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 arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, affordable cremation for just $1,195 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 can accommodate families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held straight away.
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 be with or without the cremated remains present and can often take the form of an ash-scattering ceremony.
Or there is a direct cremation – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are given back 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 in the region of $3,000 – $5,000, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent.
Direct cremation will cost between $1,195 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 does everything to take 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 without any 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 $1,195 complete.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
This can sometimes be daunting when there are several funeral homes to choose between. It may help to set yourself some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. Which funeral service provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer or your budget.
As we have highlighted, costs can vary significantly between funeral homes for the same service. For this reason, we recommend you compare some costs before deciding.
Comparing cremation costs in San Bernardino, CA
All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL), which should itemize all services and charges. Legally a funeral home must provide you with a copy of their 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 offer an affordable direct cremation service for $1,195 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?
Cremation permits generally run at $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 legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in San Bernardino?
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 the 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 longer if 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 open to you to plan ahead, so consult with your preferred services 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 generally for those who truly are indigent. Some counties do have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs but this can vary county by county.
You would need to inquire with 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 $1,195.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in San Bernardino. This is referring 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 get 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?
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.