It's easy to go overboard with funeral arrangements. And yes, there is such a thing as emotional overspending. Take some time to figure out what you need and what you don't. While you should consider your loved one's personal requests, you don't have to go above and beyond.

A funeral is not a ceremony that's meant to impress other people. Expensive items are not a measurement of love. If you cannot afford it, and don't need it, then don't buy it for the funeral.

6. Choose Funeral Home Services that Come With Options

Most funeral home services come with packages and plans to make the process easier and more streamlined. However, if you're trying to save money, you should always seek the funeral home services that come with options.

Speak to a funeral home service that will work with you and your budget. It can go a long way towards making your traditional burial happen without you spending all of your savings for it.

For professional funeral services, contact a facility such as Corleto-Latina Funeral Home.