Cremation is now fast becoming a disposition choice for many families in Illinois. For those families who do not want to overspend on a funeral or do not have the funds for a costly funeral, cremation is a low-cost alternative.
More families are selecting ‘direct cremation services.’ This option is the most affordable cremation choice and the most flexible. An All-Inclusive direct cremation package can be arranged for as little as $1,295 complete.
What is the average cost of a funeral in Elgin?
These days, we are discerning consumers, 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 Elgin is $6,103*
So, how do cremation costs compare in Elgin?
Cremation offers a cheaper and more flexible alternative to a traditional burial and can significantly reduce funeral costs.
Call now on (815) 216-4601 now to arrange a low-cost cremation
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 Elgin is $3,225*.
Direct cremation services in Elgin, IL
Direct cremation is the industry term for a ‘simple cremation.’ The funeral home provides only the cremation service, no ceremony or funeral services. The deceased is collected and cremated, and the remains are 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. It can even be an ash-scattering ceremony, an interment in a cremation niche, or a scattering garden.
Read our Complete Guide to Ash Scattering or How to Create Your Own Memorialization Services to learn more.
A basic direct cremation is available in Elgin for $1,295, although the average price for a direct cremation is $1,475. To help families arrange affordable cremation services, we have selected only family-owned cremation service providers who can offer the best value cremation package.
Are there additional fees to this all-inclusive cremation package?
This inclusive direct cremation package INCLUDES 2 copies of the death certificate and an engraved cherry wood urn. You may incur additional fees if you request extra copies of the death certificate, if the deceased had a pacemaker that must be removed before cremation, or if the deceased weighs over 250 pounds.
The county must issue a ‘disposition permit’ for a cremation to be conducted. At present, there is no charge for this. Death certificates are an additional cost, as the county issues them and they are a third-party expense. Death certificates cost $24 for the first certificate and $4 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 throughout the process. 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 unsure about cremation or the family cannot agree?
Cremation is a final disposition, and you need to be completely sure that this is the ‘right’ choice for you. Certain laws ensure that 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 to 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, choose to inter the remains in a cemetery plot.
You can inter the remains in a niche or columbarium or keep the ashes at home. Keepsake urns enable you to disperse the ashes among several family members, scatter some, and retain a ‘keepsake’ memorial.
Ash scattering is also more common these days, and many options exist for creating 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 covers the cost when needed. 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.
Illinois has 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 constantly changes due to budget constraints and varies by county. Some counties do have a provision to assist needy or low-income families. Contact Cook County DFCS to find out what may be available to you locally.
118 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 443-5500
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 with DFS Memorials is a dignified yet affordable disposition alternative if your family is struggling financially.
If you have further questions about cremation, please call us at (815) 216-4601, and we will be happy to help.
*funeral prices obtained from online funeral price survey website 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.
