Over 60% of Americans now choose cremation instead of burial for their final disposition (Statista 2023).
The cremation trend has been sweeping across our nation. It offers a more affordable and flexible end-of-life alternative to traditional burial.
Numerous reasons are cited for why we are all opting for cremation, but the 2 key reasons are cost and flexibility.
A cremation is much cheaper than a traditional burial – usually at least 40% – 60% less. Also, cremation offers more options for memorialization. For those families who have migrated or are transplants – cremated remains can be transferred back to a home state or divided amongst family to be kept close. You can inter cremated remains, scatter them, or choose from a whole array of cremation artifacts! Read on to learn more about how to save on cremation costs in Atlanta.
What is the average cost of a cremation in Atlanta, GA?
This is THE question that many families turn to the Internet to find out today. Maybe they are curious about how much cremation costs, or in some cases, they have been told by a funeral home in Atlanta just how much a funeral will cost!
The cost of cremation varies considerably, depending on which funeral home you select and what kind of cremation service you opt for. The average cost of a full-service cremation in the Atlanta Metropolitan area is $6,689 (Funeralocity 2024), although you can arrange a simple, direct cremation for much less than this.
Choosing a Cremation Service Package in Atlanta, GA
Many funeral service providers in Atlanta will offer cremation packages. This can be a great way to save on the ‘a la carte’ General Price List of a funeral home and know exactly what you are getting for a set price.
Generally, there are 3 main types of cremation services. Firstly, you can select a basic cremation (otherwise referred to as an immediate cremation or a direct cremation) which is where there is no ceremony or services.
A cremation memorial service is when the cremation is performed first, and then a service is held with the cremation ashes present (or not present).
Finally, there is a full-service cremation, which is much the same as a traditional funeral. Only the deceased is cremated after the service instead of buried.
To learn more about cremation service options, cremation costs, what laws govern a cremation disposition, and what happens throughout the cremation process – visit our comprehensive article covering Everything From When the Funeral Home collects the Deceased to the Cremated Remains being Returned to the Family.
Direct cremation in Atlanta
Direct cremation is fast becoming the most popular cremation choice today. Why? Because it offers the cheapest and most flexible disposition option for families concerned about funeral costs and wanting a ‘simple’ solution.
Many families in Atlanta are choosing a direct cremation and then arranging their own memorial services. This helps them save money on cremation costs and puts the family firmly in control of the funeral service.
Oftentimes, the price quoted for a direct cremation does NOT include things such as transport and service fees. Some funeral homes advertise a lower price, which isn’t the complete price with all fees included.
An immediate need direct cremation can be arranged in Atlanta for $895 complete. Call (404) 445-0239 now!
What is included in a direct cremation?
It is wise to check exactly what is included in an advertised direct cremation price. Not all providers include the cremation container, which can cost an extra $75-150. Also, if the funeral home does not have a crematory, they may charge the crematory fee as a ‘cash advance’ fee.
A direct cremation generally includes:
- Collecting the deceased & transporting him/her to the funeral home/crematory
- Storage for the mandatory 48-hour waiting period for cremation
- Completion of all the necessary paperwork & permits*
- The cremation fee
- The cremation container (an alternative cardboard container is generally used)
- Returning the cremated remains to the family in a temporary container
*Death certificates & Medical Examiners fees are the only additional costs.
What extra costs may I have to pay for a cremation?
The fees that are paid to the county are generally extra costs that you have to pay upfront when you purchase a direct cremation package. In Atlanta, the fee for a death certificate is $25.00, and additional copies will cost $5.00 each. (You need at least 1 death certificate, but possibly more).
It IS important to check what is included with a direct cremation package, as some funeral service providers do not include items such as the cremation container or the crematory fee.
How do I choose a cremation provider in Atlanta?
It is always wise to check around with more than one provider to compare costs and services. At DFS Memorials, we have already compared a selection of cremation service providers in Atlanta to find the best direct cremation prices. We believe this saves you the stress at an emotional time.
How do cremation providers compare in Atlanta?
It is always advisable to compare general price lists from several funeral service providers, as funeral costs can vary considerably for the exact same service from different service providers. A funeral home is obligated by the FTC’s ‘funeral rule’ to disclose prices to you when you make an inquiry – whether face-to-face or by phone/email.
How can you save money by arranging a cremation?
You can actually save thousands of dollars in funeral costs by arranging a cremation, especially a direct cremation. There is no need for a casket, embalming, burial vault, or cemetery plot. With a direct cremation, you can arrange your own memorial services at a location of your choice and at a time best for the family.
Preplanning a cremation in Atlanta
You can preplan a cremation with a cremation services provider. You can even lock in the low cost of a direct cremation today in case gas prices do rise. You can prepay a cremation plan using an insurance policy, or funds are deposited into a trust. Alternatively, you can preplan by documenting your wishes and lay aside the required funds in a Payable on Death POD account.
Making online cremation arrangements
If you do not want to visit a funeral home or are arranging for cremation for a loved one from elsewhere, you can complete the necessary documentation online.
This article explains more about what options there are to help you pay for a funeral.
Use our Guide to Memorialization and Cremation Tribute Ideas to plan your own Memorial Tribute.
The $895 direct cremation package is available in the cities of Athens, Atlanta Metro, Columbus, Dalton & Gainesville, and the counties of Fulton, Clayton, Fayette, Carroll, Paulding, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Rockdale, De Kalb, Walton, Henry, Newton, Oconee, Barrow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Harris, Talbot, and Dawson.
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.
