LDS / Mormon
Burial is strongly preferred over cremation, though cremation is not forbidden. Endowed members (those who have participated in temple ordinances) are typically dressed in temple clothing for burial — coordinate this with the bishop and the Relief Society. The funeral itself is held at the local ward meetinghouse, conducted by the bishop, and is not a temple ordinance.
Traditional burial with viewing
Fair total range nationally: $8,000–$12,000
This is the service type most families in this tradition choose. You can refine with the four-question decision guide if you want to weigh budget or other preferences.
Call your bishop first. The ward Relief Society typically coordinates the family's needs — meals, dressing the deceased in temple clothing if applicable, and reception logistics. The funeral is held at the meetinghouse and conducted by the bishop, not at the temple.
Cheat sheet for the arrangement meeting
Print this. Bring it. The questions and decline scripts at the top are tailored to lds / mormon practice; the rest is the standard FTC-rights guidance every family should know.
Arrangement meeting cheat sheet — LDS / Mormon
honestfuneral.coBring this. Refer to it openly. The funeral director will see you brought it — that alone changes the meeting.
- Will the Relief Society be allowed to dress the deceased in temple clothing in a private space?
- Will you transport the body to our meetinghouse and back to the cemetery?
- Have you worked with our local stake or ward before?
Community: Call your bishop first. The ward Relief Society typically coordinates the family's needs — meals, dressing the deceased in temple clothing if applicable, and reception logistics. The funeral is held at the meetinghouse and conducted by the bishop, not at the temple.
- Embalming (in most US states)
- Buying their casket — bring your own from any vendor
- Buying a vault more expensive than the cemetery requires
- Paying a “handling fee” on a third-party casket
- Casket (300–500% markup)
- Embalming (often unnecessary)
- Burial vault / grave liner
| Basic services fee | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Embalming | $700–$900 |
| Transfer of remains | $200–$350 |
| Death certificates (each) | $10–$25 |
| Casket — 18-gauge metal | $900–$1,400 |
| Casket — wood | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Grave liner / burial vault | $700–$1,200 |
| Headstone / marker | $800–$2,000 |
| Flowers (through funeral home) | $300–$600 |
- Can I see your itemized General Price List before we begin?
- What is your basic services fee, and what exactly does it cover?
- Will you accept a casket I purchase from another vendor at no extra fee?
- Is embalming required for the type of service I want?
- What is the total all-in cost in writing, with every fee included?
- Body preparation / cosmetology by funeral home staff: “The Relief Society and family will dress the deceased in temple clothing. We don't need cosmetology or formal dressing services.”
- Chapel facility fee: “The funeral will be at our ward meetinghouse — please remove the chapel fee.”
- Premium / 'protective' caskets: “We've decided on a simpler casket. We're not interested in the protective seal — we know it doesn't extend preservation in any meaningful way.”
- Embalming: “We're not having embalming. We understand it isn't legally required for the service we're planning.”
- Memorial package upgrades: “We're going to handle the programs, flowers, and obituary ourselves. Please leave those off the bill.”
These ranges are US national averages adjusted for your region. Your local funeral director may quote different numbers — push back politely and ask why. Faith-specific guidance comes from common American practice; consult your clergy for community-specific customs.