Want 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 when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation in Fort Smith for just $750.
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 is not required (unless required), and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating these 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 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 3 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 Fort Smith?
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 $750 and $2,500 (depending on the funeral home used).
Direct cremation services in Fort Smith, AR
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 container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family to collect (or, if requested, delivered/mailed).
A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without the need to visit a funeral home. For the best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Fort Smith at (479) 259-2818, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $750.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
When there are several funeral homes to choose from, this can sometimes be a daunting task. It may help to set some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. The 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 recommend comparing costs before making a decision.
Comparing cremation costs in Fort Smith, AR
All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL) that itemizes all services and charges. Legally, a funeral home must provide you with a copy of its GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.
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? A death certificate costs $10.00 for the first and $8.00 for each additional copy.
What legally must I know about arranging a cremation in Fort Smith?
If you are considering cremation, you need to be aware of a few legal requirements. First, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
In Arkansas, there is a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed, however, before a 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 cost $10.00 each. This is often considered a ‘cash advance’ item and not included in a quoted cremation price. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
Can I preplan a cremation?
Yes, you can prearrange a cremation. Advance planning can help ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and 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.
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?
Sadly, 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 inquire with the Sebastian County Human Services Department to find out if any assistance is available. In these cases, often, 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 $750.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in Arkansas. 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. So, all in all, they still recoup their costs. As we all know, there really is nothing that is truly free!
We hope this short guide can help you understand how to save on funeral costs and arrange a simple direct cremation for just $750 if you are concerned about the cost of conducting a funeral service.
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.
