More families today are choosing cremation as their preferred funeral choice.  It can be much more affordable than a burial service and can offer much more flexibility.   California has a higher cremation rate than most states, with some counties running at an 80% cremation rate. You can arrange a direct cremation for a low cost of $1,195 in Sacramento.

What do I need to consider if choosing a cremation?

You need to consider what kind of cremation service you want and what type of cremation provider you wish to select.  There are various cremation service options, from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional funeral service followed by cremation.

You need to consider if you wish to employ the services of a funeral home or deal directly with a crematory and cremation company or cremation society.  As cremation is so popular in Sacramento, several cremation companies specialize in cremation only.

How do I select a cremation service provider in Sacramento?

Before committing to a cremation services provider, it is always wise to check around.  Ask family and friends about their experiences, or do some research online or by phone.  As with any other sector, there is the ‘good, the bad, and the ugly’.

What you get included in a cremation services package and what level of service you are given can vary by who you deal with.  Costs for a cremation service can also differ significantly, even for the exact same service.

What different cremation alternatives do I have?

There are 3 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 service cost in Sacramento?

This is a question that is often asked, and the only true answer is that it can vary.  It is dictated by what kind of cremation service you select.  As I mentioned, direct cremation is the least expensive option, costing just $1,195 in Sacramento.  A cremation with a memorial is likely to cost in the region of $2,500, and a full funeral with cremation afterward will cost around $3,000 – $5,000, depending on the services and products selected.

Direct cremation services in Sacramento, CA

If you are working to a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation in Sacramento.  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 Sacramento, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $1,195.

Call now on (916) 229-6142 for immediate assistance

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

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.

Some states have a mandatory wait period of 24-48 hours after death before the cremation can proceed.  It can generally take this time anyway to get all the documentation in order and a cremation permit issued from the coroner.  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 $21.00 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 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.

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.

Visit our Complete Guide to Scattering Cremated Remains to learn more.

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?

Sadly there is little financial aid that supports those families that 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 inquire with the Sacramento 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.

What is “no-cost cremation”?

Some funeral homes now offer this option in California.  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, plus they sometimes charge a transportation fee.

What do I do if I cannot afford a cremation?

Sadly, little state or county assistance helps a family pay for a cremation.  The county may be obligated to pay for indigent cremations, but in these cases, they are often unclaimed remains where there is no family.  You may wish to contact Sacramento Human Services to inquire as to what assistance may be available. Still, in reality, it may require the family to raise the basic funds to conduct a direct cremation.

Sacramento County Coroner is located at 4800 Broadway, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95820

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