Families’ choosing a cremation for a funeral is on the increase in Dallas. There are several reasons for this, but it cannot be denied that the primary reason is cost. A cremation will cost significantly less than a traditional funeral, in fact, you can reduce the overall funeral expenses by as much as 50%..if not more! With that in mind, we have put together this guide on cremation costs in Dallas to help you get a better understanding of what is included in the price and what to look for in a cremation service provider.
Why does a cremation funeral cost less?
The main reason a cremation is a cheaper funeral alternative is because the need for some of the key expenses of a funeral are removed with a cremation. The cemetery fees can be either eliminated altogether (if you keep the cremation urn at home, or scatter the ashes) or substantially reduced when opting for a small cremation niche or interring cremains within an existing family plot.
There is no need to purchase an elaborate casket, indeed a basic cremation container is all that is required for cremation, and if you do require a viewing or service with the deceased in repose, you can rent a casket. Similarly embalming is not required if the cremation is conducted in a timely fashion (after the legal 48-hour waiting period).
How much does a cremation cost in Dallas?
This is a key question families wish to answer, especially if they are considering cremation as an alternative. The immediate issue is that there ARE different types of cremation services’, so simply stating an average cremation cost needs to take this into account.
A cremation with a service will typically cost within the region of $3,500. This type of service replaces the traditional funeral and includes the full services of the funeral home to prepare the deceased, conduct a funeral ceremony and the selection of a mid-range cremation urn.
A cremation memorial service is most typically when the cremation is performed prior to the service, and the service may be held with the cremation remains present in an urn. The cost for a cremation memorial will depend on where you hold the service and what type of cremation urn is selected. If a service is conducted at the funeral home, the costs are likely to be in the region of $3,500. However, if you opt to conduct the memorial service elsewhere (for example at your local church) you can reduce this cost.
A cremation with a private family viewing is when a cremation goes ahead without any services or ceremony, but the funeral home arranges a private viewing for family members prior to the cremation. As the funeral home are not providing any facilities, services or staff to coordinate ceremonies, a cremation with a viewing typically costs in the region of $1,500.
A direct cremation is the least expensive cremation option available. A direct cremation is where the funeral home collects the deceased, shelters him/her for the required 48-hour wait and then conducts the cremation. A basic cremation container is used and the cremated remains are returned in a temporary urn. A direct cremation in Dallas costs in the region of $795.
Comparing cremation costs in Dallas
Not all cremation service providers are equal! What does this statement mean? Simply put it means that you will find that different funeral homes in Dallas can have different prices for their cremation services. It can be quite difficult to compare cremation costs, so it is important to ensure you are comparing the same type of cremation package or services.
Carefully check what IS included, especially with a budget direct cremation package. Is a copy of the death certificate included? Is the cremation permit an additional cash advance item or included? What about if an out-of-hours collection is required? Is there an additional daily refrigeration charge if the cremation does not proceed after 48-hours? A death certificate costs $20.00, with each additional copy charged at $3.00 and a cremation permit from the Medical Examiner costs $25.00.
All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL) and this should itemize all services and charges. Legally a funeral home must provide you with a copy of their GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.
Hopefully this information can assist you make an informed decision about which cremation service provider offers the best value cremation service in Dallas.
Finding a reputable low cost cremation provider in Dallas
Many funeral homes in Dallas are now operating their own crematory and therefore you can rest assured that your loved one never leaves their care. There are a number of funeral homes now offering discount direct cremation packages. Again, I reiterate, ensure you check EXACTLY what is ‘inclusive’. What can seem a cheap cremation at first offering, can work out more costly if there are hidden fees!
The DFS Memorials provider for the DFW Metro area completely understands about keeping cremation affordable for your family. The direct cremation package offered is a fully inclusive package, including 1 copy of the death certificate and all state permits/filings. Also offered is a 10% discount on an upgraded urn of your choice.
DFS Memorials – Dallas (214) 380-4964 – Call with any questions you may have
Direct Cremation $795
Can I preplan a simple cremation in Dallas?
Yes, you can purchase a prepaid cremation plan for a direct cremation. This will cost more than an ‘at need’ low cost cremation. It will depend upon your personal circumstances, such as your age, how you fund the plan and what additional elements you may wish to have included. For example, travel protection/repatriation cover.
What financial assistance is available in Dallas to help with cremation costs?
If you qualify you can claim the $255 Social Security death benefit, and veterans do qualify for a free cemetery plot/niche and marker. Other than that, financial assistance can be quite limited. The state does have some budget to deal with indigent burials or cremations, but this is limited to those individuals for whom the state becomes responsible.
You may wish to inquire at your local county Social or Human Services to find out what assistance may be available if you are on welfare or low income. Sometimes there are some funds available. Fund-raising is also another means by which families manage to cover funeral costs. Arranging a basic direct cremation is the cheapest disposition available to those with limited means.
The DFS Memorials $795 direct cremation is available throughout Collin, Dallas, Denton, & Tarrant County and the neighborhoods of East Dallas, Old East Dallas, Lake Highlands, North Dallas, Oak Cliff, Kessler, Redbird, Oak Lawn, Pleasant Grove, West Dallas and South Dallas.
