Reagan began planning his ceremony in 1981, shortly after he took office, and finalized his arrangements in 1989, updating them annually. While the final figures won’t be disclosed for months, the cost of the Reagan week’s events is estimated to be just less than $10 million. By comparison, Richard Nixon’s 1994 state funeral–which was held in California after Nixon himself asked not to return to Washington–cost taxpayers just over $300,000. Ford, who turns 91 this month and is the oldest living president, recently updated his funeral wishes, according to a spokesperson. Ford is expected to lie in repose near Rancho Mirage, Calif., his longtime residence, before journeying to Washington for a ceremony “very similar to President Reagan’s,” says Penny Circle, a longtime Ford aide. The detailed plan even includes flower arrangements. Ford will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum in Grand Rapids, Mich.
