Understanding Funeral CostsWhen you decided on a funeral service to help you pay your last respects to a loved one, understanding funeral costs should be among the first tasks you accomplish. Although you will rely on the funeral service in assisting you with legal documents, paperwork, ceremonies, procession, burial or cremation and other tasks, the most important job is for you to find the funeral service that provides with a realistic funeral costs and explains each item being billed.Embalming and Preparation FeesIf the total funeral costs include embalming fees of up to $700, be aware that this process if not required by law, except for deaths with disease or remains shipped across state lines. Each item used in for embalming has a corresponding fee. For instance, embalming fluids are priced at $2 to $10 per pint. When you consult menopause remedy with a funeral director, he may suggest a combination of preparation and embalming for your deceased loved one.The funeral costs, however, can be either billed separately or combined on the total funeral cost. Other services associated with cleaning the remains can be an option or bundled with a package. These include disinfecting remains ($40 to over $100), dressing, applying cosmetics and casketing ($30 to over $200), hair care ($20 to over $200), face or body restoration ($30 to $100 per hour), refrigeration of remains ($40 to over $80 per day) and post autopsy care ($20 to over $50 per hour).With all these additional funeral options, your funeral costs could reach a total of over $1,500 for embalming alone. How about the other fees, you may ask. Well, most of the funeral costs should be explained to you before you sign a contract.