How to arrange affordable cremation services in Athens, GA

The shift to cremation is sweeping across the nation as families demand more affordable death care alternatives.  Cremation is now fast becoming a disposition choice for many families in Georgia.

For those families who do not want to overspend on a funeral or do not have the funds for a costly funeral, cremation is a low-cost alternative. A simple direct cremation can save you thousands on funeral costs. Indeed, you can arrange a simple cremation for $1,095.

What is the average cost of a funeral in Athens?

These days, we are discerning consumers, mindful of costs, and people now feel the same way about purchasing funeral services.  Why should we not ask how much it costs?

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Athens is $7,076*.

So, how do cremation costs compare in Athens?

Cremation offers a cheaper and more flexible alternative to a traditional burial and can, therefore, significantly reduce funeral costs.

No casket, cemetery plot, or burial vault is required, immediately reducing some of the most expensive purchases related to funeral expenses.

The average price for a cremation funeral service in Athens is $3,878*.

Direct cremation services in Athens, GA

Direct cremation is the industry term for a ‘simple cremation.’  Only the cremation service is provided by the funeral home.  The funeral home provides no ceremony or funeral services.  The deceased is collected and cremated, and the remains are returned to the family in a basic urn.

Direct cremation offers families lower-cost funeral services and more control over the time and type of memorial ceremonial services they desire.  A memorial service can be held in a place of worship, a community venue, or even outdoors. 

The service can be conducted with or without the cremation urn present. It can even be an ash-scattering ceremony, interment in a cremation niche, or scattering garden.

A basic direct cremation is available in Athens for $1,095, although the average price for a direct cremation is $1,495.   To help families arrange affordable cremation services, we have selected only family-owned cremation service providers who can offer a direct cremation package.

Direct cremation means a family can manage to conduct dignified funeral services for as little as $1,095

Are there any additional fees to a cremation package?

For a cremation to be conducted, the county must issue a ‘disposition permit’.  At present, there is no charge for this.  Death certificates are an additional cost, as these are issued by the county and are a third-party expense.  Death certificates cost $25 for the first certificate and $5 for each additional copy issued.

How do I know that I am getting the remains of my loved one back?

This is one of the most frequent questions families ask about cremation.  Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains, and identity checks must be made all along the way. 

The cremation retort must 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) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

What if I am not sure about cremation or the family cannot agree about cremation?

Cremation is such a final disposition, and you do need to ensure that you are completely sure that this IS the ‘right’ disposition choice for you.  Certain laws are in place to ensure this final disposition can only proceed if the legal next of kin has authorized it.  A Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by the legal next of kin, and in the case of children, many funeral directors will require all children to sign.

You can authorize an agent for your final disposition or sign the authorization when you preplan a cremation.

Read our Complete Guide to Cremation: From Collection of the Deceased to the Return of the Cremated Remains to the Family.  Learn about the cremation process, rules and regulations, and other FAQs.

What can you do with the cremated remains?

The options of what you can do with the cremated remains of your loved one are one of the reasons cremation is becoming more popular.  You can, of course, choose to inter the remains in a cemetery plot. You can inter the remains in a niche or columbarium or keep the ashes at home.

Keepsake urns even enable you to disperse the ashes among several family members or choose to scatter some and retain a ‘keepsake’ memorial.

Ash scattering is also more common these days, and many options exist for creating a befitting ash scattering ceremony.

Can I preplan a direct cremation at an affordable cost?

Yes.  You can preplan a simple direct cremation service.  This is generally funded through an insurance product covering this cost when needed.  All monies are secured in a trust fund.

How quickly can a cremation be performed?

It generally takes a few days to make the necessary arrangements, complete all the legal paperwork, and schedule the cremation.  However, expedited services can be arranged if required.  In Georgia, there is a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before a cremation can be conducted.

What do I do if I cannot even afford a cremation?

There is very little ‘free’ money to help families with funeral costs.   What is available constantly changes due to budget constraints and varies by county.  Some counties do have a provision to assist needy or low-income families.  Contact Clarke County DFCS to find out what may be available to you locally.

Clarke County DFCS, 284 North Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30603  Phone (706) 227-7021

There is also a $255 lump sum social security death benefit payment if the deceased qualifies, and your funeral director can help you claim this.  So you may find that a low-cost cremation at $1,095 with DFS Memorials is a dignified yet affordable disposition alternative if your family is struggling financially.

*funeral prices obtained from online funeral price survey website 2024