Let’s talk Cremation

Cremation funeral services offer a compassionate and flexible approach to honoring a loved one's life while opting for cremation rather than traditional burial.

Benefits of Cremation Services

  • Flexibility: Cremation allows for a range of memorial options and timing flexibility, accommodating diverse schedules and preferences.

  • Cost-Effective: Generally, cremation services can be more affordable than traditional burial, as they typically involve fewer costs related to caskets, burial plots, and grave markers.

  • Environmental Considerations: Some families choose cremation for its lower environmental impact compared to traditional burial practices.

It is important to understand that there are different cremation options

Funeral homes typically offer a range of cremation services to cater to different preferences and needs. Here’s an overview of the various types of cremation services they might provide:

1. Direct Cremation

  • Description: The simplest and most cost-effective cremation option. The body is cremated after death, with no formal viewing, service, or ceremony.

  • Features: Includes basic services like transfer of remains, cremation, and necessary paperwork.

  • Ideal For: Families who prefer a no-frills approach or those looking to minimize costs.

2. Cremation with Viewing

  • Description: Allows for a viewing or visitation of the deceased before the cremation takes place. This can be done in a funeral home or another location.

  • Features: Includes a viewing period, with the option for family and friends to pay their respects.

  • Ideal For: Those who wish to have a more personal farewell before the cremation.

3. Cremation with Memorial Service *See more details here

  • Description: A memorial service is held either before or after the cremation, where friends and family gather to honor the deceased.

  • Features: A ceremony that can be held at a funeral home, religious facility, or other venue. It may include eulogies, music, and other elements typical of a traditional service.

  • Ideal For: Families who want a formal ceremony to celebrate the life of the deceased but choose cremation over burial.

4. Cremation with Traditional Funeral Service

  • Description: Combines a traditional funeral service with cremation. The body is usually present for a funeral service before being cremated.

  • Features: A traditional service followed by the cremation, with options for a reception or gathering.

  • Ideal For: Families who want a traditional funeral experience but prefer cremation over burial.

Cremation Prices

1. Basic Service Fee - $2,500

  • Description: This fee covers the core administrative and operational costs associated with managing the cremation process. It typically includes:

    • Staff time: Coordination and handling of all necessary paperwork, communication with the family, and overall management of the process.

    • Facilities: Use of the funeral home's facilities for administrative tasks.

    • Initial arrangements: Consultation with the family to plan the details of the cremation and any associated services.

2. Transfer of Remains - $500

  • Description: This cost is for transporting the body from the place of death (such as a hospital or home) to the funeral home or crematory. It covers:

    • Transportation: The use of a hearse or other vehicle.

    • Handling: Careful handling of the body to ensure it is transported respectfully and safely.

3. Refrigeration - $395

  • Description: This fee is for keeping the body cool and preserved before the cremation takes place. It covers:

    • Cooling equipment: Use of refrigeration units designed to prevent decomposition.

    • Storage: Secure storage of the body until the cremation can occur, which is especially important if there’s a delay between death and cremation.

4. Actual Cremation - $300

  • Description: This is the fee for the actual process of cremation. It covers:

    • Cremation process: The use of the crematory equipment to incinerate the body.

    • Energy costs: The fuel and power required to operate the crematory equipment.

5. Fiber Tray - $250

  • Description: A fiber tray is a simple, disposable container used to hold the body during the cremation process. It is typically:

    • Combustible: Designed to be cremated along with the body, ensuring that no non-combustible materials are introduced into the cremation chamber.

6. Temporary Urn - $99

  • Description: A temporary urn is a basic container provided to hold the cremated remains until a permanent urn or final resting place is chosen. It covers:

    • Basic container: Often made of plastic or inexpensive material, suitable for interim storage of the ashes.

7. Permit Fee - $25

  • Description: This is the fee for obtaining the legal authorization required to perform the cremation. It covers:

    • Legal documentation: The processing and issuance of necessary permits and certificates that comply with local regulations and laws governing cremation.

Breakdown of a *Direct cremation

Total Costs $ 4,069

**Keep in mind some funeral homes may offer Package discounts for a *direct cremation and could bring the cost down.

The average direct cremation price ranges from $3,000+

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

Ask yourself

  • Do I need the assistance from the funeral home?

  • Is this out of your price range?

**Most states have what you call alternative Cremation facilities. These are separate from the funeral home and are substantially more modest in their prices. These range from $800-$1300

But… do know these come with certain limitations. For example

  • All arrangements are done online

  • Must be paid day of

  • No facilities to offer

  • No additional support / assistance with services.

Check it out here

cremation facility here in Austin, TX