As funeral costs continue to rise and traditions evolve, more families are considering alternatives to a traditional burial. One option that has gained significant popularity in recent years is direct cremation.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), cremation rates have been steadily increasing. Nearly 62% of families choose cremation rather than a funeral and burial, and a large number of them opt for direct cremation.
Direct cremation offers a simple, cost-effective, and practical solution for families who wish to avoid the high expenses of traditional funerals. This option eliminates unnecessary costs while providing a dignified way to handle a loved one’s remains.
How Does Direct Cremation Work, and What Are Its Benefits?
With direct cremation, you avoid the high costs of a casket, embalming, burial, viewing ceremony, and memorial ceremony, which now average more than $8,300.
What Happens at a Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is straightforward and simplifies end-of-life arrangements. The deceased is transported directly from the place of death (hospital, hospice, or home) to a licensed crematory. The facility will help arrange for the necessary paperwork and permits required and cremate the body shortly after death.
There is no wake, viewing, or funeral service. After cremation, the remains are returned to the family in a temporary container. The facility can also dispose of the remains in an ethical manner if that is preferred.
Families may choose to hold a memorial service at their convenience, although it is not included in the price.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Direct Cremation?
Many families prefer a more subdued option versus an ornate funeral. Other reasons why families choose direct cremation include:
Cost-effective Cremation and Funeral Services
Is it realistic for a funeral or cremation to cost $5,000 total? A traditional funeral and burial typically cost significantly more than that. On the other hand, you can get direct cremation in some locations for as low as $800. Nationally, a direct cremation averages about $1,500.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost with Cremation?
If you are interested in cremation but would also like a funeral service, here is a comparison of the costs and what you typically get with each type of service.
| DIRECT CREMATION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Typically Includes: ✓ Cremation in simple cardboard or wooden box ✓ Return of remains in a temporary container ✓ Basic transportation and handling |
Does Not Include: ✗ Embalming ✗ Viewing/visitation ✗ Funeral ceremony ✗ Rental casket ✗ Decorative urn ✗ Memorial service |
Average Cost Range: Between $800 and $2,000 |
| CREMATION WITH MEMORIAL SERVICE | ||
| Typically Includes: ✓ Embalming and preparation ✓ Viewing/visitation ✓ Rental casket for viewing ✓ Memorial ceremony at a funeral home ✓ Basic transportation and handling ✓ Return of remains in a temporary container |
Does Not Include: ✗ Wake/procession ✗ Cemetery plot ✗ Formal interment service ✗ Decorative urn |
Average Cost Range: Between $2,000 and $4,000 |
| TRADITIONAL CREMATION WITH FUNERAL SERVICES | ||
| Typically Includes: ✓ Embalming and preparation ✓ Viewing/visitation ✓ Casket (rental or purchase) ✓ Wake ✓ Funeral ceremony ✓ Procession ✓ Post-cremation interment or scattering ceremony ✓ Transportation and handling ✓ Return of remains (may include basic urn) |
Does Not Include: ✗ Burial plot or grave opening/closing fees ✗ Cemetery or interment fees, such as ongoing maintenance fees ✗ Burial vault ✗ Premium casket purchase ✗ Premium decorative urn |
Average Cost Range: Between $4,000 and $6,000 |
Keep in mind that services and costs can vary depending on which services you choose, the cremation service provider, and your location. For example, if transportation is outside the typical service area, there may be an additional charge. You may also be charged for certified copies of death certificates.
How to Arrange for a Direct Cremation for a Loved One
You can arrange for direct cremation by looking online or calling funeral homes or crematoriums directly. In many cases, you can make the arrangements online or over the phone to simplify the process. If your loved one passes away at a hospital or hospice center, most provide assistance to guide you through the process.
Is There a Way to Save Money on Cremation?
Many families struggle with unexpected funeral expenses, which can add to the stress of losing a loved one. There are a few practical ways to reduce costs without compromising dignity. Here are tips for saving money on cremation.
Plan and Prepay
By pre-planning and prepaying, you can lock in current rates, avoiding the effects of inflation.
Funeral expenses tend to rise over time, so securing services in advance ensures that families are not burdened with higher prices in the future. Pre-planning also avoids stress at the time of death and makes sure your wishes are followed.
Tips for pre-planning:
Compare Prices from Different Cremation Providers
Not all funeral homes and cremation providers charge the same rates. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to provide a price list upon request, which allows you to compare costs. Taking the time to gather quotes from different providers can make sure you know exactly what you have to pay.
Shopping tips:
Choose an Alternative Memorial Venue
Holding a memorial service at home, a community center or a park can significantly reduce costs compared to renting a funeral home or religious venue. Many families opt for personalized, intimate gatherings that feel more meaningful and are more cost-effective.
Some ideas include:
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Expensive Urns
Funeral homes often sell decorative urns that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Affordable alternatives are available, but you are not required to purchase them. Instead, you can:
Look Into Veteran Benefits
Veterans may be eligible for free burial services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This can eliminate significant funeral expenses while honoring a veteran’s service.
VA benefits may include:
Skip Embalming
Embalming is one of the most expensive funeral services, often costing $500 to $1,500. However, it is not legally required unless the body will be transported over long distances or if you plan a viewing ceremony. While not legally required, most funeral homes will not allow for viewing without embalming.
Many families opt for refrigeration or direct cremation instead. Embalming is not required:
Donate Your Body to Science and Get Free Cremation
Whole body donation is a unique way to contribute to medical science and education while eliminating funeral costs. United Tissue Network (UTN) offers a no-cost donation program that includes free cremation once studies are complete.
Benefits of body donation include:
How Do I Become a Whole Body Donor?
You can pledge yourself or register a loved one to become a whole body donor online at United Tissue Network. You will need to provide consent and fill out a brief medical history, which will be evaluated by the UTN team.
Donors must be at least 18 years of age, but there are no upper age limits. Most individuals are accepted, except those with a contagious disease like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis.
Once you are accepted into the body donation program, you will receive a Donor Security certificate acknowledging your acceptance. When death occurs, family members will contact UTN and United Tissue Network will handle all of the arrangements, including:
While donors can make their wishes known, UTN cannot guarantee how donated bodies will be utilized. It often depends on timing and the current needs of medical education and research facilities. Bodies must be properly preserved, and the condition of the body at the time of death can also impact which programs will accept them.
Once you are accepted into the program, UTN will handle the placement, protecting the confidentiality of donors, families, and researchers.
Why Should I Become a Whole Body Donor?
Many families find meaning when a loved one becomes a whole body donor. It creates a lasting legacy of giving and can help ease grief by knowing that the passing of a loved one is contributing to advancing medical science that could impact generations to come.
It’s a noble and selfless act that can provide closure while also relieving family members of the cost of end-of-life arrangements.
Can I Get Paid to Become a Whole Body Donor?
While body donation programs pay for the costs of transportation and cremation, you will not get paid for participation. In the United States, it is illegal to pay for organs, body parts, or bodies under the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA).
Frequently Asked Questions–FAQs About Direct Cremation
Is direct cremation legal in all states?
Yes, direct cremation is legal throughout the U.S., but specific regulations may vary by state. If you work with a funeral home or licensed cremation facility, they can explain the requirements or any limitations.
How long does direct cremation take?
With direct cremation, cremation occurs shortly after death. However, the process can take up to a week or longer depending on local laws, any mandatory waiting periods for review by a coroner or medical examiner, and paperwork.
Can I have a memorial service after direct cremation?
You can plan a memorial service at your convenience, with or without the remains present. Many families choose to hold their own memorial service or celebration of life after a loved one passes away and may also hold a scattering ceremony at a place meaningful to the deceased.
Can family members be present at a direct cremation?
Most direct cremations do not include a public viewing. However, some crematories allow a witnessed cremation, where family members can observe the start of the cremation process. This may require paying an additional fee.
Can cremated remains be buried in a cemetery?
Cremated remains can be buried in a traditional cemetery plot, columbarium niche, or scattering gardens. Many cemeteries offer smaller, more affordable plots specifically for cremated remains. You can also choose to bury remains on private property (with permission).
Become a whole body donor today. Register at United Tissue Network or call UTN at (877) 738-6111 for more information.
