Today, more funeral consumers are requesting simple cremation services. This trend is said to be driven by several cultural changes – economic, environmental, people migration, declining religiosity, and baby boomers.
Whatever the reason, cremation is certainly changing our perspectives on funeral options and end-of-life alternatives.
This short guide aims to provide you with an overview of how to arrange a simple, low-cost cremation in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas.
What is the average cost of a cremation in Little Rock?
One of the most common questions we are asked is, ‘What is the average cost of cremation?’ A cremation can range in price from as little as $695 to $3,700. A direct cremation service is the least expensive cremation option and can be arranged for less than $700.
The average cost for a direct cremation in Arkansas is $1,393.
The average cost of a cremation will largely depend upon what type of cremation service you select and what ancillary products or services you choose. A full-service cremation with tributes is likely to cost in the region of $3,500.
Choosing a Cremation Package
All funeral homes in Arkansas MUST have a General Price List (GPL), which outlines their prices. Legally, prices must be disclosed to you if you make an inquiry, either in person or by phone. Unfortunately, not all funeral homes openly disclose cremation prices on their website, and sometimes, it can even be difficult to extract a simple, complete price over the phone!
Some funeral homes do offer packaged service options, as opposed to the ‘a la carte’ style of a GPL. A cremation package can offer a solution to making minutia detail over arrangements and ensure you know exactly what price you are paying for a cremation service.
Generally, most funeral homes or cremation providers package a basic, mid-range, and full-service cremation option. A basic cremation would be a direct or immediate cremation without any ceremony, a mid-range cremation package would offer a memorial tribute service or private family gathering, and a full-service cremation is everything that a traditional funeral would offer.
Direct cremation in Little Rock
Direct cremation is the fastest-growing cremation trend. Why? Because it offers families a no-fuss, low-cost funeral alternative, which manages the process of the disposition and leaves the family in control of the personalization or memorial tribute. With direct cremation, the deceased is collected, sheltered at the cremation facility/funeral home, cremated, and then the cremated remains returned to the family.
A basic cremation container is used, and the ashes are returned in a temporary urn. This means the costs are kept low, and a direct cremation can be conducted in Little Rock for just $695.
Call DFS Memorials now at (501) 203-9717 to arrange an affordable direct cremation.
How do I choose a cremation provider in Little Rock?
Choosing a funeral home to deliver your cremation service is not always as simple as it may seem. Most funeral homes offer cremation services today, but not all funeral homes have their own crematory. This can affect both the cost of the cremation process and how comfortable you feel about the service levels/timescales a funeral home can provide.
If finances and a limited budget dictate your funeral spending, you need to seek a low-cost cremation provider. Be sure to check around and compare prices and ensure you compare like-for-like cremation packages and costs.
How can you save money by arranging a cremation?
You will generally save at least 40-50% by opting for cremation instead of a traditional burial. There is no need for a casket, embalming, burial vault, or cemetery plot, and this can save thousands of dollars.
A direct cremation can save you thousands on the cost of a full-service cremation. It is still a dignified option; you can arrange your memorial tribute as and when the family chooses. No need to pay a funeral home for elaborate chapels, guest books, or memorial boards – you can hold a ceremony at a location of your choosing [sometimes at no cost] and make your own memorial memorabilia.
DFS Memorials Little Rock – Call (501) 203-9717
Direct Cremation $695 complete
I cannot afford a funeral. What financial assistance is there to help with cremation costs in Little Rock?
This is a frequent question we are asked. There is very limited financial aid to help families with funeral costs. All states/counties have different rules and budgets for the public aid level (if any). If you are struggling financially and worried about how you can pay for a funeral, you may wish to try consulting your county social services or human services.
The state is responsible for dealing with indigent burials, but this is generally just for those individuals who become the responsibility of the state.
There is a Social Security lump sum death benefit of $255 for those who qualify, and veterans are entitled to certain benefits. Union, church, and charity organizations may assist a family with fundraising to pay for funeral expenses. If finances are a concern – the most important thing is to try and keep your funeral costs down as much as possible.
Low-cost direct cremation services are available to residents of Apple Gate, Birchwood, Breckenridge, Broadmoor, Brodie Creek, Candlewood, Capitol View, Capitol View/Stifft’s Station, Chenal Ridge, Chenal Valley, Cloverdale, Colony West, Downtown, East End, East Little Rock, Echo Valley, Fair Park, Geyer Springs, Gibraltar Heights, Governor’s Mansion District, Granite Mountain, Gum Springs, Hall High, The Heights, Highland Park, Hillcrest, John Barrow, Leawood, Mabelvale, Mushroom Pass, Oak Forest, Otter Creek, Parkway Place, Pleasant Valley, Quapaw Quarter, River Mountain, River Ridge, Riverdale, Robinwood, Rock Creek, Rosedale, St. Charles, Santa Fe Heights, South End, South Little Rock, Southwest Little Rock, Stagecoach, Sturbridge, The Heights, and Hillcrest, the Villages of Wellington, Wakefield, West End, and Woodland Edge.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
