Cost of Cremation
Cremation costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Here’s why and how you can find help when planning your cremation.
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How Cremation Works
The end result of cremation is the formation of ashes, held in an urn or cremation container. The process of cremation is simple. Once a family member or loved one identifies the remains and authorizes the cremation according to your wishes, the crematory will prepare the remains. Once metal and clothing are removed, the remains enter the crematory chamber where they are exposed to high heat, turning them into ashes. Any remaining metal (as from a surgery) is removed, then the ashes are finely ground and transferred to the chosen cremation urn or container and placed in the possession of the family.
Cremation Expenses
Cremation comes with lower costs than a standard funeral and burial. However, there are still several elements that can influence the price of a cremation service. Working with a crematory to perform the direct cremation is an expense, as is the cremation container or urn and any memorial or funeral you hold to celebrate the person’s life.
You have the right to choose your own urn or cremation container to hold the ashes. You do not have to select one of those offered by the funeral home, and the funeral home or crematory has to offer alternative containers to you.
If you choose to have a funeral service, you can do so before or after the direct cremation. With a standard funeral, the remains do not have to be embalmed and you will be able to rent a casket from the funeral home. You could also hold a memorial service with the urn or cremation container presented prominently.
Services come with added costs for goods and services such as a basic services fee, staffing fee, and the cost of additional items such as flowers, music, and pamphlets.
Cost of Cremation
Your price will differ based on where you live along with which crematory or funeral home you use and which goods and services you elect to choose. You can expect a cremation to cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
Cost of Cremation with Funeral
The basic services fee for a funeral home will be around $2,200. Staffing and venue costs for the facility will cost around $500 for the funeral and $425 for a viewing if you choose to hold one. Music and flowers will vary in cost, and pamphlets will cost around $175. In total, a funeral and cremation cost around $6,645.
Planning for Cremation
Even though cremation is the less expensive option, it still presents an immediate financial burden on loved ones when the time comes. Preparing in advance for these final expenses is a blessing to family members and friends. Taking the time to plan for these events also allows you to make decisions about how you want to be memorialized and which type of service you would like. End of life planning advisors can help you and your loved ones work out all of the details to eliminate the added stress and allow space for grief and healing. Speak with Hamil Legacy today for help planning your final arrangements.