Are you prepared to manage the death of a loved one – and cover the steep costs involved? Managing grief while making formal preparations isn’t easy, and it often leads people to accept exorbitant costs for services without shopping around. At the end of the day, you don’t want to think about cost. You want to grieve for your loss. This article explores the knowns and unknowns of cremation cost; from factors that affect the pricing to the types of costs you’ll encounter. We’ll even provide some money-saving tips. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Cremation is increasingly becoming an acceptable alternative to burial (below) across the United States. It’s seen as a respectful, dignified means of handling the remains of a loved one.
Often, it’s more affordable than a traditional burial.
Deciding whether to cremate or bury is a matter of personal, spiritual, and financial circumstances. Both options are valid decisions to make and it’s crucial to compare carefully before coming to a decision.
The main advantage of cremation is cost.
On average, it tends to be cheaper than a traditional burial. This is in large part because you won’t need to purchase a burial plot, pay for burial, or buy a headstone.
However, cremation isn’t for everybody. Some religious or cultural norms might prohibit it. It’s also common for people to prefer the idea of a traditional burial over cremation. If cost is a significant concern, remember that there are ways to save money on both burial and cremation.
What does cremation cost on average?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cost of a funeral service with a burial is around $8,000, while a funeral service with cremation costs just under $7,000.
Without the funeral service, the median cost of a cremation is around $2,000.
However, costs can vary a lot depending on where you live. In some areas, cremation is as low as $1,000, while in others it might be upwards of $3,000. Keep in mind that this is only an average.
Depending on the specific services you want, the price can increase significantly. It’s always a good idea to get a detailed quote from the cremation provider before making any commitments.
Considering that cremation is often thought of as the less expensive option, you might be wondering why it can still cost so much. The truth is, there are many factors that go into the final cremation price.
First and foremost, there’s the cost of the cremation process itself. This involves the use of a crematory and the fuel needed to incinerate the body. There’s also the cost of the container for the ashes, which can range from a simple box to an ornate urn.
The nature of a cremation determines its cost, and many service providers offer flexible pricing options. The services you choose, the location of the cremation, the type of container for ashes, and the option of a viewing or memorial service all influence the total fee.
One of the biggest factors is the option of a memorial service.
A simple, direct cremation without a viewing or service will be much cheaper than a full-service cremation with a funeral.
The location will also significantly influence cremation pricing. Urban areas tend to command higher prices than cremations that take place in rural locations. This is due to higher overhead costs and the cost of living.
Finally, the type of container you choose for the ashes will affect the price. A simple cardboard box will be much cheaper than a custom-made, ornate urn. However, many people prefer the nobility of ornate urns to hold the ashes of their loved ones for safekeeping in quiet dignity.
Let’s break the cremation price down into finer details. The costs are comprised of the following factors:
The cost of the cremation process typically includes the use of the crematory and the fuel required to incinerate the body. These costs vary depending on the specific crematory and local regulations, but tend to range from $500 to $1,000.
Next, there’s the cost of the container for the ashes.
For wood veneer and cast resin, prices vary from $50 to $250, or more. Intricate, custom-made artistic urns go much higher, starting around $300 and rising to thousands of dollars depending on the chosen material. It’s common for these artisanal urns to use precious metals and stones in their construction.
An alternative to cremation urns is cremation jewelry. The jewelry holds a small amount of ash and is worn as a pendant or ring. Prices for such artifacts start around $25 for wearable cylinders and can cost hundreds of dollars for bespoke pieces.
Then, there are the associated services.
These can include the transportation and refrigerator of the body, which totals between $100 and $500. Paperwork, permits, and certificates tend to amount to $100, including the filing of a death certificate and obtaining other necessary certificates, such as a state burial transit permit or cremation certificate.
The services of a funeral director cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on your preferences.
Finally, there’s the extra cost of any additional services you need. Viewing and memorial services vary wildly in costand often add thousands of dollars to the final price of a cremation.
Caskets and urns add dignity to a somber time in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
The simplest and most affordable option is a cardboard box, which may be included in the cremation cost. This is a good option if you plan to scatter the ashes or keep them in a private place.
If you want something more ornate or durable, you might consider a cremation urn. These can range in price from around $50 for a simple urn to several hundred dollars for a custom-made, decorative urn.
Hidden fees can be nasty and can significantly increase the final price you pay, so it’s crucial to obtain a quote upfront.
One common hidden fee is the cost of transportation. Some crematories charge extra for the transportation of the bodyespecially if it’s located far away.
Storage costs are another hidden fee to watch out for. If the cremation can’t be performed immediately, there may be a fee for storing the body in the meantime.
Many crematories charge an additional fee for the use of the viewing room and for the embalming and preparation of the body.
Finally, a common hidden fee is the surcharge applied to priority service, such as in the event of an unexpected death. Be sure to ask about any and all fees upfront to avoid surprises later on, focusing instead on your loved ones during a time of grief.
There are several ways you can cut cremation costs. The most important step is to plan ahead:
Opting for a basic cremation without a viewing or service will significantly reduce the cost. It’s with shopping around and comparing quotes before you settle on a service provider to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Many of the crematories you come across will offer additional services that can add to the cost. If these aren’t important to you, skipping them will help you save money.
Finally, it’s almost always cheaper to plan and pay for a cremation in advance. This allows you to lock in a lower price and avoid future price increases.
As noted above, pre-planning a cremation service saves on cremation cost.
When pre-planning, you’ll choose the services you want and pay for them in advance. Many crematories offer payment plans as an alternative to paying the full amount immediately.
Why do people pre-pay for cremations?
It’s a common practice when a loved one is terminally ill. Making all necessary arrangements ahead of time gives you and your family peace of mind knowing that the unsavory details are taken care of.
Some cremation services accept life insurance in lieu of regular payments.
However, it’s important to research a life insurance policy before you commit to this route. Generally speaking, life insurance must meet the following criteria to be accepted:
In practice, you should consult with an attorney of life insurance professional to understand whether the insurance can be used to cover the costs of a cremation.
Understanding the ins and outs of a cremation cost helps you make an informed decision about your final arrangements for a loved one. By staying aware of hidden fees and knowing what affects the price, you can choose the cremation options that fit your budget and your desires.
Lone Star Cremation offers a convenient and affordable approach to cremation services. Processing can be completed online in 20 minutes, with flexible pricing packages available to suit any budget in North Texas. Click here to view our services.
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