Many families today appreciate the simplicity and convenience of affordable cremation services. This funeral option has quickly become a preferred choice in the last decade. It’s cost-effective, saves land space, allows you to pre-plan funeral arrangements, and also allows for more options for interment and memorialization.
What is Cremation?
Cremation is a funeral process where the remains of the deceased are turned into ash rapidly rather than allowing time for natural decomposition. The ashes are then placed in an urn or another container and are then returned to the deceased’s loved ones.
There are two types of cremation: heat-based (also known as direct cremation) and liquid cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis). Direct cremation is the process that is allowed in all states of the U.S. On the other hand, liquid-based cremation is permitted only in less than half of the states in the country.
So naturally, getting the paperwork done for direct cremation is more straightforward than liquid cremation because direct cremation is legal everywhere. However, you get more resultant ashes from liquid-based cremation.
Flame-based cremation has a high carbon footprint and potentially produces mercury byproducts. On the other hand, liquid-based cremation is more environmentally friendly and consumes less energy since it utilizes an alkali and water solution to speed up the decomposition process.
Heat-based cremation is the more budget-friendly option compared to liquid-based cremation. So if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, the latter is a better choice than the former. However, when people talk about affordable cremation, they’re more likely referring to direct cremation (i.e., the fire-based type).
Affordable Cremation Services
The average cost of a cremation package is anywhere between $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the funeral home and where you are located. However, you can bring the price down and get a more affordable cremation service if you opt for direct cremation, costing as low as $1,000 or less.
The cost of funeral packages varies depending on what you want to include with the basic, affordable cremation service. In addition, you can add other funeral services to the package like viewing, music, flowers, religious services, and memorial services before the actual cremation process.
These services allow family and friends to view the deceased loved one and be with the family. Religious rites, which the family may require, or other traditions they might like to hold before the funeral can also be arranged.
Remember that adding these rites and other funeral services will add to the overall cost you need to pay for the entire cremation service package. Paying attention to the details will help you avoid spending too much. Small costs add up and it will be as if you’re paying for a traditional burial service instead.
Find The Best Option For You and Your Family
Planning a funeral during the passing of a loved one is difficult. Sometimes your family members may not be seeing things clearly because they’re going through such an emotional time. As a result, they may find themselves overspending. One of the benefits of affordable cremation services is that you can plan things ahead of time and spare your family the turmoil of funeral arrangements.
The least expensive option, which can free up some of the financial burdens of one’s passing, is to opt for a low-cost cremation, also known as a direct cremation. This option means that after one has passed on in this life, the remains will then be cremated immediately.
Before the cremation process, there will be no viewing, rituals, or other ceremonies. These arrangements can be planned ahead of time to save on funeral costs. A memorial service after the cremation can also be arranged, which is also an excellent way to honor one’s passing.
As you can see, there are plenty of options provided to you and your family if you choose to have a cremation. So how do you know which options are best for you? The first step is to have a budget for all the funeral rites you want to have, including the cremation process – you can plan this with the entire family.
Make sure to include rites required by your religion and plan for those costs as well. It would be best if you planned for family traditions, the wishes or final requests of the deceased, and other rituals. Do your research and ask for quotes from different funeral homes. Ask referrals from friends and family.
Choose local funeral homes which are closer to your location. This option will save you money. Select the one that offers a custom package that includes only the service items you need. Talk to a funeral director to understand the costs. Make sure to ask about flexible financing options they can provide.
Cremation Costs
Apart from the essential cost of the cremation (either fire-based or water-based), there are other costs that you should consider. For instance, the urn and cremation casket are two items you may have to purchase or rent.
Federal law provides fundamental rights to you during this process, which include the following:
- The crematory or funeral home is required to provide you with alternative containers other than a cremation casket.
- You’re not required to buy a cremation casket from them.
- You also have the right to purchase an urn from third-party sellers.
If you can find urns and cremation caskets that are more affordable than the ones offered to you by the funeral home, then you better choose those instead. You can save around $2,000 or more by purchasing from other sellers.
As mentioned earlier, a direct cremation (i.e., fire-based) may cost you $1,000 or less. Some funeral homes may charge you around $600 if you opt for direct cremation and your family provides the container of the remains. However, if you choose aquamation (water-based cremation), expect to add at least $1,000 to the basic cremation service.
How Can the Cremation Society of Washington Help You?
The Cremation Society of Washington has served families across ten counties in the Western Washington area. Since 2012, our licensed funeral directors have helped hundreds of families arrange respectful, efficient, reliable, and affordable cremation services.
We understand that these are challenging times for families, which is why we’re here to help. Leave the tedious burden of arranging cremation and funeral services to us so you can focus on your family during these trying times.
Leverage on our expertise. Contact us for a free consultation.
