Death is an inevitable part of life, and when it happens, making arrangements for a loved one’s final journey can be overwhelming. Direct cremation has recently become a popular and more affordable option for many families. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide to arranging an affordable direct cremation.
Direct Cremation from as little as $695 – Find your Local DFS Memorials location below.
Step 1: Research Funeral Homes & Crematories
Start by researching funeral homes in your area that offer direct cremation services. Look for reputable and licensed funeral homes that specialize in direct cremation. Reading online reviews and requesting recommendations from friends and family can help you find a reliable funeral home.
The DFS Memorial’s network of affordable cremation locations can connect you with a low-cost direct cremation near you.
Use the Local Provider Search to find your nearest location and the cost of their direct cremation.
Step 2: Compare Cremation Prices
Contact multiple funeral homes and cremation service providers to inquire about their prices for direct cremation services. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including the cremation fee, transportation fee, and any additional fees.
Comparing prices will help you find the most affordable option that meets your budget. At DFS, we conducted cremation price comparisons to determine an affordable cost for a specific area. All DFS locations offer a ‘best value’ direct cremation package.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents for Cremation Authorization
Before proceeding with the arrangements, you must gather some essential documents. These may include the deceased person’s identification, information to file the death certificate, and any legal documents related to their wishes regarding the cremation. Ensure you have these documents ready before contacting the funeral service provider.
Step 4: Contact the Funeral Home or Cremation Provider
Once you have selected a funeral home, contact them and inform them of your intention to arrange a direct cremation. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the deceased person’s name, date of death, and any specific instructions they may have left regarding the cremation.
You can arrange a direct cremation online or by phone if you prefer. The required information can be submitted via an online arrangement portal.
Step 5: Complete the Necessary Paperwork
The funeral home will guide you through the process of completing the necessary paperwork. This may include signing a cremation authorization form, providing personal information about the deceased, and making arrangements for the collection and transportation of the deceased to the crematory.
The funeral director will file the death certificate and request the permit to cremate.
This article explains Cremation Laws and the Process in more detail.
Step 6: Choose an Urn or Cremation Container
The funeral home will provide a basic cremation container or an urn as part of the direct cremation package. If you wish for a more personalized or decorative urn, inquire about any additional costs. You can also choose to purchase an urn from a third-party vendor.
Step 7: Arrange for Payment
Discuss the payment options with the funeral home and make payment arrangements. Direct cremation offers a more affordable option. If you are making arrangements for a death that has occurred, the funeral director will require immediate payment in full. If you are pre-arranging, you may be offered different payment plan options.
Read our post about How to Best Fund an Affordable Cremation if you are planning ahead.
Step 8: Scheduling of the Cremation
The funeral home/crematory will schedule the cremation. Depending on the funeral home’s availability and any specific requirements, they will usually provide you with a date and time for the cremation. This is generally within 5-7 days, depending on authorization processing and the workload of crematory cases.
Step 9: Considering Memorialization Options
After the cremation, you can explore various memorialization options to honor your loved one’s memory. These may include scattering the ashes in a meaningful location, keeping the urn at home, or holding a memorial service or gathering to celebrate their life. The funeral home can provide guidance on these options.
Step 10: Grief Support
Finally, remember to take care of your own emotional well-being during this challenging time. Reach out to support networks, such as friends, family, or grief counseling services, to help you cope with the loss and navigate the grieving process.
Arranging an affordable direct cremation is a practical and respectful way to say goodbye to your loved one. By following these steps and working closely with a reputable funeral & cremation service provider, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and within your budget.
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.
