There’s no right or wrong way to hold a funeral. While some people opt for a traditional ceremony and burial, others prefer a simple cremation and memorial. The key is to plan a funeral that aligns with what you want.

But, what can you expect from funeral services in Las Vegas? Let’s take a look at the options.

Funeral Services—Las Vegas, NV

Depending on the services you choose, your costs can range from about $1,000 for a basic cremation without a funeral to $10,000 or more for an elaborate funeral with a burial. So, when planning funeral services in Las Vegas, you will need to evaluate your options accordingly.

Common funeral expenses could include:

• Basic service fees from the funeral home
• Cremation or casket and burial vault costs
• Transportation of the deceased
• Embalming and other preparation
• Flowers, catering, and other memorial items

Las Vegas is one of the more expensive areas around the state, with the average price for cremation of about $1,500. However, you can sometimes find options for less.

Burial vs Cremation

Nevada has the highest rate of cremation in the U.S. About 80% of families choose cremation vs. burial in the state.

Whether you choose a burial or cremation, you also have options for local services.

Traditional Burial Services

A traditional funeral service in Las Vegas typically involves the body being embalmed, placed in a casket, and buried in a cemetery. The service can take several forms:

• Visitation (Wake or Viewing): This is usually held the day before the funeral service and allows friends and family to pay their respects. The body is often displayed in a casket.
• Funeral Service: The actual service may be held at a funeral home, religious facility, or chapel. It may include prayers, eulogies, music, and a procession to the cemetery.
• Graveside Service: After the funeral, a more intimate service is held at the cemetery with a pastor or officiant leading the group in prayer, a eulogy, and the lowering of the casket into the ground.

Religious and Cultural Services

Many people incorporate religious or cultural rituals into funeral services, whether burial or cremation is chosen. These services can include prayers, readings from sacred texts, specific rites, and communal gatherings.

Cremation Services

Cremation offers more flexibility in how to honor the deceased and hold a memorial service. The cremation itself typically happens at a crematory, and the funeral service can take place either before or after the cremation.

Pre-Cremation Funeral or Memorial Service

If the family wishes to hold a viewing, the body can be displayed before cremation. This may involve a traditional funeral service or a more informal gathering. The body would be cremated afterward.

The service can be held at a funeral home, place of worship, or even a private home. The focus is usually on celebrating the deceased’s life with reflections from family and friends.

Post-Cremation Memorial Service

A memorial service may take place after the cremation, with the remains present in an urn. This service is often more flexible and can be more informal, reflecting the personality or preferences of the deceased.

Scattering Remains

Some families choose to gather loved ones to scatter remains in a meaningful location with a few words or prayers.

Alternatives to Traditional Services

If the family prefers something unique or nontraditional, other options for funeral services in Las Vegas, NV include:

• Celebration of life: A more informal gathering to remember a loved one.
• Direct Cremation or Burial: The body is either cremated or buried immediately, without a traditional service.
• Green Funeral: Natural burials include eco-friendly options, such as biodegradable caskets.
• Memorial Trees: Some people choose to plant a tree in memory of the deceased, which can be accompanied by a small ceremony.
• Living Memorial: Remains can be incorporated into a living memorial, such as creating a memorial bench or dedicating a park.
• Virtual and Hybrid Memorial: This might include online memorial pages or online streaming.
• Memorial Reception: An informal reception at a family home or other location, sharing food and drinks and remembering their loved ones.

Another option for families is donating a body to science. In Nevada, United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates body donations, placing them with reputable research and medical facilities at no cost to families. Upon completion of research, bodies are cremated and families can request the remains to be returned.

UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB).

Learn more about whole body donation by calling (877) 738-6111.