A modern funeral can include a lot of services. They can include preparation fees, including embalming. There is the cost of a casket, vault, burial, transport, viewing, and other fees and services. While the average cost of a funeral can vary from state to state, nationally it generally ranges between $7,000 and $9,000. Of course, a traditional funeral and burial or cremation can cost less, but it can also be much more expensive.
Here are five expensive funerals to take place around the world:
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was buried on August 18, 1977, just two days after his untimely death. So many fans converged on Memphis so quickly, President Carter dispatched 300 National Guardsmen to the area to help with crowd control.
After Elvis was embalmed at a local funeral, his body was returned to Graceland, where an estimated 30,000 people viewed his casket in Graceland’s foyer. Following the final services in the Graceland living room, Elvis was buried next to his mother at Forest Hill Cemetery. An estimated 80,000 people watched.
After there was an attempt to steal the body less than two weeks later, the remains of both Elvis and his mother were relocated to the Meditation Gardens at Graceland. It is estimated the cost of Elvis Presley’s funeral was about $24,000.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s memorial service was held on July 7, 2009. The event was a who’s who of celebrities and entertainers and was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The public event was held 12 days after the King of Pop’s death and following private services for the family at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Those attending, performing, and otherwise participating included Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Lionel Richie, and many others. The cost of the private funeral alone is said to be in excess of $1 million.
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher died at the age of 87 on April 8, 2013. She was honored with an elaborate funeral procession and ceremony that took place through the streets of Central London and at St. Paul’s Cathedral on August 17, 2013. Following cremation, her cremains were buried at the Royal Hospital’s 66-acre grounds in Chelsea, London, England. Due to her high-profile political career, funeral costs exceeded $4 million, of which about $3.5 was for security.
Pope John Paul II
The funeral for Pope John Paul II was held six days after his death, on April 8, 2005. The body was laid out for private viewing by world dignitaries and Vatican officials in St. Peter’s Basicalla. It is estimated that between 4 and 6 million mourners came to Rome for his funeral. Perhaps the largest gathering of Christians in history. It is estimated the total expenses associated with the funeral and election of his successor cost the church $9 million.
Alexander the Great
One of the most elaborate funerals took place two years after the death of Alexander the Great in 322 BCE. The leader’s body was transported to Greece in a gigantic carriage resembling a temple. The “temple” had columns, paintings, and was even covered with gold. The carriage was so large it had to be pulled by a team of 64 mules.
At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory, we understand that budgetary concerns are usually a factor in planning a funeral. We can help. We can offer suggestions even for the most budget-minded. Let us help you plan final services that are respectful.
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