Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for more Americans. We are demanding more affordable, no-fuss, and less traditional funeral services. If you need a simple cremation service in Gulfport, DFS Memorials can help you arrange a direct cremation service for $995.
What is the average cost for a cremation in Gulfport?
Funeral costs can vary tremendously! Even in the same city, the cost of a funeral differs depending on the funeral home you choose, even for the exact same service. With other products or services we purchase, we generally shop around and compare prices. This should be no different for funeral services and products.
However, it was ‘taboo’ to ask about pricing when arranging a funeral for a long time. Today, that is changing. The Internet has provided a new tool to price-shop for funeral services. But trying to wade through funeral home websites can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so DFS Memorials did that comparison for you and selected a reputable and independent funeral services provider offering an affordable cremation service.
The average cost of a cremation memorial is $3,016*, but a simple direct cremation can be arranged for $995.
Call (228) 206-6607 for immediate assistance. Help available 24/7.
Why arrange a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is the most affordable disposition option available. It is where the funeral home takes care of everything to cremate the deceased, but no ceremony or services are held at the funeral home. This means your funeral bill can be kept to a minimum. Once the cremated remains are returned to the family, a memorial service can be arranged at a later date, or the ashes can be scattered.
More families are finding that a simple alternative like direct cremation offers a more flexible approach to death care. There is no immediate need to rush and conduct a funeral service. If they wish, family and friends can gather together and create a personal memorial tribute as and when they feel ready.
Are there additional costs when arranging a direct cremation?
The direct cremation service package covers the basic services of the funeral director and the cremation. Additional costs may include:
- Additional mileage fees (outside of the core service area)
- County fees – death certificates/cremation permit
- Barometric crematory fee (oversize individual)
- Residential collection
- Selection of cremation urn
What do you need to know about cremation?
Cremation is the incineration of a deceased body at extreme heat in a crematory, also known as a cremation retort. Each human body is cremated individually, and the retort is is thoroughly cleaned before the next cremation occurs.
The remains from the cremation process still contain bone fragments, so the remains are then transferred to a machine that pulverizes the bones and ashes into what we know as the cremated remains ashes.
The funeral industry regulates this process, and a crematory operative is trained to manage it. Embalming is NOT required for cremation. Throughout the cremation process, there is a strict ID process that must be cross-checked at every point so you can be sure the remains you receive back are those of your loved one. Generally, a rigid cardboard cremation container is used for cremation purposes.
For a cremation to go ahead, a Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by ALL surviving immediate next of kin. This means all siblings must agree on and sign the authorization form if there are siblings.
If not, a funeral director will not proceed with the cremation. The funeral home has to obtain a cremation permit from Harrison County to permit the cremation to proceed. There is generally a mandatory wait period after the death before the cremation can take place, which is 24-48 hours. However, completing all the required paperwork usually takes at least that time.
Can I preplan a cremation service?
Yes, preplanning is a good way to ensure your wishes are met and your surviving family is not left with the burden of funeral expenses and decisions. A cremation plan can be arranged in advance and the funds put into trust.
What help is there with funeral expenses?
Unfortunately, there is very little (and limited) financial support for families who are struggling with funeral expenses. Harrison County Social Services would be the department that can advise you about any assistance locally. There is a $255 Social Security lump-sum death benefit payment, if the deceased qualified, and the funeral home can generally help with claiming this.
A direct cremation can be the most inexpensive means to arrange a disposition if you are struggling with funds.
What if the deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office?
Only a licensed funeral director can collect and transport a body from the ME’s office. The county also provides all the required permits and paperwork to accompany the deceased, which can often expedite the process of releasing your loved one into the funeral home’s care.
How do I find a cremation service provider?
Most funeral homes in Gulfport offer a cremation service, even if they do not have their own crematory. They will use a crematory to conduct the cremation. The important consideration is to compare what service and pricing you are being offered by service providers. If you require a simple and affordable direct cremation service, then DFS Memorials can assist you at $995.
For more information, call Wayne at (228) 206-6607.
*Prices from online funeral price comparison Parting 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.
