Comparing cremation prices: How to find an affordable direct cremation

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Cremation Advisor

We are price-conscious, price-comparison consumers today. In a short era, technology has changed many of our consumer habits. These days we use a number of websites and mobile apps to compare prices for major purchases. And this trend has now impacted on the funeral industry. An industry that has price-gouged consumers due to the mystery and misery that surrounds the purchase of funeral services. So, how can you compare cremation prices?

What options are available to compare cremation prices?

There are several options you can use to compare cremation costs.

#1 You can phone around a few local funeral homes and ask for prices.

All funeral homes are required by federal law to provide you with funeral prices when you make an inquiry. They should be able to provide you with a copy of their General Price List. This can be time-consuming and a tad frustrating, as not all funeral homes will give you a simple price over the phone.

#2 You can use a funeral comparison concierge service

Everest’s Funeral Planning & Concierge Service will provide a price-comparison report for you, from up to 8 funeral homes with your specified zip code or mileage radius. However, they charge a $29 fee for this service.

#3 Use an online funeral price-comparison website

There are an array of funeral price comparison websites today. These provide a platform for consumers to find and check prices from funeral homes in a given area. However, there are a few issues with these websites to consider. Firstly, not all websites inclusively include ALL funeral homes in an area. So, you may not see a true reflection of all local cremation prices.

Secondly, some of these websites monetize their platform by offering promoted listing for funeral homes that will pay. This means you again may not see a true ‘un-biased’ representation of local cremation providers and prices.

If you are looking to compare cremation costs, the likelihood is that you want to ensure you do not overpay for a service. Often, we no prior knowledge of arranging a funeral, we enter the process seeking guidance.

#4 Connect with the DFS Memorials network of low-cost cremation providers

DFS Memorials vetted and recruited local independent cremation service providers that met the criteria of offering their local community a ‘best price’ direct cremation. So, the DFS Memorials website has conducted the price-comparison (to make it easier for you) and can connect you directly with a local, affordable cremation provider.

All local providers and their direct cremation prices are disclosed online.

How do you find the ‘best value’ cremation service?

Best value cremation Cheap is sometimes cheap. Corners are cut to offer budget services or products. “You get what you pay for” as we will often quip. However, overpaying for a service can be annoying.

As mentioned above, funeral costs have long been shrouded in some mystery, allowing the industry to confuse families overpricing.

Why pay $2,700 for a simple direct cremation, when the exact same service can be conducted for $795? So this is where the term “best value” or “best price” comes into play. It is about comparing the exact same service package. Cremation service costs can range significantly, and you can save money just by ensuring you have compared what prices are on offer locally.

Why choose direct cremation?

A direct cremation is the industry term for a simple cremation without any ceremony. It is the least expensive funeral option and the most simple, no-fuss option. As the cremation rate continues to grow, it is largely direct cremation that families are choosing. Why? Namely cost, but also just out of the notion of simplicity.

A direct cremation can be arranged in most cities for between $500 – $1,000. To find out your local direct cremation price, visit your state and city on DFS Memorials.

How to arrange an affordable cremation service in Lee’s Summit, MO – $845

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Cremation Advisor

This brief post should help you understand your cremation options and costs in Lee’s Summit. We understand that many families today are seeking more affordable alternatives when it comes to death care. The internet has provided a great way to research pricing and services for many sectors, yet still many funeral homes do not disclose their prices online. Here, we inform you of what average costs are, and how to find the most affordable cremation option. You can arrange a direct cremation for just $845 in Lee’s Summit.

What is the average cost of a funeral in Lee’s Summit?

Funeral prices can vary considerably, for the exact same service package, from different cremation service providers. For this reason, it is always advisable to compare prices from more than one funeral service provider. To help you save time, we have compiled a brief overview of cremation pricing in Lee’s Summit.

The average cost of a traditional funeral service in Lee’s Summit, compiled from a list of local funeral homes indicates that the average price for a full-service funeral is $7,270*. This does not include any cemetery fees. The average cost of a simple, direct burial is $3,792*.

What are cremation costs in Lee’s Summit, MO?

The average cost of a Cremation Memorial service is $5,951*, with the lowest price available at around $3,455. A Cremation Memorial service is where the deceased is first cremated and then a service held with the cremated remains present.

What is the cheapest cremation service?

The most affordable cremation option is a direct cremation. This is where the deceased is collected, prepared and cremated with no services conducted by the funeral home. The deceased is simple ‘directly’ cremated, and then the cremated remains are returned to the family.

The family, is they wish, can then hold their own memorial service at a place and time that suits them. This can also save further costs on the overall cost of a funeral.

The average cost of a direct cremation in Lee’s Summit is $1,845*, although it is possible to arrange a direct cremation for as little as $845. Therefore, a low-cost, no-fuss, direct cremation is the most affordable and simple disposition option for families with limited funds, or where no funeral services are required.

We have included below a small selection of more affordable direct cremation providers and their direct cremation cost.

Direct Cremation Service Providers:

Arrange a cremation online DFS Memorials Provider $845

Heartland Cremation & Burial $1,045

Assurance Cremation Society $1,170

Charter Funerals $1,195

Watkins Heritage Chapel $1,270

Chapel of Memories $1,695

Neptune Society $1,997

Newcomer $2,495

*Prices obtained from Funeralocity May 2022

If you would like to know more about arranging a low-cost direct cremation in Lee’s Summit, MO please call us on (816) 336-8889. We are here to serve your family.

Average cremation costs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Cremation Advisor

As more families opt for cremation over a traditional burial, we find families are seeking out information to help them better understand their options. This article gives a brief overview of cremation in Cedar Rapids, including how you can save money by arranging cremation services and helps you to compare cremation costs between funeral service providers in Cedar Rapids.

How can you save money by arranging a cremation?

A cremation is likely to cost you about half the cost of a traditional burial funeral. Why? Because you can eliminate some of the largest outlays associated with a funeral. With cremation there is no need for a casket, embalming, a burial vault, cemetery plot or full-size grave marker.

Eliminating these funeral items and services will save a few thousand dollars! Opting for a cremation can also help save money as it is possible to hold a memorial service (with the cremated remains present) without having to go ahead with a funeral ceremony immediately. This can allow families time to make decisions. Often this can mean that money-savings options can be more thoroughly explored. Some families even choose to conduct their own memorial service, which can save on venue and staff costs, plus it also makes a service so much more personalized.

What is the average cost of a cremation in Cedar Rapids?

Cremation prices do differ between different funeral homes in Cedar Rapids. This means that quoting an ‘average’ does not always reflect what cheaper cremation prices are available. The average cost of a cremation funeral in the U.S. is $3,745 for a cremation with a ceremony and a mid-range urn. Average cremation costs in Cedar Rapids are on par with this price. We have identified below how to arrange a low cost cremation in Cedar Rapids for just $1,405

Cremation Packages

A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining their service charges but many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is offered for a complete cremation service. In comparing costs and services between funeral homes, it is important to ensure you are comparing like-for-like services, especially when it is a quoted cremation package price. Not all cremation providers quote a fully inclusive price when quoting a cremation package.

A basic cremation: Direct cremation in Cedar Rapids

Direct cremation, or immediate cremation, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for funeral consumers. A direct cremation is the simplest, and least expensive, cremation option. It involves the funeral home collecting the deceased, transferring him/her into their care, completing all the necessary paperwork and conducting the cremation. A basic cremation container is used and the ashes are generally returned in a temporary urn. A direct cremation in Cedar Rapids can cost anywhere between $1,405 and $3,000.

How do I choose a cremation provider in Cedar Rapids?

Choosing a cremation provider can depend upon what kind of cremation services you require. If you are looking for a cremation with a ceremony or interment committal, then you will need funeral home that offers the facilities for a ceremony and that is in a good location for your family.

If you have decided upon a simple direct cremation at the most affordable price, then you may consider the services of a provider who specifically offers a direct cremation at a low cost. The locale of the funeral home is not as essential if no services are being held. And many funeral homes have extended their service area for direct cremation services.

The DFS Memorials provider for Cedar Rapids is an established funeral home with facilities for ceremonies, yet covers a wide service area throughout Central Iowa.

DFS Memorials CEDAR RAPIDS (319) 208-6119 – Call with any questions

Direct Cremation $1,405

How do cremation providers compare in Cedar Rapids

It is always wide to shop around and compare services and costs. We do it in any other large purchase we make – so why not when purchasing end of life services? However, it can be quite a task trying to efficiently compare local funeral homes, especially when you are feeling emotionally fraught. This is why at DFS Memorials we find the best cremation price – so you don’t have to! We do the research and then select a local funeral home that offers the most affordable cremation package.

What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in Cedar Rapids?

Sadly more families are finding themselves struggling to meet funeral costs. Public aid can be a little patchy depending upon where you are. You need to contact your local county human services or social services to inquire if anything is available in your area. There is also the $255 Social Security lump sum death benefit for those that qualify, and various union, faith and charitable organizations may offer some support to families to assist with covering funeral costs.

Hopefully this article has helped you understand a little more about your options to be cremated, how you can arrange a basic cremation and save on funeral costs!

DFS Memorials Cedar Rapids serves families throughout all of Greater Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Hiawatha, Bertram, Vernon View, and the counties of Benton, Black Hawk, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones and Linn.

Direct cremation: 5 ways it can save you money on funeral costs

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Cremation Advisor

What is a direct cremation?

Direct cremation is the funeral trade term for a simple or basic cremation where no ceremony or services are provided by the funeral home. The deceased is simply collected, cremated and the cremated remains returned directly to the family.

It is the least expensive disposition option that a funeral provider can offer a family, and it will be listed on a funeral home’s General Price List (GPL), but generally at the very bottom! A direct cremation is not generally what the funeral director wants to sell you, unless that is if he specializes in offering direct cremation services.

How much is a direct cremation service?

This will depend upon the funeral services provider you select, and the area you are in. Many metro city areas are becoming increasingly competitive for the cremation market, and therefore cremation prices are accordingly priced. In most U.S. cities, it is possible to arrange a cremation for around $1,000, or slightly under or over.

Funeral service providers determine what price they wish to set their GPL at to make the profit-margin they need to cover their overhead and stay in business. So, some providers are more expensive than others, as with other service providers. Those that are corporate-owned and therefore have share-holders to report to, tend to focus on ‘up-selling’ a service or product for the incremental sales that can be garnered.

One important thing to do is to determine if you ARE dealing with an independent funeral business or a corporate funeral business.

So how are you going to save money by arranging a direct cremation?

#1 The price for a direct cremation is the lowest cost disposition service offering

A direct cremation is the least expensive disposition option you have. If you have financial concerns over the cost of arranging a funeral, then opting for a direct cremation will help you still have control over arranging a dignified disposition, without worrying about a huge cost. The cost of a direct cremation does vary by area and service provider, but in high cremation rate states, such as Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Florida, a direct cremation can be conducted for as little as $595. In many other large metro areas, the price for a direct cremation is still under $900. Use the state links to the right to find your state and city and see what the price of a direct cremation is near you.

#2 You do not have to arrange a funeral or memorial immediately

Taking care of the immediate need to dispose of the body in a timely manner, can alleviate the added costs involved in gathering family together at short notice to conduct a funeral service. Especially today when more families are spread apart. Attending a funeral can be a cost that involves traveling costs and time off work.

So, arranging a direct cremation to be conducted, and then family planning to come together to conduct a memorial at a time and place that suits them, can save money all round.

#3 You can conduct your own memorial or personalized life celebration event

Once the direct cremation has been conducted and the cremated remains returned, family can choose to hold their own personalized memorial service. They do not need a funeral director for this, and it can be a significant way to save on funeral costs. You can hold a memorial service anywhere that seems befitting to the deceased, and in any way that would pay tribute to the deceased.

#4 All arrangements can be made without even needing to visit a funeral home

Arrange a cremation online If you opt to arrange a direct cremation, all arrangements can be made online or by phone, there is no need to make visits to the funeral home.

Many modern funeral service providers now offer dedicated online arrangement services that even offer an additional discount for arranging online. Arranging online saves the funeral staff time and therefore this saving can be passed onto the family.

Not having to make visits to a funeral home can also save you time and money….and make the process less overwhelming. And obviously if the deceased happens to be in another state, this makes the process much easier without the costs of traveling.

#5 You can purchase an urn online to save on costs

With a direct cremation, the cremated remains are generally returned in a temporary cremation container. This is how costs are kept down. You can opt to purchase a cremation urn online and this can help to save on your overall cremation costs. Cremation urns can be bought online from discount providers for as little as $29.99.

So there are 5 reasons why arranging a simple, no-fuss direct cremation can help you save on money and stress when you need to make funeral arrangements, especially if you have financial restraints on what budget the family has to spend on funeral services!

You can use the state links to the right to find your state and city and locate your nearest low-cost direct cremation provider.

What does cremation cost in Hollywood, FL – just $696

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Sara Marsden

As cremation continues to grow as a disposition option for families, more families want to ask about cremation costs.

How much does a cremation cost? And how do you choose a cremation service and provider?

If you are seeking a lower-cost cremation alternative in Hollywood, FL, then we can help you arrange a simple, affordable cremation for just $696.

Our direct cremation service provider is a local, independent funeral home that serves his local community by offering affordable cremation & burial packages.

What is the average cost of a funeral in Hollywood?

In the current consumer and economic climate, we are discerning shoppers, very mindful of costs, and people are now realizing they can price-shop for funeral services. Why should we not ask how much it costs? The Internet offers a great tool to research funeral costs from the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, not all funeral homes in Hollywood have websites or put their prices online, so we have put this guide together to outline average funeral and cremation costs in Hollywood for you.

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Hollywood is $6,259*, although the lowest price is $4,255.

So how do cremation costs compare in Hollywood?

Cremation offers a cheaper and more flexible alternative to a traditional burial, and can therefore significantly reduce funeral costs.

Generally, there is no requirement for a casket, cemetery plot, or burial vault immediately reducing some of the most expensive purchases related to funeral expenses.

The average price for a cremation funeral service in Hollywood is $3,158*.

Direct cremation services in Hollywood, FL

Direct cremation is the industry term for a ‘simple cremation’. Only the cremation service is provided by the funeral home. No ceremony or funeral services are provided by the funeral home. The deceased is collected, cremated and the remains 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, and can even take the form of an ash-scattering ceremony or interment in a cremation niche or scattering garden.

A basic direct cremation is available in Hollywood for $795, although the average price for a direct cremation is $1,558. To help families arrange affordable cremation services we have selected only family-owned cremation services providers who can offer a basic cremation package for just $795.

Direct cremation means a family can manage to conduct dignified funeral services for as little as $795

Call now on (954) 281-7747 now to arrange a low-cost cremation

Are there any additional fees to the $795 cremation package?

In order for a cremation to be conducted a ‘disposition permit’ must be issued by the county. At present, there is no charge for this. One copy of the death certificate is included in the $795 cremation package and additional copies can be ordered for $20.00 each.

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 all along the way. 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 not sure about cremation or the family cannot agree about cremation?

Cremation is such a final disposition, you do need to ensure that you are completely sure that this IS the ‘right’ disposition choice for you. Certain laws are in place to ensure 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, just choose to inter the remains in a cemetery plot. You can inter the remains in a niche or columbarium, or you can keep the ashes at home. Keepsake urns even enable you to disperse the ashes between several family members or choose to scatter some and retain a ‘keepsake’ memorial.

Ash scattering is also more common these days and there are many options for how you can create 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 will cover this cost when the need arises. 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. In Florida, there is 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 is constantly changing due to budget constraints, and varies by county. Some counties do have a provision to assist needy or low-income families. Contact Broward County DFCS to find out what may be available to you locally.

Broward County DFCS, 115 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA Phone: +1 954-357-6385

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 at $696 with DFS Memorials is a dignified, yet affordable, disposition alternative if your family is struggling financially.

What is the service area?

The $795 direct cremation package is available throughout all of the Greater Hollywood area and surrounding counties.

If you have further questions about cremation, feel free to call us at (954) 281-7747 and we will be happy to try and help you.

*Funeral prices obtained from online funeral price survey website 2021

Low cost cremation in Tampa – $995

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Cremation Advisor

Cremation is now the preferred disposition choice for families in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Not only is cremation the preferred choice, but also direct cremation is very popular in Tampa, making cremation options very affordable. A direct cremation service is the lowest cost cremation option for a family. In Tampa a direct cremation can cost as little as $995.

Direct Cremation Providers in Tampa

Florida is one of only 2 states in the U.S. that licenses what are known as ‘Direct Disposers’. This means that a company can deliver direct cremations in Tampa without being a licensed funeral home with a large facility. Direct disposal companies are often viewed as ‘discount’ cremation providers and can appear to offer very cheap direct cremation services.

I would advise that you carefully check the inclusive terms of any cremation package. It has been known for direct disposers to offer a budget direct cremation package that does NOT include some services that a licensed funeral director will offer at a lower rate. For example, if you required an out of hours collection or extended refrigeration storage.

What does a direct cremation package generally include?

A direct cremation package typically includes the following (although this can vary by cremation services provider) :

Collecting the deceased from the place of death & transportation to the crematory
Minimum basic preparation of the deceased for the cremation
The cremation process/crematory fee
Refrigerated storage if necessary
Filing all the required state permits, medical documents and the death certificate
An alternative basic cremation container
A basic plastic urn or suitable receptacle for cremated remains
Making available the cremated remains for collection by the family

Note: the death certificate and cremation permit fee are sometimes at an additional cost to a direct cremation package.

What does a cremation cost in Tampa?

This is a question many families get online to find out today. There is no simple or straight-forward answer as cremation costs can vary considerably, depending upon the type of cremation service you select and which cremation services provider you choose!

What IS important is to be aware that costs can vary and be sure to check around. A basic direct cremation can cost anywhere between $995 and $3,000 for the exact same service. You will typically find that full-service funeral homes may charge a higher fee for a direct cremation service.

How to locate an affordable cremation service provider in Tampa

Cremation services providers, cremation societies, funeral homes and direct disposers will all offer basic cremation services. With over 30+ funeral service providers in Tampa, a simple, low-cost cremation can often be packaged under different names, such as an immediate cremation, a simple cremation, a basic cremation and a direct cremation. Locating an affordable cremation services provider can be the challenge, as not all providers who claim to be affordable are truly offering the lowest cost cremation services.

Comparing cremation services, prices & packages in Tampa

As I have mentioned above, it is imperative that you do consider comparing cremation services, prices and packages before making a decision. With over 30 funeral homes in Tampa, there are plenty of offerings of full-service and more affordable cremation alternatives. Our DFS Memorials provider for the Tampa area is a local, family-owned funeral home serving the whole Tampa Bay area. Contact (813) 540-2344 to speak with them now.

Prepaid cremation plans

You can prearrange a cremation plan in Tampa. Most funeral homes and cremation providers will offer pre-need cremation plans that can be funded through a trust fund or insurance policy. If you wish to preplan low cost cremation services, you have to be prepared that the ‘at need’ low cost cremation price can not be held for a pre-need plan. Although there ARE lower cost cremation plans, you can expect to pay over $1,000 for the equivalent low cost services on prearrangement.

The other alternative is to specify your wishes and put aside the appropriate funds in a Payable on Death (POD) account, so that your family can access the funds at the time of death and use the money to pay for a cremation. This is considered by many a safe and easy means to preplan a funeral or cremation.

Low cost cremation services are available throughout the Tampa Bay area and Collier, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.

Arranging a low cost cremation in Lubbock, TX

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Cremation Advisor

More families are choosing cremation over a traditional burial, and seeking out information to help them better understand their options. This article provides an overview of cremation in Lubbock, how you can save money by arranging low cost cremation services in Lubbock and helps you to understand costs between funeral service providers in Lubbock.

How can you save money by arranging a cremation?

A cremation is likely to save you 40 – 50% on the cost of a traditional burial funeral. Why is this? It is largely because you can eliminate some of the largest outlays associated with a funeral. With cremation there is no need for a casket, embalming, a burial vault, cemetery plot or full-size grave marker. Eliminating these funeral merchandise items/services can save you a few thousand dollars! Another way that a cremation can save money is that it is possible to hold a memorial service (with the cremated remains present) without having to go ahead with a funeral ceremony immediately. This can allow families time to make decisions. Often this can mean that money-savings options can be more thoroughly explored. Some families even choose to conduct their own memorial service, which can save on venue and staff costs, plus it also makes a service so much more personalized.

How much does a cremation cost in Lubbock?

Cremation prices do differ considerably between different funeral homes in Lubbock. For this reason an ‘average’ cost is has to be put into the perspective on what kind of cremation services are being assessed. According to Funeralocity (2021) the average cost of a full service cremation is $6,554, however you can arrange a direct cremation in Lubbock for as little as $1,150.

Choosing a Cremation Package

cremation-cost-knoxville A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining their service charges but many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is offered for a complete cremation service. In comparing costs and services between funeral homes, it is important to ensure you are comparing like-for-like services, especially when it is a quoted cremation package price. Not all cremation providers quote a fully inclusive price when quoting a cremation package. There are generally 3 main types of cremation options – a direct cremation (a basic minimal cremation), a cremation with a funeral service, or a cremation with a memorial service. The difference is that with a direct cremation there is NO service or ceremony conducted by the funeral provider, although you can conduct your own memorial services afterwards. A cremation with a funeral service is generally where the deceased is present and the cremation is conducted after the service. A cremation with a memorial service is where the cremation is conducted first and a memorial service held with the cremation urn present.

Arranging a direct cremation in Lubbock

Direct cremation, or immediate cremation, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for funeral consumers. A direct cremation is the simplest, and least expensive, cremation option. It involves the funeral home collecting the deceased, transferring him/her into their care, completing all the necessary paperwork and conducting the cremation (after the legal waiting period of 48-hours). A basic cremation container is used and the ashes are generally returned in a temporary urn. A direct cremation in Lubbock can cost anywhere between $1,150 and $3,700.

How do I choose a cremation provider in Lubbock?

The DFS Memorials provider for Lubbock is an established funeral home with several facilities for ceremonies. DFS Memorials offers families a low cost cremation in Lubbock.

DFS Memorials LUBBOCK (806) 224-1737 – Call with any questions you may have

Direct Cremation $1,150

How do cremation providers compare in Lubbock

It is always wide to shop around and compare services and costs. We do it in any other large purchase we make – so why not when purchasing end of life services? You will no doubt be surprised by how much the cost of funeral services can vary between funeral homes in Lubbock. At DFS Memorials we conducted research to find the best cremation prices in Lubbock to save you the task of phoning round to compare prices. This way we can save you the hassle when you are emotionally fragile.

What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in Lubbock?

An individual passing without any insurance, and family struggling to meet funeral costs, is becoming a more regular occurrence. Not surprising when we learn that 76% of American families are living paycheck to paycheck [CNN Oct 2013]. Public aid can be a little patchy depending upon where you are but you can consult your local county human services or social services to find out if there is any financial assistance near you. The state will meet indigent burials for those that become the responsibility of Texas but there are generally eligibility requirements for any state funding for funeral expenses.

There is also the $255 Social Security lump sum death benefit for those that qualify, and various union, faith and charitable organizations may offer some support to families to assist with covering funeral costs.

DFS Memorials Lubbock serves families in Lubbock, Crosby, Hale, Hockley, Terry, Lynn, Garza, & Floyd Counties, Brownfield, Slaton, Post, Levelland, Littlefield, Plainview, Wolfforth, Lamesa, Synder and throughout Adobe Row, Arnett Benson, Atkins, Ballenger, Bowie, Caprock, Chatman Park, Clayton Carter, Coronado, Downtown, Dunbar, East, Guadalupe, Harwell, Heart of Lubbock, Jackson, Kings Park, Lakeridge, Lakeridge Country Club, Lubbock International Airport, Lubbock Lake, Maedgen, Maxey, North, North Overton, Northridge, Parkway, Raintree, Regal Park, Skyview, Slaton-Bean, South, South Overton, Stubbs, Tech Terrace, Texas Tech, Texas Technological College Historic District, University Pines, WHAM, Waters, West, West Carlisle, West End, and Wester.

What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Cremation Advisor

Both a funeral service and a memorial service serve to give us opportunity to ritualistically say goodbye to a departed loved one. Funerals are often regarded as practices for the living, and part of the process of grieving. The distinction between a funeral service and a memorial service is largely the presence of the deceased’s body at the service and the time-frame in which the service is organized.

A funeral service generally takes place within a week or so of a death occurring, and the casket (and deceased) are usually present during the service, whether it be an open or closed casket service. This can be a funeral service followed by a traditional burial or a funeral service followed by a cremation.

A memorial service often takes place some time after the death has occurred. It can replace the funeral service, or it can be an additional service providing opportunity for a wider circle of people to participate in the memorialization. With the rise in cremations, some families are opting to have a memorial service instead of having a funeral service. This way the family arranges for an immediate cremation and then arranges a memorial service once the cremated remains are returned to the family.

The benefit of opting for a memorial service is that firstly it alleviates the pressure of having to organize a service in the immediate days following a death. Allowing grieving to take place without frantically making arrangements. All that needs to be organized is the collection and cremation of the deceased. Many funeral homes will offer the opportunity to have a private family viewing where you can have the chance to say a formal ‘goodbye’ to your loved one before the cremation takes place. The cremated remains will be made available for the family to collect, or can be delivered to the family.

Another benefit of a memorial service is the reduced cost. If you arrange and undertake your own memorial service, not only is it truly personalized, it eliminates the need to pay other people for this service. Whether you are choosing to inter or scatter the ashes, you can arrange to do so at a time and place that suits your family.

The funeral industry is resisting this shift to cremation and memorial service, largely because it reduces their revenue and profits. They like to try and tell us that we need to have a service in order to process our grief. Whilst I do agree that a ritual may be an important aspect of psychologically managing our bereavement, I do not think that the funeral industry have to be intrinsic to this process. I believe that we as family can often arrange a memorial service that better reflects our lost loved one’s life, without any assistance from professional services.

At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you and your lost loved one. What kind of service you decide upon has to be the right way to memorialize and pay tribute to the person you have lost.

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