When someone dies, their loved ones have to make some crucial decisions. One of those decisions is what to do with the body. Burial or cremation are the two most common options, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. The cremation rate in the United States remained at 54.6% in 2019.
This blog post will discuss cremations: what they are, the average cost of cremation, and what you need to do if you choose this option.
What Are Cremations?
Cremation is the procedure of reducing a body to bone fragments using heat. The remains are then pulverized into what resembles coarse sand. The process involves burning the body at very high temperatures, usually between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cremations occur in a cremation chamber, also known as a crematorium, usually located at a funeral home or cemetery. Cremations are becoming popular in the United States for several reasons. They are often less expensive than burials, and they offer more flexibility in terms of memorialization and disposition of the remains.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The average cost of a cremation in the United States is $700. It does not include the cost of a funeral service or memorial. The price of a cremation can vary depending on the following factors:
1) Location
Where you live significantly impacts the cost of a cremation. In general, cremations are less expensive in the Midwest and South and more expensive on the coasts.
For example, the average cost of a cremation in California is $3500, while the average cost in Indiana is $2800.
This difference is mainly due to the competition among funeral homes. In more rural areas, fewer funeral homes compete for business, which keeps prices lower.
2) Type of Casket
If you plan on having a visitation or funeral service before the cremation, you will need to purchase a casket.
Caskets can be made of wood, metal, fiberglass, or composite materials, and they range in price from $500 to $5000.
The most expensive caskets are usually the most ornate, and they are often made of metal or wood. The least expensive caskets are usually made of fiberglass or composite materials.
You can choose to rent a casket for the visitation and funeral service, which is a good option if you plan on having the cremation immediately afterward. Renting a casket typically costs $500 to $1000.
3) Type of Cremation Service
Here are some types of cremation services:
a) Direct Cremation: The body is taken directly to the crematory without public or private funeral service.
b) Memorial Service: A memorial service with the body present is held before or after the cremation process.
c) Traditional Funeral Service: A traditional funeral service is standard and an inexpensive affair.
d) Life Celebration: A life celebration is a non-religious ceremony that commemorates the deceased’s life. It can be held before or after the cremation process.
It includes the following:
-Eulogy
-Personalized urn
-Picture boards
-Memory tables
-Funeral program
-Catering
-Live music
-Photo slideshows
-Customized tribute videos
-Life storyboards
e) Commemorative Services: Commemorative services honor the life of the deceased.
Final Thoughts
Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to be cremated. You must choose a licensed and insured cremation provider, make arrangements for the funeral service, and purchase a casket or urn.
