Arranging a low cost funeral or cremation in Atlanta

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Cremation Advisor

If paying for funeral costs is a concern for your family, then the DFS Memorials provider in Atlanta can help you save money on your funeral expenses. The average cost of a funeral is $7,755* (without cemetery expenses), a cost that can seem overwhelming today if the deceased had no funeral plan.

We deal with families every day who turn to online tools to try and find out what the average cost of a cremation is in Atlanta. The problem is that Atlanta cremation services can vary so much, and you can spend unnecessary time contacting funeral homes and gathering funeral prices.

You have to be sure you are comparing like-for-like as many funeral homes package their services differently.

Sometimes a funeral home can offer what they claim is an “affordable cremation service” but they have not included all costs, especially the crematory fee, which can be considered a cash disbursement if they do not own their own crematory.

At DFS Memorials, we want to take all that hassle and confusion away, and just help you quickly connect with a reputable, licensed funeral home in Atlanta that can provide you with a complete low-cost funeral price….with no hidden extras! And remember, all our providers are a family-owned funeral business, we do not work with death care corporations. As you will see below, the funeral home in Atlanta we work with offers very inexpensive funeral and cremation packages.

Our provider of affordable cremations and funerals in Atlanta offers a basic cremation or burial package:

Direct Cremation $795 – – – Traditional Funeral $2,895 (Incl. casket)

Call (404) 739-4924 for immediate assistance, if you wish to preplan a funeral, or if you have any questions.

The $795 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.

Guide to Affordable Cremation in Wheaton, IL – $1,165 direct cremation

Posted on October 31, 2020 by N. G Pelling

Do you need to save money on funeral costs? If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive alternative to the expense of burial, then consider arranging a simple cremation in Wheaton for just $1,165.

More families are opting to conduct a simple, no-fuss direct cremation and then perform their own memorial service at a venue of their choosing. This all saves thousands of dollars on funeral expenses!

How funeral care is changing and economic reasons for choosing cremation

Making the decision to bury or cremate is a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral and a cremation service will cost less than a traditional burial funeral. On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are choosing cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. Instead, a cremation can be performed and the immediate disposition of the body dealt with, and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

The economy has definitely impacted how we are changing our approach to death care today. Many families simply cannot, or do not, want to spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. A cremation provides a simple, efficient, and economical means to conduct a disposition.

How much does a funeral cost in Wheaton?

This is not a simple question to answer as funeral costs can range significantly depending on the type of services and products selected, and the funeral services provider used. The average cost of a funeral in Wheaton is $7,670*.

How much does a cremation cost in Wheaton?

Firstly, a cremation WILL save you on funeral costs. There is no requirement for a casket, cemetery plot, or burial vault, which alone saves thousands of dollars. Generally, embalming is not required when a cremation is performed, so all-in-all you can save on many funeral expenses, meaning that a cremation will cost at least half, if not less, than the full cost of a burial funeral.

It is important to state that cremation prices in Wheaton DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. The average cost of a cremation memorial is $4,870*, however, it is possible to find much lower-priced cremation services in Wheaton.

How much is a direct cremation in Wheaton, IL?

A basic cremation can be conducted in Wheaton for as little as $1,165 complete. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

Call DFS Memorials now on (815) 216-4601 to arrange a low-cost cremation for $1,165

What type of cremation services are available?

You can select from a range of cremation services and packages. These will start with a basic cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package. You can have a full-service funeral that is followed by the cremation, a cremation followed by a memorial service, or just a viewing followed by a cremation. Cremation does offer versatility in what options you have, and when and where any services can be held.

How to compare cremation costs in Wheaton, IL

As mentioned the cost of a cremation can vary enormously – for the exact same service – but from different cremation service providers. Ensure that you compare like-for-like services. Some cremation service providers include crematory fees and cremation container costs in a direct cremation package, and others do not always include these fees. Death certificate fees and cremation permits are often additional ‘cash advance’ items.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains and identity checks have to be made along the way. The cremation retort has to be completely cleared following a cremation and only one cremation can be performed at a time. The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Wheaton

It is not necessary to embalm a body for cremation and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until the cremation is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

Cremation offers some greater flexibility in what you can do with the cremated remains once you have them returned. You can, of course, inter them in a grave plot or niche. However, you can choose to store them in an urn at home or scatter the cremated remains. There are also options such as having cremation artifacts made from cremated remains such as cremation diamonds, glass jewelry, garden stones, and paintings.

Preplanning an affordable cremation service

If you wish to preplan a simple cremation you can lock in a low-cost cremation price. This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are put into a trust. You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying. This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need, without having to worry about completing the paperwork or making difficult decisions. The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death) which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

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

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral.

If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you. Social Security payout a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify) and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county. Some counties do offer some financial assistance to low-income families, whereas in other counties only county indigent dispositions are conducted. To find out what may be available you should contact DuPage County Human Services Department at:

Jack T. Knuepfer Bldg. 421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187 Phone: (630) 407-6300

The deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office. What do I do?

If the deceased was the victim of a crime, or there were unusual circumstances surrounding the death, the deceased’s body may be taken into the care of the coroner for an examination to determine the cause of death. You will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to coordinate the release of your loved one from the ME’s office.

A deceased person can only be released into the care of a licensed funeral director. Many funeral homes are familiar with the process to liaise with the ME to have the body released as quickly as possible. You may also find that a simple, direct cremation can be arranged at a very low cost when the deceased is in the Coroner’s morgue as all the paperwork can be expedited quickly and the process to transfer the deceased to the funeral facility is simplified.

Address of county coroner’s office: 414 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187

We hope this short guide has helped answer some of your immediate questions and provided some help in understanding how you can arrange an affordable funeral or cremation service in Wheaton, IL. If you need to research more information on funeral-planning, please visit the Library section on US Funerals Online.

*Funeral prices obtained from Parting funeral price comparison survey 2020

Arranging an affordable cremation service in Alpharetta, GA – Just $795

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Cremation Advisor

Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands by arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $795!

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Alpharetta is $6,410, and this does not include cemetery costs, so it is understandable that many families today are looking to 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 is not required, or embalming (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.

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?

You can choose between 3 main options for a cremation:

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.

A direct cremation – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains given back to the family. There are some variances around these 3 main options, such as a private viewing before cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.

How much does a cremation cost in Alpharetta?

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 $3,465, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent. The average cost of a direct cremation is $1,726, although a direct cremation package can be conducted for just $795 with DFS Memorials.

Direct cremation services in Alpharetta, GA

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 collect (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 Alpharetta on (404) 739-4924 who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $795.

How do I choose a cremation services provider?

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 Alpharetta, GA

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.

According to funeral price research surveys in Alpharetta, the average cost of a direct cremation is $1,726, although a direct cremation can be arranged for less than this with some cremation providers. DFS Memorials offer a direct cremation service for $795.

The Neptune Society has a location in Atlanta and offer a direct cremation service for $1,962 (according to online funeral price website Parting).

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 $25.00 for the first certificate and $5 for each additional death certificate required. You should also note that the county coroner may charge a fee if he is required to sign the death certificate.

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

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 Georgia there is a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. Before a cremation can go ahead 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 not generally 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 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 do not have the burden about worrying about funeral costs.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

As I mentioned earlier there is a versatility on 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 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 make inquiries with Fulton County Human Services Department at 115 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA 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. A low cost direct cremation from DFS Memorials can be arranged for $895.

What is “no-cost cremation”?

Some funeral homes now offer this option in Alpharetta. 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. So all-in-all they do still recoup their costs. As we all know, there really is nothing that is truly free!

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at: Fulton County Government Center 141 Pryor St SW, Suite 1029A · Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 679-4702

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.

Fulton County Medical Examiner, 430 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30312

Hopefully this short guide to arranging an affordable cremation service in Alpharetta 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 library section on US Funerals Online.

*Prices obtained from online funeral price comparison survey 2020

How much does a cremation cost in Cleveland, OH?

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Cremation Advisor

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral. Although the cremation rate in Ohio has typically been below the national rate, the demand for low cost funeral alternatives is changing the way many families today approach death care.

Changing death care rituals and economic reasons for choosing cremation

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is very much a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral. A cremation service will cost much less than a traditional burial funeral. On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are leaning towards cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. A cremation can be performed and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

The economy has certainly impacted on how we manage death care today. Many families simply cannot, or do not, want to spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. A cremation provides a simple, efficient and economical means to conduct a disposition.

So how much does a cremation cost in Cleveland?

Firstly it is important to state that cremation prices in Cleveland DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) quotes the average cost of cremation at $3,200, however, it is possible to find much lower-priced cremation services in Cleveland.

A direct cremation can be conducted in Cleveland for as little as $625. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

What type of cremation services are available?

direct-cremation You can select from a range of cremation services and packages. These will start with a basic cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package. You can have a full-service funeral that is followed by the cremation, a cremation followed by a memorial service, or just a viewing followed by a cremation. The change in the funeral industry today is the move towards ‘personalization’ and making a funeral service that fits the needs of the family, whatever they are.

Comparing cremation costs in Cleveland, OH

As mentioned the cost of a cremation can vary enormously – for the exact same service – but from different Cleveland cremation service providers. Ensure that you compare like-for-like services. Some cremation service providers include crematory fees and cremation container costs in a direct cremation package, and others do not always include these fees. Death certificate fees and cremation permits are often additional ‘cash advance’ items.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Cleveland

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains. A cremation cannot be performed until a cremation permit is issued by the medical examiner’s office. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form. It is not necessary to embalm a body for cremation and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until the cremation is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

Preplanning an affordable cremation service in Cleveland

If you wish to preplan a simple cremation you can lock in a low-cost cremation price now. This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are put into a trust. You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying. This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need, without having to worry about completing the paperwork or make difficult decisions. The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death) which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

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

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral. If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you. Social Security payout a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify) and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county. To find out what may be available you should contact your County Human Services Department.

If the deceased is at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director to collect your loved one and take him or her into their care for funeral services. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Medical Examiners’ office, once the deceased body is ready to be released by the coroner.

The ME for Cuyahoga County is located at 11001 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone (216) 721-5610

DFS Memorials’ low-cost cremation services are available to residents of Cleveland Heights, Detroit-Shoreway, Kamm’s Corners, Lakewood, Little Italy, Ohio City, Shaker Square & Larchmere, Tremont, University Circle, and Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, and Medina County.

Guide to arranging a cremation in Las Vegas

Posted on October 9, 2020 by Sara Marsden

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral. And opting for a simple, direct cremation is allowing families to save thousands of dollars on funeral costs, whilst also giving them back more control over the funeral and memorial process.

How funeral care is changing and economic reasons for choosing cremation

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral and a cremation service will cost less than a traditional burial funeral. On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are choosing cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. Instead, a cremation can be performed and the immediate disposition of the body dealt with, and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

How much does a funeral cost in Las Vegas?

This is not a simple question to answer as funeral costs can range significantly depending on the type of services and products selected, and the funeral services provider used. The average cost of a funeral in Las Vegas is $6,641*, but the lowest cost is $4,050.

How much does a cremation cost in Las Vegas?

A cremation WILL save you on funeral costs. There is no requirement for a casket, cemetery plot, or burial vault, which alone saves thousands of dollars. Generally, embalming is not required when a cremation is performed, so all-in-all you can save on many funeral expenses, meaning that a cremation will cost at least half, if not less, than the full cost of a burial funeral.

It is important to state that cremation prices in Las Vegas DO vary considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. The average cost of a cremation memorial is $3,651*, however, it is possible to find much lower-priced cremation services in Las Vegas.

How much is a direct cremation in Las Vegas, NV?

A basic cremation can be conducted in Vegas for as little as $695. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. This low-price is available when applying discounts for hospice patients and/or veterans.

What type of cremation services are available?

How to compare cremation costs in Las Vegas,

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

direct cremation Queens NY This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains and identity checks have to be made along the way. The cremation retort has to be completely cleared following a cremation and only one cremation can be performed at a time.

The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Nevada

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains. A cremation cannot be performed until the death certificate has been issued by the county and a cremation permit is issued by the medical examiner’s office. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

Preplanning an affordable cremation service

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

500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NY 89155 Phone: (702) 455-0000

The deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office. What do I do?

Address of county coroner’s office: Clark County Medical Examiner 1704 Pinto Lane, Las Vegas, NV, 89106

We hope this short guide has helped answer some of your immediate questions and provided some help to understanding how you can arrange an affordable funeral or cremation service in Las Vegas, NV. If you need to research more information on funeral-planning, please visit the Library section on US Funerals Online.

*Funeral prices obtained from Parting funeral price comparison survey 2019

Cremation Costs in 2020: How cremation is disrupting the Funeral Industry

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Sara Marsden

How much should you expect to pay for a cremation service in 2020?

Some of the most frequent questions we are asked these days are about cremation prices. Now cremation has become mainstream and more Americans are considering cremation. The Internet has also disrupted a service industry that once relied upon ‘traditional’ families, who would not even ask about funeral prices. Five years ago, it was extremely rare to see a funeral home website disclose any cremation prices, now there is not only a growing number displaying cremation packages and prices online, but we also have funeral homes Google-advertising price-competitively.

So, what should you expect to pay for a cremation service as we come towards the end of 2019? Are cremation prices going to go down in 2020 as more funeral homes install crematories? A simple cremation service costs between $800 and $3,000 today. The disparity in this price range is largely due to which cremation service provider you select. All funeral homes have a basic cremation [direct cremation] on their General Price List (GPL). The price differs by the provider, often based upon their overhead and profit margins.

Most of the states where the cremation rate is higher have funeral service providers offering lower-cost cremation services. The table below gives some examples of median direct cremation costs in November 2019 in a selection of states and cities.

State	City	Direct Cremation Cost
California	Los Angeles	$625
	San Francisco	$698
	Sacramento	$795
Washington	State-wide	$600
Arizona	Phoenix	$725
	Tucson	$455
Florida	Miami	$696
	SWFL	$895
	Orlando	$895
Texas	Austin	$675
	San Antonio	$675
	Houston	$640
	Dallas/Fort Worth	$755
New York	New York City	$485
Illinois	Chicago	$995
Pennsylvania	Pittsburgh	$695
Ohio	Columbus	$599
Indiana	Indianapolis	$750

As you can see some of the most populated cities have the lowest cremation prices. Prices tend to increase in rural areas, or where the cremation rate is lower than the national average. Find your nearest DFS Memorials provider to locate cremation costs.

What is the most popular cremation service?

The cremation rate nationally reached almost 55% last year and is forecast to grow to nearly 80% by 2040. What is not disclosed is what percent of cremation families select full-service cremation services or just a simple cremation. There has been a steady growth of interest in “just cremation” services, or what the industry refers to as a ‘direct cremation’.

Projected cremation and burial rates A direct cremation is a basic cremation without any funeral ceremony performed by the funeral home. The deceased is collected, cremated and the cremated remains returned directly to the family. This is also the most economical disposition option available. It is what families are asking for when they say “I just want a simple cremation…no fuss.”

From our survey with our DFS Memorials network of cremation providers, it is reported that 80% of cremations conducted are direct cremations in 2020. Time magazine reported on how ‘Cremation Is Now Outpacing Traditional Burial’ with a case study from a funeral home in Boise, Idaho. Robert Boetticher, Jr., of Cloverdale Funeral Home, shared how when in mortuary school in the 1980s cremation was barely mentioned, and now the cases at his funeral home in Boise are 60% cremation cases.

According to Barbara Kemmis, CANA’s executive director “Cremation has become the new tradition. It’s a seismic shift in the profession.”

So, although the funeral profession does not want to embrace it, it seems that direct cremation services are the popular cremation choice for families today.

How is the cremation trend impacting on cremation costs in 2020?

I have been observing the cremation trend and changes in cremation prices nationally for the last few years now. I would propose we are witnessing an impact on cremation pricing driven by the demand for low-cost direct cremation. Cremation ‘price wars’ have been instigated in some areas. With the decline in expensive traditional burials and the growth of simple cremation services, funeral homes’ profit-margins are significantly down. This has resulted in closures, acquisitions, extended service area coverage and competition on pricing.

Are you happy to make cremation arrangements online?

In order to be able to offer cremation at the most affordable price, some funeral homes have set up a separate cremation business, where they seek to increase volume while reducing overhead. Some of these cremation businesses offer an ‘online arrangement’ cremation price, as by enabling the consumer to complete all the information and payment online, this saves manpower for the cremation company.

Many of these online portals offer a 4-step process:

Arrange online
Collection of the deceased
Registering the death & conducting the cremation
Returning the cremated remains – by mail or in person.

Cremation costs and The Economy in 2020

There have been numerous reports and surveys on the rising cremation trend over the last 10 years. The majority of these reports conclusively summarize that price has been the driving factor in the shift towards the more affordable alternative of cremation. One could say that the funeral industry has brought this on themselves with their practice of gauging families with high funeral prices. Since the economic downturn of 2008, we have seen slow but steady growth in the cremation rate.

CNBC reported in July this year that ‘Many Americans who can’t afford a $400 emergency blame debt’, quoting that 40% of Americans would struggle to raise $400 for an unexpected bill. Sadly, we are on the brink of what I believe could be an era of funeral poverty. Counties are struggling with their budgets for indigent funeral requests, as a growing number of low-income families find themselves faced with an unexpected funeral expense. More counties are allocating their indigent burial budgets to direct cremation instead of burial services to cut costs.

Clearly, there is an intrinsic link between the state of the economy, the rise in the cremation rate and cremation costs.

Memorialization after cremation

There are two fundamental elements to the death care process: disposition of the body and memorialization. For decades these two elements have been held solely in the domain of the funeral home. However, cremation has allowed us to separate these two elements. The disposition of the deceased can be handled clinically by the funeral director. Cremation has enabled this to handled in a timely manner while removing the need to rush to arrange funeral services. A memorial service can be held after the cremation, and therefore there is no rush to arrange a ceremony immediately. This has dis-empowered funeral homes who often felt that we needed their memorialization services in order to grieve.

The rise of Personalization and Cremation

‘Personalization’ has become the new industry buzz word in recent years related especially to cremation services. Once the cremation is performed and the family has the cremated remains, there are so many options of how to create a personalized memorial. Families are embracing the flexibility this offers them, and how much money they can save by personally choosing how to commemorate a loved one.

Simple Cremation and baby boomers

There is a lot of talk about how the baby boomers are going to have an impact over the next 10-20 years on the death care industry. They have re-invented life’s rituals and customs through each era of their lives, and now as they embark on the final journey, it is expected they will lead a re-invention of their final passage. From surveys conducted with baby boomers, there is definitely an interest in simple cremation.

So, another year of flux for the funeral industry. It seems on a whole they have finally accepted that cremation is not a passing trend but here to stay. However, as more funeral businesses try to stay profitable with the expected lower cost of cremation services, I am sure there are more changes on the horizon.

1.Deathcare Services – Statistics & Facts. https://www.statista.com/topics/4731/death-care-services-in-the-us/ Published by E. Mazareanu, Jul 10, 2019

2. The United States Death Care Market Report 2018-2023: Market is Estimated to Reach Revenues of Around $68 Billion

In 2019 there were 19,177 funeral homes in the U.S. The Provision of funeral homes and cemetery services generated combined revenue of $21 billion USD in 2019. The main corporate funeral entities have the following shares of the market: SCI 1.9 billion, StoneMor Partners 261.94 million, Carriage Services. 210.7 million.

Cremation costs: How can I save money arranging a funeral in Phoenix, AZ?

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Sara Marsden

The cost of dying these days is becoming as much of a concern as the cost of living! Funerals can end up costing thousands of dollars of money we don’t have, or simply do not want to spend on death care. With traditionalism in decline and families seeking alternative funeral options, especially those driven by cost, this article aims to help you understand some options that you have to save money when arranging a funeral.

How much does a funeral cost in Phoenix?

All funerals are NOT created equal! Yes, believe it or not, funeral prices differ dramatically and you can end up completely confused by the array of prices and services! Funeral costs in Phoenix vary significantly, depending upon the funeral provider you select, and the type of services you opt for. The average cost of a funeral is $7,045 (according to the National Funeral Directors Association 2012). This is for a typical burial service including a viewing, ceremony, all associated professional services, and a standard casket. This does not include any cemetery fees or cash advance items.

However, it is possible to arrange a traditional burial for half this cost by selecting a provider who offers more affordable funeral alternatives. A complete traditional funeral can be conducted in Phoenix for $2,265 (not including cemetery costs). Immediately this means that you can save thousands just by shopping around and choosing a more affordable funeral home in Phoenix.

All funeral homes in Phoenix have a General Price List (GPL) that discloses all their services and itemized funeral prices. By law, they must disclose prices to you, either in person or by phone, although you may find that not all funeral homes are willing to do so. If a funeral provider is not open about disclosing prices when you make an initial inquiry – it should ring alarm bells!!

Cremation: the low-cost funeral option.

If you wish to save money arranging a funeral – consider cremation. Cremation is fast becoming a preferred choice for many families. There are various reasons why we are now choosing cremation as a disposition option, but by far the most common reason is the cost! A cremation will cost you a fraction of the cost of a traditional burial. In fact, in Phoenix, typically you can save up to 75% of what it would cost you for a traditional burial funeral. Cremation removes the need for cemetery expenses, as well as the need for embalming and a casket. It can also offer families more time to prepare a memorial service. Instead of having to proceed with a funeral, a cremation can go ahead and a memorial service arranged at a later date with the cremation urn present. This can be another way to save money and also make the tribute so much more personal.

What is the average cost of a cremation in Phoenix?

According to the Cremation Association of North America CANA, the average cost of a cremation is $2,250. This is, of course, a national average cost, and the average cost of cremation also depends, not only upon where you live but also exactly what services are included with any cremation package.

As mentioned above, prices do vary so much between funeral homes, and this applies to cremation providers as well. A simple cremation can cost anywhere between just over $700 to Almost $3,000 – depending on where you go.

How to arrange a low-cost cremation in Phoenix, AZ?

If you are worried about funeral costs then a simple cremation service is the lowest cost cremation option. It offers a simple and affordable solution for families seeking to arrange a disposition on a budget. A direct cremation is a term used by a funeral home to refer to their basic cremation service. This is a cremation without any services. The deceased is collected, prepared for cremation, all the necessary documentation is completed, and the cremation proceeds. A basic cremation container is used and the ashes are generally returned in a temporary box. You can, if you so choose, purchase a cremation urn from the funeral home. You can arrange a direct cremation in Phoenix for just $725 complete.

Comparing cremation costs in Phoenix

Cremation prices do vary by provider, even within Phoenix, so it is important to shop around and compare cremation prices between funeral homes today to ensure that you have obtained the best price cremation possible. Telephoning around, or conducting online research on cremation pricing can be time-consuming and quite an overwhelming task. That is why we have conducted our own cremation cost research so you don’t have to! The provider we work within Phoenix offers an exceptional value cremation package.

The DFS Memorials provider offers a direct cremation for $725, a direct burial for $795

and a complete traditional funeral for just $3,495

Call (602) 638-1151 – Providing affordable funeral options for families in Phoenix.

The chart below includes a sample of some of the low prices for a direct cremation in Phoenix. As you can see there are affordable cremation providers in Phoenix who can offer a direct cremation for under $1,000.

Disclaimer: This cremation cost information was obtained from providers in July 2020. Prices are posted to help families make informed decisions. However, periodically providers change their prices. We make every effort to ensure the prices are accurate, but prices must be verified directly with the listed funeral home.

Direct cremation services in Phoenix

As mentioned a direct cremation is the lowest cost cremation option. Most funeral homes offer a direct cremation on the General Price List (GPL). It is a simple process that manages the ‘mechanics’ of the disposition. With the cremated remains returned the family can then arrange to conduct the memorialization aspect of the funeral. This enables the family to ensure that their loved one’s disposition is handled in a simple, dignified, and timely way, whilst not overspending on funeral costs. The family can gather for a memorial service at a later date if they so choose, or arrange a simple ash scattering ceremony.

I cannot afford a funeral: Is there any help with funeral costs in Phoenix?

Sadly more and more families are finding themselves struggling to meet funeral expenses today. Any financial assistance with funeral or cremation costs is managed at the county level and the funding varies by state/county. To find out what may be available near you, and if you qualify, contact your Local County human or social services. They can advise you what help is available and whether or not you are eligible to claim.

There is also the $255 Social Security death benefit if you qualify and certain benefits for veterans. Other than that, you can try local charitable organizations, unions, and faith groups who may be able to assist you in raising funds for a funeral.

Serving families in Maricopa County, Arcadia, Biltmore, Central Ave, Copper Square, Desert Ridge, East Side, Golden Gate Barrio, Maryvale, Maryvale Village, North Phoenix, Northwest Phoenix, South Phoenix, & Southwest Phoenix

How to arrange direct Cremation Services in Avondale, AZ – $725

Posted on July 27, 2020 by N. G Pelling

The shift to cremation is sweeping across the nation as families demand more affordable death care alternatives.

Cremation is now fast becoming a disposition choice for many families in Arizona. For those families who do not want to overspend on a funeral, or simply do not have the funds for a costly funeral, cremation is a low-cost alternative.

What is the average cost of a funeral in Avondale?

These days we are discerning consumers, very mindful of costs, and people now feel the same way about purchasing funeral services. Why should we not ask how much it costs? The average cost of a traditional funeral in Avondale is $5,825*, although the lowest price is $4,945.

So how do cremation costs compare in Avondale?

Cremation offers a cheaper and more flexible alternative to a traditional burial, and can therefore significantly reduce funeral costs.

No casket, cemetery plot or burial vault is required, immediately reducing some of the most expensive purchases related to funeral expenses.

The average price for a cremation funeral service in Avondale is $2,915*.

Direct cremation services in Avondale, AZ

A direct cremation is the industry term for a ‘simple cremation’. Only the cremation service is provided by the funeral home. No ceremony or funeral services are provided by the funeral home. The deceased is collected, cremated and the remains returned to the family in a basic urn.

Direct cremation offers families lower-cost funeral services and more control over the time and type of memorial ceremonial services they desire. A memorial service can be held in a place of worship, a community venue, or even outdoors. The service can be conducted with, or without, the cremation urn present, and can even take the form of an ash-scattering ceremony or interment in a cremation niche or scattering garden.

A basic direct cremation is available in Avondale for $725, although the average price for a direct cremation is $1,375. To help families arrange affordable cremation services we have selected only family-owned cremation services providers who can offer a basic cremation package for just $725.

Direct cremation means a family can manage to conduct dignified funeral services for as little as $725.

Call now on (602) 638-1151 now to arrange a low-cost cremation

Are there are additional fees to the $725 cremation package?

In order for a cremation to be conducted a ‘disposition permit’ must be issued by the county. At present, there is no charge for this. Death certificates are an additional cost, as these are issued by the county, and are a third-party expense. Death certificates cost $20 for the first certificate and $20 for each additional copy issued.

How do I know that I am getting the remains of my loved one back?

This is one of the most frequent questions families ask about cremation. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains and identity checks must be made all along the way. The cremation retort must be completely cleared following a cremation and only one cremation can be performed at a time. The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

What if I am not sure about cremation or the family cannot agree about cremation?

Cremation is such a final disposition, you do need to ensure that you are completely sure that this IS the ‘right’ disposition choice for you. Certain laws are in place to ensure this final disposition can only proceed if the legal next of kin has authorized it. A Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by the legal next of kin, and in the case of children, many funeral directors will require all children sign.

You can authorize an agent for your final disposition or sign the authorization when you preplan a cremation.

What can you do with the cremated remains?

The options of what you can do with the cremated remains of your loved one are one of the reasons cremation is becoming more popular. You can, of course, just choose to inter the remains in a cemetery plot. You can inter the remains in a niche or columbarium, or you can keep the ashes at home. Keepsake urns even enable you to disperse the ashes between several family members or choose to scatter some and retain a ‘keepsake’ memorial.

Ash scattering is also more common these days and there are many options for how you can create a befitting ash scattering ceremony.

Can I preplan a direct cremation at an affordable cost?

Yes. You can preplan a simple direct cremation service. This is generally funded through an insurance product that will cover this cost when the need arises. All monies are secured in a trust fund.

How quickly can a cremation be performed?

It generally takes a few days to make the necessary arrangements, complete all the legal paperwork, and schedule the cremation. However, expedited services can be arranged if required. In Arizona, there is a mandatory 24 hour wait period after death before a cremation can be conducted.

What do I do if I cannot even afford a cremation?

There is very little ‘free’ money to help families with funeral costs. What is available is constantly changing due to budget constraints, and varies by county. Some counties do have a provision to assist needy or low-income families. Contact Maricopa county DFCS to find out what may be available to you locally.

Maricopa County DFCS, 234 N. Central Ave. 3rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: (602) 506-5911

There is also a $255 lump-sum social security death benefit payment if the deceased qualifies, and your funeral director can help you claim this. So you may find that a low-cost cremation at $725 with DFS Memorials is a dignified, yet affordable, disposition alternative if your family is struggling financially.

What is the service area around Avondale?

The $725 direct cremation package is available throughout all of the Greater Avondale and surrounding areas.

If you have further questions about cremation, feel free to call us on (602) 638-1151 and we will be happy to try and help you.

*Funeral prices obtained from online funeral price survey website 2020

$725 Simple cremation in Gilbert, AZ

Posted on July 24, 2020 by N. G Pelling

If you have an immediate, or imminent, need for a simple low-cost cremation then we can help you arrange everything for one low price of $725.

Times are changing and our attitudes to death and funerals are fundamentally changing too. More families are deciding that cremation offers a more simple and affordable option. Cremation can offer a much more affordable and “no fuss” alternative to a traditional funeral service.

A direct cremation package can help you arrange a low-cost funeral. The direct cremation takes care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, and once the cremated remains are available, a memorial or ash-scattering service can be conducted.

When you can take care of everything for $725 and are dealing with a family-owned funeral business, why should you pay more than this?

What does the $725 Simple Cremation Package include?

Our simple cremation service includes:

Collection of the deceased from the place of death
Transfer to the funeral facility*
Shelter of the deceased
Filing of the death certificate and cremation permit
A cardboard cremation container for the cremation process
The cremation process
Return of the cremated remains in a temporary cremation urn

*an additional mileage fee can apply if outside our basic service area

Are there any extra costs?

The only additional fees are county fees, which are subject to change and payable to the county in order to facilitate the cremation proceeding. Death certificate fees in Arizona are $20 for the 1^st certificate and $20 for each additional copy at present.

Can we still have a funeral service if we arrange a direct cremation?

Yes, of course. You can arrange a memorial service once you have the cremated remains returned. A memorial service is the type of funeral service where the deceased’s body is not present. You can hold a memorial service with, or without, the cremation urn present. A memorial funeral service can also take the shape of an ash scattering ceremony, or a candlelit vigil or tribute. We have some useful resources to help you plan and make your own memorial tributes in our Memorialization section.

Comparing cremation costs in Gilbert, AZ

As cremation is becoming a popular choice for residents of Gilbert, there are several cremation service providers serving Maricopa County. The cost of a cremation can vary significantly, for the exact same service, so it is wise to ensure you do compare cremation prices between a few providers to ensure you are benefitting from a value for money cremation service package. The average cost of a cremation memorial service in Gilbert is $3,595, and the average cost of a direct cremation is $995* It is important to check that a direct cremation package includes everything.

A cremation significantly reduces funeral costs. The average cost of a funeral in Gilbert is $6,470.

How can you save money when arranging a cremation service?

A direct cremation is the most economical means of disposition there is. In Gilbert, a direct cremation can be conducted for $725 complete, making this very affordable funeral option. If you need to keep funeral costs down, then a simple cremation arranged through a cremation provider is your lowest cost cremation option in Gilbert, AZ. You can then arrange your own memorial services once you have the cremated remains returned. This significantly cuts down on funeral expenses.

What do I need to know about arranging a cremation? What are the legal requirements?

A cremation authorization form must be signed by the legal next of kin for a cremation to proceed. If there are multiple siblings, all must sign and agree for a cremation to be carried out. There is a 24-hour mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can go ahead.

What help is there with cremation costs?

If qualifying for Social Security, you may be entitled to the lump-sum death benefit payment of $255. The funeral director will generally assist you with submitting the claim to Social Security. Of course, many people use life insurance policies to offset funeral costs, but with a direct cremation, the funeral provider will require payment upfront.

There is very limited public assistance support for funeral costs and this can vary by county. Check out Maricopa County Assistance Programs.

Maricopa County Human Services Department

234 N. Central Ave. 3rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: (602) 506-5911

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at Maricopa County Health Department, 234 N. Central Ave. 3rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: (602) 506-5911

What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?

As funeral directors are familiar with the process, and the body is released with death certificate & cremation permit, it is generally easy to maintain a low cost to offer a direct cremation service for an individual that has been in the care of the Medical Examiner. The County Coroner’s office is at 701 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602) 505-3322

Please contact your local DFS Memorials cremation services provider on (602) 638-1151 with any further questions you have, or to make immediate arrangements for a low-cost cremation service.

*Cost data obtained from funeral price comparison website 2020

Cremation Services in Bolingbrook, IL

Posted on July 23, 2020 by N. G Pelling

Cremation is changing the way we think about funerals. More than half of American funerals are now conducted as cremations.

If you are researching cremation costs to consider preplanning your wishes or have an immediate need for cremation services, this article can provide you with some information on what costs to expect for cremation services.

Our changing attitudes towards death care

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral and a cremation service will cost less than a traditional burial funeral. On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are choosing cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. Instead, a cremation can be performed and the immediate disposition of the body dealt with, and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

How much does a cremation cost in Bolingbrook?

The average cost for a cremation is around $3,000, but a cremation can be arranged for as little as $1,165.

It is important to state that cremation prices in Bolingbrook DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory.

How much is a direct cremation in Bolingbrook, IL?

A simple cremation can be conducted in Bolingbrook for $1,165 complete. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

Call DFS Memorials now on (815) 216-4601 to arrange a low-cost cremation for $1,165

What type of cremation services are available?

How to compare cremation costs in Bolingbrook, IL

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Illinois

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains. A cremation cannot be performed until a cremation permit is issued by the medical examiner’s office. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form. There is a mandatory wait period of 24 hours after death in Illinois before the cremation can proceed.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

Preplanning an affordable cremation service

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

302 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 774-7489

The deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office. What do I do?

Address of county coroner’s office: Will County Medical Examiner 158 N Scott St, Joliet, IL 60432

We hope this short guide has helped answer some of your immediate questions and provided some help in understanding how you can arrange an affordable funeral or cremation service in Bolingbrook, IL. If you need to research more information on funeral-planning, please visit the Library section on US Funerals Online.