How to Read It & Avoid Overpaying
Most families don’t realize they have the right to see exactly what a funeral will cost—before making any decisions.
Every funeral home is required to provide a General Price List (GPL), a document that breaks down all services, fees, and options. Yet in a time of grief, it’s easy to overlook what these charges mean—or which ones you can decline.
This guide will help you understand how to read a GPL, what you’re legally entitled to under federal law, and how to use this information to avoid unnecessary expenses and make informed choices. By law, all funeral homes must provide you with a general price list (GPL). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established this rule to ensure that consumers were given clear information about pricing when negotiating with funeral homes. Unfortunately, the ‘à la carte’ design of many funeral homes’ GPLs can make them quite daunting to decipher.
What Is a General Price List (GPL)?
A General Price List (GPL) is a standardized document that funeral homes must provide to anyone who asks—typically when you visit in person.
It includes:
- Itemized pricing for all services
- Available packages (if offered)
- Required fees
- Optional services and merchandise
The GPL ensures transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
Why the GPL Matters for Consumers
Understanding the GPL helps you:
- Compare funeral home prices more effectively
- Avoid bundled packages you don’t need
- Identify mandatory vs optional charges
- Stay in control of funeral costs
Without reviewing a GPL, families often end up paying for services they didn’t realize were optional.
What the FTC Funeral Rule Requires
The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule protects consumers by requiring funeral homes to:
- Provide a GPL when requested (in person)
- Allow you to buy only the services you want
- Accept third-party caskets or urns
- Clearly itemize all costs
👉 This means you are not obligated to purchase a package—you can choose only what you need.
How to Read a Funeral Price List (GPL)
Here’s a simple breakdown of common GPL items and what they mean:
| GPL Item | What It Means | Typical Cost | Can You Decline It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Services Fee | Covers administrative and overhead costs | $1,000–$3,000 | ❌ No |
| Embalming | Preserving the body for viewing | $500–$1,200 | ✅ Yes |
| Direct Cremation | Simple cremation without a ceremony | $800–$2,500 | ✅ Yes |
| Viewing/Visitation | Time for family and friends to gather before a funeral or cremation | $300–$800 | ✅ Yes |
| Funeral Ceremony | A formal service held at a funeral home, place of worship, or other venue | $500–$2,000+ | ✅ Yes |
Key Funeral Terms Explained
Here are some of the most important terms you’ll see on a GPL:
- Basic Services Fee – A non-declinable fee charged by all funeral homes
- Direct Cremation – A simple, no-service cremation option
- Immediate Burial – Burial without a formal ceremony
- Alternative Container – A simple container used for cremation instead of a casket
- Cash Advance Items – Third-party costs (e.g., death certificates, clergy fees)
How Understanding the GPL Can Save You Money
The GPL is not just informational—it’s a powerful cost-control tool.
You can reduce expenses by:
- Choosing direct cremation instead of a full-service burial
- Declining embalming if no viewing is planned
- Avoiding bundled packages
- Holding a memorial service separately
Many families find that separating the disposition (cremation or burial) from the memorial service can significantly reduce costs.
Funeral costs can vary significantly between providers—even within the same city. Taking time to compare options can help you avoid overpaying and find a service that fits your needs and budget.
With DFS Memorials Partners ~ US Funerals Online helps families research cremation options and connect with trusted, affordable providers nationwide.
👉 Find cremation services near you
Below are listed some of the main funeral service items listed in the GPL, explained in a little more detail ~
Direct Cremation
This is the simplest cremation option available, and this service is for those who wish to have the deceased cremated shortly after death. The fee includes: basic services, initial transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home, refrigeration of the body, and local transportation to the crematory (unless on-site). In addition, it may include a private family identification & the crematory fee, but these can vary between funeral homes. Do carefully check what is included.
Immediate or Direct Burial
This is the simplest burial option available, and it is for those who wish to have the deceased buried without a service shortly after death. The fee includes: basic services, initial transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home, private family identification, and refrigeration of the body. It will generally not include a casket, unless specified. A casket is not required by law.
If a very simple casket is selected and no embalming or additional services are rendered, a direct burial can be quite inexpensive.
Basic Services Fee/Professional Services Fee
This is the only non-declinable fee you will be charged by the funeral home. The service fee includes services common to all funerals, regardless of the specific arrangement. The fee covers the funeral director, staff, and overhead. It includes: consultation with family or the responsible party; staff and facilities responding to initial service requests; coordination of service plans with the cemetery, crematory, and/or other parties involved in final disposition; securing official documents and necessary registrations; and sheltering the deceased.
Transfer of remains to the funeral home
This is the fee for the collection of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home.
Embalming
Embalming is not required by law (apart from certain cases or for public health reasons). Embalming may be recommended if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a viewing. This fee includes use of the preparation room, as well as the professional services, equipment, and materials required to perform embalming.
Other Preparation of the Body
This fee covers the preparation of the deceased and includes: cosmetology, dressing, and casketing by professional staff. The funeral home may facilitate the family’s use of the facilities to help prepare the deceased.
Professional Care
This fee includes: washing and disinfecting of non-embalmed individuals. Use of Facilities, Staff & Equipment for:
Viewing
Viewings provide family and friends with the opportunity to pay their respects and offer condolences to your family. This fee includes the use of facilities and staff for viewing and includes charges for both the services of staff and the facilities used in connection with a viewing.
Funeral Ceremony / Memorial Service
Funeral ceremonies are commemorative services that feature the casket or urn. This fee includes use of the funeral home’s facilities and necessary staff services.
Graveside Service
Graveside services are held immediately before the burial. This fee includes the use of equipment and staff for a graveside service.
Use of Hearse/Automotive Equipment
Traditionally, special cars are used to transport the casket to the cemetery during burial services. You may be offered any or all of the following: a funeral coach or Hearse, a limousine, a flower car, a traffic control or lead car. Each may be charged at a fixed or hourly rate.
Shelter of Remains
The storage of the deceased, especially if refrigerated storage is offered.
Forwarding of Remains
This service is for those who wish to have the deceased transferred to a funeral home out of the area. The fee includes: basic services, initial transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home, embalming, local transportation (airline or shipping transportation charges not included), and transfer case.
Receiving Remains
This service is for those who wish to have the deceased transferred to a funeral home out of the area.
This is the fee the funeral home charges for receiving the deceased. The fee includes: basic services, care of the deceased, filing of local permits, and local transportation of the deceased to the cemetery or crematory.
Cash Advances
Cash Advances are third-party services and merchandise that the funeral home has to pay for upfront and will also pass this cost onto you before the funeral takes place. They include such items as: death certificate fee, cremation or burial permit fee, obituary notice, celebrant/clergy, music, crematory fee, cemetery fees, and funeral flowers.
Miscellaneous Items
These can include an array of ancillary products such as prayer cards, guest book, acknowledgment cards, memorial DVD, presentation plaque, temporary grave marker, crucifix, webcam hosting, online memorial, etc
Cemetery settings
There may be an additional fee if equipment is required for a graveside service. This can include items such as a tent, a carpet, chairs, and a lowering device.
For more information on funeral glossary terms, please see the other sections in our library that explain funeral terminology.
FAQs About Funeral Price Lists (GPL)
A General Price List (GPL) includes itemized pricing for all funeral home services, including direct cremation, burial options, embalming, transportation, and merchandise such as caskets or urns. It also outlines any required fees and optional services so families can make informed decisions.
No. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes are legally required to provide a General Price List to anyone who requests it in person. This ensures transparency and allows consumers to compare prices before making arrangements.
The basic services fee is a non-declinable charge that covers the funeral home’s administrative services, staff, and overhead. All funeral homes charge this fee, and it is typically included in every arrangement.
Yes. Funeral homes must accept urns or caskets purchased from third-party sellers without charging an additional handling fee. This right is protected under federal law and can help families save money.
Direct cremation is usually the lowest-cost option listed on a General Price List. It involves a simple cremation without a formal viewing or ceremony, allowing families to arrange a memorial separately if they wish.
You can use a GPL to compare itemized prices between funeral homes, identify optional services, and avoid unnecessary packages. Requesting GPLs from multiple providers allows you to find the most affordable option for your needs.
No. You are not required to purchase a package. The FTC Funeral Rule allows you to select only the services you want from the General Price List, helping you control costs and avoid paying for unnecessary items.
Understanding the General Price List empowers you to make informed decisions during a difficult time.
By knowing your rights and reviewing itemized costs carefully, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary expenses
- Compare providers effectively
- Choose arrangements that truly reflect your needs and budget
Additional Resources:
US Funerals ~ Funeral Planning & Cremation Cost Guides by State
DFS Memorials ~ Nationwide Local Licensed Providers Offering Affordable Options
