More families today are worried about the high cost of dying. If that is the case for you, this short guide can help you save on funeral costs by arranging a dignified and simple cremation. A simple cremation costs from $1,695 to $2,300.
How much does a funeral cost?
A traditional funeral service in Lafayette costs $7,484* (excluding cemetery charges). So, the total cost for a funeral service, cemetery plot, and burial vault will likely be in the region of $10,000+.
For many families, spending over $10,000 on a funeral is impossible.
What do I need to consider if choosing a cremation?
You must consider what kind of cremation service you want and what type of cremation provider you wish to select. There are various cremation service options, from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional funeral service followed by cremation.
Many funeral service locations now operate their own crematory, meaning that your loved one always remains in the care of the funeral home.
How do I select a cremation service provider in Lafayette?
Before committing to a cremation services provider, it is always wise to check around. Ask family and friends about their experiences, or research online or by phone. As with any other sector, there is the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’.
What is included in a cremation services package and what level of service you receive can vary by who you deal with. Costs for a cremation service can also differ significantly, even for the exact same service.
What type of cremation service should I opt for?
This is entirely a personal choice. Direct cremation is becoming more popular as many families want simplicity and affordability, and simple, direct cremation offers this.
It can allow families to take care of the immediate disposition, enabling them to prepare their memorial service later.
How much does a cremation service cost in Lafayette?
This question is often asked; the only true answer is that it can vary. It is dictated by what kind of cremation service you select. Direct cremation is the least expensive option, costing as little as $1,395 in Lafayette, although the average cost is $2,682.
The average cost for a cremation with a memorial is $3,902* in Lafayette.
How much does a direct cremation cost in Lafayette?
A direct cremation service can be conducted in Lafayette for between $1,395 to $1,795 from an affordable funeral services provider. However, you can also find that some funeral homes will charge nearer to $2,700 for a direct cremation. So, checking around a few providers to compare prices is important.
Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Lafayette
Before a cremation can go ahead, there are certain legal requirements. Firstly, there is a mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can be performed. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form.
In Louisiana, there is no mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. However, before a cremation can proceed, the Parish coroner must issue a permit to cremate. The deceased will be refrigerated during this period and longer if required.
You should know that many cremation packages only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.
Death certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy. This is often considered a ‘cash advance’ item and not included in a quoted cremation price. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
You can inter cremated remains in a cemetery plot or crenation niche, similarly to how you would inter a body. However, cremation offers more versatility in how and when you can conduct memorialization services.
If you opt for a direct cremation, you do not have to proceed with an immediate funeral service. You can opt to wait until you have the cremated remains returned and then hold a service at a later date.
More families are choosing to conduct their own memorial service after cremation, which significantly reduces funeral costs. A memorial service can be held at various venues instead of a funeral home.
You can also choose to scatter the cremated remains in a memorial garden or a special place for the deceased. A range of cremation artifact options is available today to help you create a memorable item with some cremation ashes to keep close by if you wish.
What do I do if I cannot afford a cremation?
Sadly, there is little state or county assistance that helps a family pay for a cremation. The county may be obligated to pay for indigent cremations, but in these cases, they are often unclaimed remains where there is no family. You may wish to contact the Louisiana Department of Social Services to inquire as to what assistance may be available, but in reality, it may require the family to raise the basic funds to conduct a direct cremation. Call (888) 524-3578 to speak with DCFS Customer Service.
What if the deceased is at the Medical Examiners?
If the death was unnatural, suspicious, or the result of a crime, the deceased may be taken to the Coroner. The coroner will need to determine the cause of death to issue the death certificate. Once this occurs, the body can be released to a licensed funeral director.
You will need to employ the services of a licensed funeral director immediately, as he/she can liaise with the coroner to arrange for the release of the deceased as soon as possible.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
