Guide to arranging a simple cremation service in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, AL

Cheapest cremation

The cremation trend is revolutionizing the death care industry in the U.S., and Alabama is no exception.  Although still a somewhat ‘traditional’ state, the cremation rate around Mobile Bay is increasing exponentially.

The cost of a cremation is probably the single most significant factor why families are choosing cremation.  The flexibility that cremation offers also appeals to families who wish to conduct a simple cremation service in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, with the option of holding their own personalized memorial.

Why choose cremation over burial?

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is very much a personal choice.  For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral.  A cremation service will cost much less than a traditional burial funeral. 

On average, a cremation service will cost at least a third, if not half, the cost of a burial.  More families are leaning towards cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately.  A cremation can be performed, and then a service can be held at a later date convenient to the family.

With more transplants living in the Mobile Bay area, cremation offers a simple solution to death care and is much less expensive than shipping human remains back to a home state.  Cremation just offers an alternative method of final disposition.  Cremated remains can still be interred in a cemetery, but generally at a lower cost than a body burial.  Cremation is a very final disposition of the body, so it is very important to ensure that you are very sure about the decision to cremate.

How much does a simple cremation service cost in Mobile?

Firstly, it is important to state that cremation prices in Mobile DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes.  Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory.

A simple cremation in Mobile County can cost between $1,730 and $4,000 for the same service.

A basic cremation service can be conducted in Mobile for $1,730 complete*.  This is what is known as a “direct cremation.”  No services are performed; the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation, and the cremation is conducted.  The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn.

Call DFS Memorials Mobile now at (251) 206-5572

If desired, the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.  The DFS Memorials of Mobile cremation services provider offers this for an incremental fee of just $200.

*death certificates not included in basic direct cremation package

cremation-funeral-baldwin-countyWhat type of cremation services are available?

Many funeral homes now offer a sample of cremation packages.  These will start with a basic cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package.  You can have a full-service funeral that is followed by the cremation or a cremation followed by a memorial service.

The change in the funeral industry in Alabama today is the move towards ‘personalization’ and making a funeral service that fits the needs of the family, whatever they are.  If you have any special requirements, these will always be met if possible, and feel free to call us at (251) 206-5572 to discuss your cremation requirements.  If required, it IS possible for the family to view the start of the cremation process (as required by some faiths).

A full-service funeral followed by a cremation package can be arranged for $4,295.

A cremation memorial service package can be arranged for $2,295.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved ones remains?

This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked.  Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains, and identity checks must be made along the way.  The cremation retort has to be completely cleared following a cremation, and only one cremation can be performed at a time.  The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

If you have concerns about the continuity of care offered throughout the cremation process, you may wish to choose a funeral home with its own crematory so your loved one’s remains never leave their care!

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains.  A cremation cannot be performed until the medical examiner’s office issues a cremation permit.  The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form, and a mandatory legal waiting period in Alabama is 24 hours before a cremation can go ahead.

It is unnecessary to embalm a body for cremation, and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until it is performed.  The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge.  If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.

cremation-costs-mobilePreplanning an affordable cremation service

If you wish to preplan a simple cremation, you can lock in a low-cost cremation price of $1730.  This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan.  A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy, or the funds can be put into a trust.

You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying.  This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need without having to worry about completing the paperwork or making difficult decisions.  The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death), which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

Veteran Funerals in Mobile

There are certain discounts and benefits that are available to Veterans.  A Veteran is entitled to a free cemetery plot, grave marker, and a US Flag.  A $200 discount is available from our DFS Memorials provider for a funeral package and a $100 discount for a cremation service in Mobile.  There are also sometimes reductions in the cost of a death certificate for a Veteran.

Overweight body cremation in Mobile

A standard cremation at the inclusive cremation cost of $1,730 is for a person who weighs up to 300 pounds.  Over this weight, there is an additional charge as additional work is required to prepare the body, reinforce the cremation container and extra gas usage.  The additional amount will depend upon the weight of the deceased.  The crematory at Mobile can cremate a body of up to 800 pounds.

No life insurance – financial assistance with cremation costs

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral.  If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you.  Social Security pays out a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify), and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county.  You should contact Mobile County or Baldwin County Human Services Departments to find out what may be available.

DFS Memorials low-cost cremation services are available to residents of Bay Minette, Chickasaw, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Jackson, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, Spanish Fort, Theodore, & Tillman’s Corner.

Sara Marsden

I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last ten 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.

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