The cremation trend is sweeping across the United States and changing how we think about funeral arrangements. Cremation in Virginia is increasingly becoming a preferred option for many families, and the cremation rate in Richmond is exponentially increasing. Read on to learn more about cremation costs in Richmond and how to arrange a basic cremation for just $1,650.
Traditionalism and economic reasons for choosing cremation
Deciding whether to bury or cremate is very much a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by their budget for a funeral. A cremation service will cost much less than a traditional burial funeral.
On average, a cremation service will save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial; sometimes, you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. 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.
The economy has certainly impacted how we manage death care today. Many families simply cannot, or do not want to, spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. Cremation provides a simple, efficient, and economical means of disposition.
How much does a cremation cost in Richmond?
Firstly, it is important to state that cremation prices in Richmond DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory.
Cremation costs in Richmond are still fairly expensive compared to many other cities. For the exact same service, a simple cremation in Richmond can cost anywhere between $1,650 and $4,000.
A basic cremation can be conducted in Richmond for $1,650 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. The family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home if desired.
Call DFS Memorials at (804) 213-2899 to arrange a low-cost cremation in Richmond.
What type of cremation services are available?
You can select from a range of cremation services and packages. These will start with a direct cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package. You can have a full-service funeral followed by the cremation, a cremation followed by a memorial service, or just a viewing followed by a cremation.
The change in the funeral industry today is the move towards ‘personalization’ and making a funeral service that fits the family’s needs, whatever they are. If you have any special requirements, these will always be met if possible. Feel free to call us at (804) 213-2899 to discuss your cremation requirements.
How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?
This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains, and identity checks have to be made along the way. The cremation retort must be completely cleared following a cremation, and only one 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.
Understand the legal requirements for cremation in Richmond
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 there is a mandatory legal waiting period in Virginia of 24 hours before a cremation can go ahead.
It is not necessary to embalm a body for cremation, and refrigerated storage preserves the body until the cremation is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
Cremation offers some greater flexibility in what you can do with the cremated remains once you have them returned. Of course, you can inter them in a grave plot or niche. However, you can choose to store them in an urn at home or scatter them. There are also options such as having cremation artifacts made from cremated remains, such as cremation diamonds, glass jewelry, bird baths, and paintings.
Preplanning an affordable cremation service
If you wish to preplan a simple cremation, you can lock in a low-cost cremation price of $1,650. This may depend upon your age when setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are 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 Richmond
Certain discounts and benefits are available to Veterans. A Veteran is entitled to a free cemetery plot, grave marker, and US Flag. The cost of a death certificate is sometimes reduced for Veterans.
Overweight body cremation in Richmond
In Richmond, a standard cremation at the inclusive cost of $1,650 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 use extra gas. The additional amount will depend upon the weight of the deceased. The crematory in Richmond can cremate a body up to 800 pounds.
No life insurance – what help is there with cremation costs in Richmond?
It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral. In this situation, you must explore what help may be available. 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 Leon County or your local County Human Services Department to find out what may be available.
DFS Memorials low-cost cremation services are available to residents all residents of Byrd Park, Carver, Carytown/Museum District, Church Hill, East End, Fairmount, Forest Hill, Fulton Hill, Manchester, Near West and West End, Newtowne, North Side, Oregon Hill, Randolph, Shockoe Bottom, Southside, The Fan District, Three Corners District, Tobacco Row, Union Hill, Westover Hills, Windsor Farms, & Woodland Heights
*death certificates not included in basic direct cremation package
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
