Arranging an affordable cremation service in Miramar, FL

Cremation Memorial

Do you need to arrange an affordable direct cremation service?  We have put together this article to help you understand how you can save money arranging a funeral. 

In fact, you can arrange a simple, direct cremation for just $995!

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Miramar can be around $10,000+, and this does not include cemetery costs.

So it is understandable that many families today are looking for more affordable alternatives.  Cremation is now becoming the preferred, more affordable option to conduct a dignified yet simple funeral service at a fraction of the full cost of a traditional funeral.

Cremation vs. burial?

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 with a whole array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities and various cremation artifact products.

What different cremation alternatives do I have?

There are 3 main 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 3 main options, such as a private viewing before the cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.

Cremation Service Miramar FL

How much does a cremation cost in Miramar?

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 direct cremation package can be conducted for just $995 with DFS Memorials.

Direct cremation services in Miramar, FL

If you are working on 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 can be 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 Miramar at (954) 932-3363, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $995.

How do I choose a cremation services provider?

Cremation Costs

This can sometimes be a daunting task 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 services provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer or what budget you have.

As we have highlighted, costs can vary quite significantly between funeral homes for the exact same service.  For this reason, we would recommend you compare some costs before making a decision.

Comparing cremation costs in Miramar, FL

All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL), and this 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.

DFS Memorials offer a direct cremation service for just $995.

Check out our Complete Guide to Cremation or our Guide to Cremation Costs in Florida to learn more about cremation services and cremation costs.

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?  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 $20.00; one copy is included in the $995 direct cremation package.  Additional copies can be requested for $20.00 extra per copy.

What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Miramar?

There are a few legal requirements that you need to be aware of if you are considering cremation. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.

In Florida, there is a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. Before cremation can proceed, 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 always included in a quoted cremation price.

Can I preplan a cremation?

Yes, you can prearrange a cremation.  Advance planning can help to ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and can save the 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.  A pre-arranged direct cremation plan can be preplanned at a low cost to ensure your family does not have the burden of worrying about funeral costs.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

As I mentioned earlier, 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 those families who find themselves struggling with funeral costs.  Most counties do have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is generally for those individuals 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 make inquiries with the Broward County Human Services Department at (954) 357-6385 to find out if any assistance is available to you.  In these cases, often the most basic of funeral services will be supported, with limited control over what happens.

What is “no-cost cremation”? Body donation with a free cremation.

Some funeral homes now offer this option in Miramar.  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.

To discuss arranging an anatomical whole-body donation with a free cremation in Florida, call Craig at (833) 402-9077.

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at 780 SW 24 Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Phone: 954-467-4700

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 at Broward County Coroner, 5301 SW 31st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

Hopefully, this short guide to arranging an affordable cremation service in Miramar has answered some of your questions and helped you understand how to save costs on a cremation.  If you would like to read more extensively about cremation planning, please visit the Resources section on US Funerals Online.

Sara Marsden

I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last ten years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.

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