Do you need to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have compiled this guide to help you understand how to save thousands by arranging an affordable cremation in Chicago.
In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $1,295 complete. This package includes an engraved cherry wood urn and 2 copies of the death certificate. Call us now at (773) 901-1564 to begin arrangements.
The average cost of a traditional funeral in Chicago is $6,964*, which 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.
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 or embalming (unless required) is not 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.
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 immediately. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options, with an array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities and various cremation artifact products.
What different cremation alternatives do I have?
There are 3 main types of cremation service options:
Cremation Funeral – where the funeral service is held with the deceased present, and a cremation is conducted after the service.
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.
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. Read our post “Understanding Direct Cremation: What is a direct cremation?” to learn more.
To learn more about Cremation Services – Read our Complete Guide to Cremation, everything you need to know from when the deceased arrives at the crematory to the family receiving the cremated remains back. This guide covers the cremation process, regulations and laws, and authorization & ID requirements.
How much does a cremation cost in Chicago?
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. The average cost of a cremation memorial service is $3,948*, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent.
The average cost of a direct cremation is $1,949*, although DFS Memorials offers a direct cremation package for just $1,295.
Direct cremation services in Chicago, IL
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 or for collection (or, if requested, 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 Chicago at (773) 901-1564, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $1,295. This makes direct cremation the most affordable cremation option in Chicago.
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 for the same service can vary significantly between funeral homes. For this reason, we recommend you compare some costs before deciding.
Comparing cremation costs in Chicago, IL
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 Chicago, a direct cremation costs $1,949. However, some cremation providers can arrange a direct cremation for less than this. DFS Memorials offer a complete direct cremation service package, including an urn and death certificates.
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 $19.00 for the first certificate and $4 for each additional death certificate required. You should also note that the county coroner may charge a fee if they are required to sign the death certificate.
What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Chicago?
If you are considering cremation, you need to be aware of a few legal requirements. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
Illinois has a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before 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 generally included in a quoted cremation price. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
Can I preplan an affordable cremation in Chicago?
Yes, you can prearrange a cremation. 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.
You have various options to plan ahead, so consult with your preferred services provider. A low-cost direct cremation plan can ensure your family does not have to worry 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 such as a cremation diamond, glass paperweight, bird bath, or memorial reef ball, to name but a few!
The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?
Unfortunately, there is little financial aid that supports those families who find themselves struggling with funeral costs. Most counties have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is generally for those who truly are indigent.
Some counties 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 Cook County Human Services Department at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602, phone (312) 443-5500, to find out if any assistance is available to you.
In these cases, the most basic funeral services are often supported, with limited control over what happens. A low-cost direct cremation from DFS Memorials can be arranged for $1,295. Call (773) 901-1564 now to arrange an affordable cremation in Chicago.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in Chicago. 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 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 Cook County Clerk 69 W. Washington, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60602
What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?
Suppose circumstances surrounding the death led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office. In that case, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner and have the body released into their care. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Coroner’s morgue.
Hopefully, this guide has answered some of your questions and helped you understand how to save costs on a cremation. If you want to read more about cremation planning, please visit the Funeral Resources section on US Funerals Online.
*Prices obtained from online funeral price comparison survey 2024
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.
