How Much Does Cremation Cost?
Are you looking for cremation services but are still unsure of the cremation cost? Learn more about the pricing of cremation here.
In the United States, it has long been considered ‘traditional’ to bury an individual in a casket or vault following their death. However, for a range of reasons, more and more people are choosing cremation. In fact, as we will see, cremation has overtaken traditional burials as the nation’s most common choice.
Going forward, the signs also indicate that more people will choose cremation over burial and other practices in the coming decades. In this blog post, we will look at the average cremation cost and some of the factors that determine the overall cost of a cremation. If you are looking for professional cremation services in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Lone Star Cremation is your family’s No. 1 choice.
How Popular Are Cremations Today?
Cremations are very popular in the United States today and have overtaken traditional burial as the most popular choice. One recent survey found that 44% of American’s were planning to be cremated, which represents a significant 40% increase since the 1960s. The second most common choice is the traditional burial, which is favored by 35% of Americans.
It may be surprising that 6% of people plan to donate their bodies to science, while 4% plan to have a natural burial (buried in the ground without a casket).
Regarding what Americans do with the ashes following cremation, the most common option is to spread them in a specific location (40%). Another popular option is for a family member to keep the ashes in an urn.
Let’s move on to the question of cost, which is naturally a big factor in making funeral plans. The survey found that 47% of people choose a particular type of funeral based on personal beliefs. This is followed by family traditions and financial reasons as the determining factors.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
Finding the true cost of cremation can be difficult as it depends on several factors. Cremation pricing differs on the location and the type of package that you wish to choose.
To give an example of the average cost of cremation in Texas, let’s consider the pricing options available here at Lone Star Cremation. We offer three packages: Basic ($795), Priority ($995), and Premium ($1,595).
Basic Package
The basic package serves the following areas: Dallas, Hood, Johnson, Parker, and Tarrant Counties. For this price, it includes transportation and cremation, one certified death certificate, temporary urn for ashes, an online obituary, M.E. Permit, with additional costs for shopping of ashes and additional weight allowance.
Priority Package
The Priority package is our most popular package; it serves Collin, Dallas, Denton, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant Counties.
In addition to what is provided in the Basic package, it also includes six certified death certificates, upgraded temporary urn for ashes, shipping of ashes at a reduced rate, a reduced rate for additional weight allowance, priority services, 24/7 phone support, and case status updates via text and email.
Furthermore, this package offers optional extras at a reduced rate, such as splitting of ashes, witness or I.D viewing, and thumbprint, hair, or photo from the deceased.
Premium Package
The Premium package is our most complete package and serves Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Kaufman, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise Counties.
In addition to the Priority package, it includes shipping of ashes, witness or I.D viewing, a newspaper obituary (plus publication fee), online or in-person arrangements, concierge service, a $75 merchandise coupon, and life insurance accept for payment. There are also reduced rates for additional weight allowances and 12 certified death certificates.
With Lone Star Cremation, you have three distinct pricing options. Compared to the average cost of a traditional burial, cremation is significantly less expensive and less complicated. For example, one of the most costly elements of a traditional burial is purchasing a burial plot, an expense that is only likely to increase in future years.
What Are the Benefits of Cremation?
As we have seen, many people choose cremation based on personal beliefs, family traditions, and price. In addition to cost, there are several benefits to cremation over traditional burial.
With a loved one’s ashes, there are a host of options. They can be scattered in one location or several, including in different countries. They can also be divided between family members and kept in different urns.
At some point in the future, there also remains the possibility to bury the cremation ashes or have them placed in a columbarium.
Cremation, compared to traditional burial, is also a more environmentally friendly option. Due to the chemicals used in embalming, harmful chemicals can find their way into the earth following the burial.
Cemeteries also require regular upkeep and resources, from land to water. The need for wood to produce caskets should also be factored into the environmental concerns of a traditional casket burial.
Choose Lone Star Cremation for Affordability and Excellent Service
As we have learned, the true cost of cremation depends on several factors. However, it is clear that cremation is a more affordable option than a traditional burial and has become the most popular choice for Americans. It is expected that cremation will continue to become even more popular in the coming years.
Lone Star Cremation has proudly serviced thousands of families in Texas since 2004, providing respectful and professional cremation services to people during what is naturally a difficult time. If you would like to know more about cremation costs and packages, feel free to contact us here. We would be honored to be able to serve you.