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Understanding funeral prices

How to read a funeral home price list in Tennessee.

A General Price List helps you see individual services and compare similar arrangements. Read the details before comparing totals.

Start here

Check the date

Look for the provider name, location, and effective date. Ask whether the list is current.

Compare

Match the same service

Do not compare a direct cremation price with a funeral package that includes viewing, facilities, vehicles, and ceremony staff.

Confirm

Ask for the full written total

Before agreeing, review the selected services, merchandise, outside charges, and total in writing.

Items you may see

  • Basic services of the funeral director and staff
  • Transfer of the person who died
  • Embalming or other preparation
  • Use of facilities and staff for viewing or ceremony
  • Hearse, service vehicle, or other transportation
  • Direct cremation or immediate burial
  • Forwarding or receiving remains

Costs that may appear elsewhere

  • Cemetery property and opening or closing a grave
  • Crematory charges when separately billed
  • Death certificates and permits
  • Obituary publication
  • Flowers, clergy, musicians, catering, or venue fees
  • Caskets, urns, and burial containers on separate lists

Your federal price information rights

The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule gives consumers important rights when dealing with covered funeral providers. You can ask for prices by telephone. When you visit and begin discussing funeral arrangements, the funeral home must provide a General Price List that you can keep. After you select arrangements, the provider must give you an itemized written statement.

Read the FTC Funeral Rule consumer guide

A simple comparison method

Write one service outline

Use the same description for each provider, including viewing, ceremony, burial or cremation, transportation, and merchandise.

Mark each unknown

Ask whether a blank item is not offered, not needed, included elsewhere, or priced separately.

Keep notes with the list

Record the contact name, date, availability, quoted timing, and every promised change.

This page provides general planning information. It is not legal or financial advice. Confirm current requirements and prices with the provider and the appropriate regulator.

Compare providers without losing track

Save the providers you are considering, note what each quoted, and share it with whoever is helping. Free, and no provider can pay to rank higher.