Direct cremation is the most cost-effective option to handle someone’s passing. Direct cremation typically includes only the transportation of the deceased, the cremation itself in a wooden or cardboard container, and the return of the ashes in a temporary container.
Americans are choosing cremation at a significantly higher rate than in years past. Nationwide, the cremation rate is about 60% while the cremation rate throughout Nevada is the highest in the country at nearly 82%.
In this article, we will break down the cost of traditional cremation services in Las Vegas, Nevada, options for personalized cremation packages, and no-cost cremation options such as whole-body donation for the advancement of medical science.
Traditional Cremation Services
The average cost of cremation services in Las Vegas, NV, is about $1,500, although basic cremation services can sometimes be found for between $700 and $1,000. Where you live and with whom you choose to work will make a difference in costs and the services you choose. For example, you may want to include:
- Memorial services or celebration of life ceremony
- Viewing ceremony, which typically requires embalming
- Burial of remains in a cemetery with markers
- Memorial urn
Most area funeral homes that provide cremation services in Las Vegas, NV, offer packages you can choose from depending on your preferences. The federal Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide an itemized price lift (called the General Price List or GPL) so you know exactly what your costs will be. You also have the right to choose certain items rather than package pricing.
Depending on the options you choose, the cost can rise to $3,000 or more.
Personalized Cremation Packages
Many funeral home providers will offer personalized options for families, including:
- A personalized design for containers or urns
- Customization of the memorial services, including photos or videos
- Cremation jewelry that holds a portion of the remains
- Live streaming of memorial services
- Catering or receptions for families and loved ones
- Burial services or scattering of the ashes at a designated location
- Permanent storage of remains in a columbarium
You can honor your loved one without the help of a funeral home, holding ceremonies in your home or other locations, or spreading ashes at a favorite location. Since cremated remains are sanitary and do not pose a health threat, Nevada allows you to scatter them on private property as long as you have permission from the owner.
There may be specific requirements about public land, so you will want to check with the proper authorities. You can also opt to scatter ashes in waterways as long as you abide by the federal laws about cremated remains.
No-Cost Cremation Services in Las Vegas, Nevada
If you are looking for no-cost cremation services in Las Vegas, NV, and a highly personal way to honor your loved one, you may want to consider a whole-body donation. United Tissue Network (UTN) accepts donations and places bodies with reputable research facilities. UTN also covers 100% of the cost for transportation, storage, and cremation of the deceased once the research is concluded. UTN will also return the remains after cremation if the family chooses or dispose of the remains in an ethical manner.
Whole-body donations are critical to the advancement of medical science. When you give this gift, you are helping train the next generation of doctors and helping researchers find new drugs and therapies. Scientists also use whole-body donations to better understand how diseases progress and study the impact of treatments.
Families can take comfort and find meaning in the passing of a loved one with a whole-body donation. Past donations have led to significant advances in medical science. An anatomical donation also reduces researchers’ use of animals for research.
United Tissue Network for Whole Body Donations
Since 2009, United Tissue Network (UTN) has been accepting whole-body donations and paid the costs for 12,000 families who chose this personal, meaningful way to honor their loved ones. UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), upholding the highest ethical standards.
UTN is different from many other groups that handle whole-body donations. Unlike others, we do not profit from donations or sell body parts. We believe in providing a dignified process that respects your loved one.
You can pledge your body or register a family member who has passed or is nearing the end of life.
Contact the Donor Service Coordinators at United Tissue Network at 877-738-6111 to find out more about whole body donations.