Funerals have become an expensive affair these days, and as more families are struggling to put food on the table, the sudden responsibility for death care costs can present a financial crisis for some families. The important thing to know is that there ARE more affordable alternatives to an expensive funeral. Read on to find out more about how to arrange an affordable cremation in Tennessee.
How can I save money on arranging a funeral in Tennessee?
You can save money on a funeral by informing yourself of your choices and shopping around to compare funeral costs and packages.
A traditional funeral costs around $7,484 (National Funeral Directors Association), and this does not include any cemetery fees. So, the total average cost for a funeral is closer to $10,000 – $15,000.
There are cheaper alternatives – you can save on costs by taking a few steps. A cremation can save you at least 50% on the cost of a traditional burial, as you do not need a casket, burial vault, embalming, and transportation to the cemetery. Opting for a simple direct burial can help to reduce costs, as can choosing a simple pine burial box rather than a steel casket. Arranging to do the funeral services yourself or conducting home death care can also be a way to minimize costs, and also make the experience a very personal one.
How much does a funeral cost in Tennessee?
As mentioned above, the average cost for a funeral is around $10,000; however, it is possible to arrange a full-service funeral for around half this price. The DFS Memorials providers offer a traditional funeral package at $3,995, which includes a casket (but not cemetery fees).
Arranging a home funeral or a natural burial
Conducting a home funeral or arranging for a natural, green burial can save on funeral costs. Taking care of the deceased yourself at home means you do not have to pay for the services (and overhead) of a funeral home.
This is not for everyone, but there are organizations that support families that wish to tend to the death care of their loved ones. Read more about this in ‘DIY Funeral Care’.
Natural burial grounds are not as expensive as conventional cemeteries, and you do not need a casket. A simple bio-degradable container is acceptable. In many cases a home funeral can be conducted for between $500 – $1,000.
How much does a cremation cost in Tennessee?
The average cost of a full-service cremation is around $6,000 (Funerlocity); however, a basic cremation can be arranged for much less than this. An affordable ‘direct cremation’ in Tennessee can be conducted for $995. This includes everything to take care of the disposition of the deceased, complete all the necessary paperwork, and return the cremated remains to the family.
Arrange an affordable cremation in Tennessee for $995
Contact your nearest DFS Memorials provider to arrange a low-cost cremation or burial.
Cremation $995 Traditional Funeral (with casket) $3,995
Toll-free (855) 218-5473
Central Tennessee (931) 219-2701
Chattanooga (423) 207-2142
East Tennessee (731) 207-0737
Knoxville (865) 264-8399
Memphis (901) 207-8564
Nashville (615) 236-8763
Conducting your own memorial funeral services
Conducting your own memorial services is a simple way to save on funeral costs. This is especially easy to do after a cremation when friends and family are gathering to remember their loved one who has passed.
Holding a service with a cremation urn present, scattering cremated remains in a special place, or even without any remains present just to pay tribute can be very affordable and exceptionally personal. You do not necessarily need the services of an officiate if family members feel comfortable saying a few words and leading a ceremony.
The ceremony can be held anywhere; it does not have to be in a funeral home or a chapel. These days, memorable and special tributes are held at golf clubs, community centers, parks, or anywhere outdoors.
Making your own memorial tributes
Making your own memorial tributes for a funeral can help you save on the costs of things such as floral tributes, prayer cards, a memory board, memorial candles, and bookmarks. Read ‘How to create your own memorial tributes’.
Performing a cremation ash-scattering ceremony in Tennessee
The scattering of cremated remains is gaining popularity as more families choose cremation but do not really know what to do with the cremation ashes. An ash-scattering ceremony in some of the beautiful countryside of Tennessee can be a perfect tribute and final resting place for someone who loved their state. Read more about ash-scattering here.
The deceased had no life insurance, and we cannot afford a funeral, what help is there?
Sadly, there is very little ‘free’ money to help families with funeral costs. The level of financial assistance for low-income families with funeral costs varies by state and county across the US. Many county departments are cutting their budgets for funeral assistance and indigent burials. You do need to find out if you are eligible and qualify for this support. You would need to contact your local county Human Services to find out more.
There is also the $255 Social Security lump sum death benefit payment (if eligible) and your funeral director will generally help you to claim this.
We hope this brief guide can help you save on funeral costs and provide guidance as to how a direct cremation with your own memorialization can be a cost-effective, dignified alternative to an expensive funeral.
Families should not go into debt or undergo unnecessary stress worrying about how to arrange a funeral for a loved one when funds are limited.
Sara Marsden-Ille is a writer and researcher specialising in the death care industry. With more than 15 years covering end-of-life services, funeral trends, and consumer funeral planning, she writes for DFS Memorials and US Funerals Online to help families make informed decisions.
