Arranging a Direct Cremation in Houston, TX – $640

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Sara Marsden

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral. Although the cremation rate in Texas has typically been below the national rate, the demand for low-cost funeral alternatives is changing the way many Texans approach death care. This guide aims to help you understand how to arrange a cremation in Houston and save on funeral costs.

Economic reasons for choosing cremation

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is very much a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral. A cremation service will cost much less than a traditional burial funeral.

On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are leaning towards cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. A cremation can be performed and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

The economy has certainly impacted how we manage death care today. Many families simply cannot, or do not, want to spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. A cremation provides a simple, efficient, and economical means to conduct a disposition.

What is the cost of a direct cremation in Houston?

Firstly it is important to state that cremation prices in Houston DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. Houston has become very competitive for affordable cremation services and you will find a number of cremation providers offering direct cremation packages in Houston for between $640 – $3,000.

direct-cremation A basic cremation can be conducted in Houston for $640. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted.

The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

Call DFS Memorials now on (713) 309-6059 to arrange a direct cremation in Houston for $640

What type of cremation services are available?

You can select from a range of cremation services and packages. These will start with a basic cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package. You can have a full-service funeral that is followed by the cremation, a cremation followed by a memorial service, or just a viewing followed by a cremation. The change in the funeral industry today is the move towards ‘personalization’ and making a funeral service that fits the needs of the family, whatever they are.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

cremation-service-houston This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains and identity checks have to be made along the way. The cremation retort has to 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, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Houston

It is not necessary to embalm a body for cremation and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until the cremation is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

ash-scattering-texas Cremation offers some greater flexibility in what you can do with the cremated remains once you have them returned. You can, of course, inter them in a grave plot or niche.

However, you can choose to store them in an urn at home or scatter the cremated remains.

There are also options such as having cremation artifacts made from cremated remains such as cremation diamonds, glass jewelry, birdbaths, and paintings.

Preplanning an affordable direct cremation service in Houston

If you wish to preplan a simple cremation you can lock in a low-cost cremation price of $640. This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are put into a trust. You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying. This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need, without having to worry about completing the paperwork or making difficult decisions. The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death) which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

Can an overweight body be cremated?

A standard cremation at the inclusive cremation cost of $640 is for a person who weighed up to 300 pounds. Over this weight, there is an additional charge as additional work is required to prepare the body, reinforce the cremation container, and extra gas usage. The additional amount will depend upon the weight of the deceased.

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral. If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you. Social Security pays out a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify) and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county. To find out what may be available you should contact Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery County Human Services Departments.

DFS Memorials low-cost cremation services are available to residents all residents of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, Chambers, Austin, and San Jacinto counties. Large cities we service include Houston, Pearland, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galveston, Lake Jackson, La Porte, League City, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Texas City, and The Woodlands. Surrounding cities included in our service area include: Alvin, Angleton, Bellaire, Clute, Dickinson, Freeport, Galena Park, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, La Marque, Richmond, Rosenberg, South Houston, Stafford, and West University Place.

*death certificates not included in basic direct cremation package

This package at $640 is available when the deceased is held in morgue facilities, either at the Medical Examiners or at a hospital morgue. Additional fees may apply for a residential or nursing home collection.

Visit this Ultimate Guide to Cremation in 2022 for further reading on cremation services.

Cremation costs in Corpus Christi, TX

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Cremation Advisor

Over 56% of Americans choose cremation instead of burial for their final disposition (Statista 2020). The cremation trend has been sweeping across our nation as it offers a more affordable and flexible end of life alternative to traditional burial. There are numerous reasons cited for why we are all opting for cremation, but the 2 key reasons are cost and flexibility. A cremation is much cheaper than a traditional burial – usually at least 40% – 60% less. Also, cremation offers more options for memorialization. For those families who have migrated or are transplants – cremated remains can be transferred back to a home state, or divided amongst family to be kept close. You can inter cremated remains, scatter them, or choose from a whole array of cremation artifacts! Read on to find out more about how to save on cremation costs in Corpus Christi.

What is the average cost of a cremation in Corpus Christi?

This is THE question that many families turn to the Internet to find out today. Maybe they are curious about how much a cremation costs, or in some cases they have been told by a funeral home in Corpus Christi just how much a funeral is going to cost!

The cost of a cremation does vary quite considerably – depending on which funeral home you select and what kind of cremation service you opt for. The average cost of a full-service cremation is $4,977 (Funeralocity 2021), although you can arrange a simple, direct cremation for much less than this.

Cremation Packages

Many funeral service providers in Corpus Christi will offer cremation packages. This can be a great way to save on the ‘a la carte’ General Price List of a funeral home, and know exactly what you are getting for a set price.

Generally there are 3 main types of cremation services. Firstly, you can select a basic cremation (otherwise referred to as an immediate cremation or a direct cremation) which is where there is no ceremony or services. A cremation memorial service is when the cremation is performed first and then a service held with the cremation ashes present (or not present). Finally, there is a full-service cremation, which is much the same as a traditional funeral only the deceased is cremated after the service instead of buried.

Direct cremation in Corpus Christi

Direct cremation is fast becoming the most popular cremation choice today. Why? Because it offers the cheapest and most flexible disposition option for families concerned about funeral costs and wanting a ‘simple’ solution. Many families in Corpus Christi are choosing a direct cremation and then arranging their own memorial services. This saves a lot of money and puts the family firmly in control of the funeral service.

An immediate need direct cremation can be arranged in Corpus Christi for around $1,575 complete

cremation services

What is included in a direct cremation?

It is wise to check exactly what is included for an advertised direct cremation price. Not all providers include the cremation container, which can cost an extra $75-150. Also, if the funeral home does not have a crematory, they may charge the crematory fee as a ‘cash advance’ fee.

A direct cremation generally includes:

Collecting the deceased & transporting he/she to the funeral home/crematory
Storage for the mandatory 48-hour waiting period for cremation
Completion of all the necessary paperwork & permits*
The cremation fee
The cremation container (an alternative cardboard container is generally used)
Returning the cremated remains to the family in a temporary container

*Death certificates & Medical Examiners fee are the only additional costs.

What extra costs may I have to pay for a cremation?

The fees that are paid to the county are generally extra costs that you have to pay upfront when you purchase a direct cremation package. In Corpus Christi the Medical Examiner’s fee is $20 and death certificates cost $21 each. (You need at least 1 death certificate possibly more). It IS important to check what is included with a direct cremation package as some funeral service providers do not include items such as the cremation container or the crematory fee.

How do I choose a cremation provider in Corpus Christi?

It is always wise to check around with more than one provider to compare costs and services. At DFS Memorials, we have already compared a selection of cremation service providers in Corpus Christi to find the best direct cremation prices. We believe this saves you the stress at an emotional time.

How do cremation providers compare in Corpus Christi

It is always advisable to compare general price lists from several funeral service providers, as funeral costs can vary considerably for the exact same service from different service providers. A funeral home is obligated by the FTC’s ‘funeral rule’ to disclose prices to you when you make an inquiry – whether face-to-face or by phone/email.

How can you save money by arranging a cremation?

You can actually save thousands of dollars in funeral costs by arranging a cremation, especially a direct cremation. There is no need for a casket, embalming, burial vault or cemetery plot. With a direct cremation, you can arrange your own memorial services at a location of your choice, and a time best for the family.

Preplanning a cremation in Corpus Christi

You can preplan a cremation with a cremation services provider. You can even lock in the low cost of a direct cremation today in case gas prices do rise. You can prepay a cremation plan using an insurance policy or funds are deposited into trust. Alternatively, you can preplan by documenting your wishes and lay aside the required funds in a Payable on Death POD account.

Is there any help with cremation costs in Corpus Christi?

We do get asked this question too frequently! Sadly there is patchy help available at best. Any financial help for funeral costs differs by county, so you would need to consult your local county human services to explore if there is any assistance. This article explains what options there are to help you pay for a funeral.

How much does a cremation cost in Brownsville, TX?

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Cremation Advisor

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral. The cremation rate in Texas has typically been below the national rate. But the demand for low-cost funeral alternatives is changing the way many families today approach death care. Now there is a growing demand for simple and affordable cremation services in Texas.

Changing death care rituals and economic reasons for choosing cremation

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is very much a personal choice. For some families, the decision is governed by the budget they have for a funeral. A cremation service will cost much less than a traditional burial funeral. On average a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% on the cost of a burial, sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are leaning towards cremation as it also offers greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. A cremation can be performed and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

The economy has certainly impacted on how we manage death care today. Many families simply cannot (or do not want to) spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. A cremation provides a simple, efficient and economical means to conduct a disposition.

So how much does a cremation cost in Brownsville?

Firstly, it is important to state that cremation prices in Brownsville DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) quotes the average cost of cremation at $3,200, however, it is possible to find much lower-priced cremation services in Brownsville.

A basic cremation can be conducted in Brownsville for as little as $1,095 complete*. This is what is known as a “direct cremation”. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

What type of cremation services are available?

Comparing cremation costs in Brownsville, TX

As mentioned the cost of a cremation can vary enormously – for the exact same service – but from different cremation service providers. Ensure that you compare like-for-like services. Some cremation service providers include crematory fees and cremation container costs in a direct cremation package, and others do not always include these fees. Death certificate fees and cremation permits are often additional ‘cash advance’ items.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains and identity checks have to be made along the way. The cremation retort has to 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, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Brownsville

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains. A cremation cannot be performed until a cremation permit is issued by the medical examiner’s office. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form. It is not necessary to embalm a body for cremation and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until the cremation is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred. There is a 48-hour mandatory waiting period after the death is declared before a cremation can be performed in Texas.

Preplanning an affordable cremation service in Brownsville

funeral-cost-brownsville-tx If you wish to preplan a simple cremation you can lock in a low-cost cremation price from as little as $1,295. This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are put into a trust. You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying. This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need, without having to worry about completing the paperwork or make difficult decisions. The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death) which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral. If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you. Social Security pay out a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify) and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county. To find out what may be available you should contact Cameron County Human Services Department.

*death certificates not included in basic direct cremation package