Unlike traditional funerals, direct cremation does not include a viewing, memorial service, or embalming. It is a streamlined and more affordable option for families that want a simple, yet dignified, way to handle end-of-life arrangements.

Here’s what you need to know about how the process works and how much cremation costs without services.

How Does Direct Cremation Work?

Direct cremation is fairly straightforward. After someone passes away, a funeral home or cremation provider will transport the body to a licensed facility. You will need to complete any necessary paperwork, provide consent, and wait for any legally required waiting period. Afterward, the remains will be cremated. In most cases, family members are not present when the cremation takes place although some facilities will allow this for an extra fee.

The cremation typically takes place in a cardboard box or simple wooden container. Cremated remains can be returned to the family members in a temporary container or ethically disposed of.

With direct cremation, there is no memorial ceremony or service built into the cost. Family members can decide how they want to memorialize their loved one, whether it’s holding a memorial ceremony on their own, keeping the remains in an urn, or scattering the cremated remains.

How Much Does Cremation Cost Without Services?

The average cost for direct cremation is about $1,500. Depending on your location and choice of provider, you can often find options as low as $800. Most cremation providers offer package prices that include transportation of the deceased, cremation, and return of the remains.

Why Families Choose Direct Cremation

Families choose direct cremation for several reasons:

• Affordability: With significantly lower costs than traditional funerals, direct cremation provides financial relief.
• Simplicity: The process does not require complex arrangements.
• Flexibility: Families can choose when and how to hold a memorial or celebration of life, without the constraints of a funeral home’s schedule.
• Environmental Considerations: Many see cremation as a more eco-friendly option than a traditional burial, which involves embalming fluids and a large burial plot.
• Personal Preference: Some individuals prefer a no-fuss approach to their final wishes, wanting to avoid elaborate services.

How to Find Direct Cremation Providers

You can look online for cremation services in your area and compare prices. Ask for an itemized price list (called the General Price List) to understand what is included in the service and any extra fees. You may want additional services like a memorial urn or interment of the remains in a cemetery, and these will be added to your final bill.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of all fees. In most cases, transportation and permits will be included, but when asking how much cremation costs without services, make sure you get a final cost breakdown.

If you have concerns, you can check with your state’s licensing board to make sure a facility is operating legally.

One more note: Many funeral homes have their own cremation facility or have arrangements with licensed providers, so you can work with a funeral home rather than a cremation facility if you are more comfortable doing so.

How to Get Free Cremation with Body Donation

When you donate your body to medical science, you can get a free cremation. Medical schools and scientific research institutions utilize bodies to educate students, refine surgical techniques, study disease progression, and test medical devices. In return, they typically cover the cost of cremation once research has concluded.

United Tissue Network (UTN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates whole body donations for medical science in several states, including Nevada. Accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and following all guidelines in the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), UTN treats donors and families with the utmost respect and dignity.

UTN handles all of the arrangements for transportation, placement with a reputable medical research or educational facility, cremation at a licensed facility, and return of the cremated remains to family members upon request.

UTN covers 100% of the cost, including the cost of cremation.

If you are interested in body donation, the process is simple. Complete an online registration form for yourself or a loved one. The UTN team reviews the medical history of potential donors to ensure they meet the necessary criteria. Most body donations are accepted although those with contagious diseases like HIV/AIDs or hepatitis are ineligible. Once accepted into the program, you will receive a Donor Security certificate as confirmation.

Start a whole body donation today and get free cremation. You can also contact United Tissue Network at (877) 738-6111 with any questions you may have.