Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands when arranging a funeral. You can arrange a simple, inexpensive cremation for just $995 in San Bernardino!
Why choose cremation services?
Cremation offers an inexpensive and flexible alternative to a burial service. Choosing cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services.
This is because a casket is not required, or embalming (unless required), and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating just these few products and services saves thousands of dollars alone.
A cremation can offer a more flexible alternative that accommodates families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held immediately.
Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options, a whole array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities, and various cremation artifact products.
What different cremation alternatives do I have?
There are three main types of cremation service options. A cremation funeral – where the funeral service is held with the deceased present, and a cremation is conducted after the service.
A cremation memorial – where the cremation is conducted before a memorial service is held. This can occur with or without the cremated remains present and often takes the form of an ash-scattering ceremony.
Alternatively, there is a direct cremation – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are returned to the family. There are some variances around these three main options, such as a private viewing before the cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.
How much does a cremation cost in San Bernardino?
The cost of a cremation can vary considerably. This will depend upon the type of cremation service you opt for and the cremation services provider you select.
A full-service cremation with a service will cost approximately $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the length of the service and the type of casket you purchase or rent.
Direct cremation will cost between $995 and $2,500 (depending on the funeral home used).
Direct cremation services in San Bernardino, CA
If you are working to a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation. A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option.
The funeral services provider takes care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, but no viewing or services are held.
The deceased is cremated in a simple cremation container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family to collect (or delivered/mailed). A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone, eliminating the need for you to visit a funeral home.
For your best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in San Bernardino at (909) 285-1141, who offers an affordable direct cremation package for just $995 complete.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
This can sometimes be daunting when there are several funeral homes to choose from. It may help to set clear criteria to select the provider that best suits your needs.
The funeral service provider you select can be influenced by the facilities and services they offer, as well as your budget.
As we have highlighted, costs can vary significantly between funeral homes for the same service. For this reason, we recommend comparing costs before making a decision.
Comparing cremation costs in San Bernardino, CA
All funeral homes are required to have a general price list (GPL), which should itemize all services and charges. Legally, a funeral home must provide you with a copy of its General Price List (GPL) if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.
According to funeral price research surveys in San Bernardino, the average cost of a direct cremation is $1,253. However, some cremation providers can arrange a direct cremation for less than this.
DFS Memorials offers an affordable direct cremation service for $995 in San Bernardino.
When comparing costs and services, 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 in the cost?
Cremation permits typically cost $25.00. 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? Death certificates cost $21.00 each. You should also note that the county coroner may charge a fee if he is required to sign the death certificate.
What are the legal requirements for arranging a cremation in San Bernardino, CA?
You need to be aware of a few legal requirements if you are considering cremation. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
In California, there is a mandatory wait period after death before cremation can proceed. Before a cremation can go ahead, the doctor must sign and fill out the cause of death, and the county health department must issue a permit to cremate.
The deceased will be refrigerated during this period and for as long as required. However, you should be aware that many cremation packages will only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.
Death certificates and permits are considered ‘cash advance’ items and are not generally included in a quoted cremation price. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
Visit our Complete Guide to Cremation to learn everything about the cremation process, options, and regulations.
Can I preplan a cremation?
Yes, you can prearrange an affordable cremation in San Bernardino. Advance planning can help ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and save your surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death.
There are various options available to you for planning ahead, so consult with your preferred service provider.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
There is versatility in what you can do with cremated remains.
You can inter a cremation urn in a cemetery plot or niche, keep an urn at home, scatter the remains, or create a cremation artifact.
The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?
Sadly, there is little financial aid that supports families struggling with funeral costs. Most counties have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is typically reserved for those who are truly indigent.
Some counties do have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs, but this can vary from county to county.
You would need to inquire with the San Bernardino County Human Services Department to find out if any assistance is available. Generally, only the most basic of funeral services will be supported, with limited control over what happens. A low-cost direct cremation from a budget provider can be arranged for $995.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in San Bernardino. This refers to whole body donation, whereby after the donation is complete, the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family or scattered.
Generally, funeral homes can receive a referral fee from the whole-body donation organization and sometimes charge a transportation fee.
How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate in California?
You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at 340 N. Mt. View Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415
What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?
If there were circumstances surrounding the death that led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner to have the body released into their care. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Coroner’s morgue.
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.
