You may have heard that cremation is more affordable than burial. However, this depends on the cremation package you purchase from the funeral home. Allow us to unpack basic cremation cost options, so you know what to expect when planning a loved one’s funeral.
What is basic or direct cremation?
When making choices for a loved one’s cremation service, you may feel uncomfortable choosing the basic option. However, it’s important that you know that the actual cremation is always the same. Families choosing cremation can rest easy knowing that only one body is cremated at a time, and you will receive the cremated remains of your loved one – no matter which cremation package you choose and how much you pay for it.
“Basic” cremation (sometimes called direct or simple cremation) is one way to lower funeral expenses. Direct cremation costs less because the body is cremated before the memorial service or funeral service. There’s no need for embalming or a casket. Instead, after the mandatory waiting period, the body is cremated, and the cremated remains are returned to the family members.
What to expect when choosing basic cremation?
Basic cremation is a respectable, affordable cremation option. Here’s how it works.
After a loved one dies, you say goodbye to their physical body at the place of death and contact your local funeral home to arrange for direct cremation. The funeral home employees will transport your loved one’s body from the place of death to the funeral home.
At some point, the funeral director will ask you to provide information about the deceased so that a death certificate can be ordered. They will also describe the available service options.
Some families choose not to have a funeral service. If this is the case, you may only have to pay a cremation fee, which may include the cost of a cremation casket.
However, others elect for a memorial service at the funeral home, which can be religious or secular. This package typically includes the cost of the cremation process and the use of the funeral home facilities for the memorial service.
There may be additional costs when choosing these two basic cremation options. For example, you may buy a basic urn to hold the remains, which typically are given to you in a basic container. You may also have additional costs if you bury the urn or place the urned remains in a columbarium niche. Some choose to scatter their loved one’s cremains, which may be done for free, depending on the scattering location.
What are the other cremation options?
We’ve described the lower-cost cremation services. However, most funeral homes have additional cremation funeral packages.
For example, you may choose to have a viewing and traditional funeral ceremony before the body is cremated. If this is the case, the cost of cremation will be higher because you will pay for embalming, a rental casket, plus the cost of the facility usage and cremation process.
How much does basic cremation cost in Alabama?
The National Funeral Directors Association released this study detailing the average cremation prices in each region. In the East South-Central Region (including Alabama), the average cremation cost of an adult funeral with viewing and cremation was $6,314 – with traditional burial costing $7,271. However, basic cremation services are much more affordable.
For low-cost, basic cremation in Alabama, contact Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers. We offer quality, compassionate services starting at $995. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers is this region’s low-cost cremation provider, but we also provide a variety of package options, which can include a traditional funeral service. Contact a member of our compassionate staff to learn about pre-need or at-need cremation services.
Key Takeaways About Basic Cremation Cost
- The average cremation cost with a viewing and cremation is $6,314. However, the typical cost increases with the addition of traditional funeral services.
- If you are looking for the most affordable cremation rate, ask for direct cremation.
- Ask about other cremation services available at your local funeral home.
