A Guide to Cremation Options and Costs: Making Informed Choices

Now the choice for the majority of Americans, cremation is often an attraction option for families on a budget. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average price of a cremation with ceremony is about $7,000, about $2,000 less than similar services with the choice of burial.

However, even those choosing cremation have many options and price points to consider as they navigate the process. Some families opt for a simple and affordable cremation, while others may choose all the “bells and whistles” for celebration and memorialization. The choices are personal, but with a few tips, you can make sure that each decision is made with the confidence that you know your rights and how to proceed.

Direct vs. Traditional Cremation

As you do some price comparison shopping (which may be emotionally most manageable to do before you need it), you’ll encounter the term “direct cremation.” But what does direct cremation mean? In a direct cremation, the body is cremated “directly” without a ceremony (funeral, memorial, etc.). The price for a direct cremation is generally lower than a traditional cremation because it focuses just on the basics. Cremation professionals carefully transport and cremate an individual in a respectful process, usually without witnesses. The cremated remains are safely returned to the designated family member or representative. 

For those looking for additional services or ceremonies (flowers, help with programs and a funeral or memorial, etc.), traditional cremation is still a less expensive choice than burial in most cases. However, it does give families the additional support and expertise a funeral provider can offer.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national median price for a direct cremation with a container provided by a funeral home is $2750. If the family provides the container, the cost is $2645.

Planning and Paying for Cremation

Advice on whether you should plan ahead for your cremation is divided. While some suggest that it is best to put the money aside in a “payable upon death” (POD) bank account, others recommend that the payment will bring savings and peace of mind. Many funeral providers can help with prepaid cremation using insurance or payment plans. But whether you pay ahead or put your money aside, experts agree that planning is critical to getting what you want for your final goodbye.

Some of the factors to consider are:

• Your budget
• Your values
• Religious or family traditions
• History with the funeral provider

Understanding the Cost of Cremation

The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule defines the protections determining your rights when planning a cremation, burial, or other disposition. One of the critical protections of the Funeral Rule is that you must be told the price of your plans, laid out in a document called the General Price List. Though the GPL may be a bit complicated to read, don’t hesitate to ask questions and ensure you understand the final price and what’s included. 

The Funeral Consumers Alliance and the FTC have many consumer tips on navigating the process. These are your fundamental rights under the rule:

• Buy only the arrangements you want.
• Get the price information on the phone.
• Get a written, itemized list.
• Get a written, itemized price list of caskets before viewing them.
• See a written price list for outer burial containers.
• Get a written statement after you’ve decided what you want.
• Choose an alternative casket for cremation.
• Use a casket or urn you have purchased elsewhere.

Ways to Save Money on Cremation

No matter how simple or how elaborate your cremation funeral plans are, you should not pay for things you do not want or need. The FTC offers helpful advice on being a smart and savvy consumer. Among them:

• Determine what costs you will face and which you can avoid. 
• Learn how to read a price list.
• Plan ahead and consider paying ahead if it makes sense for you.
• Compare prices and ask questions.
• Decide if DIY options exist for flowers, photos, food, or other items.
• Consider whether you’d prefer more or less support from a funeral provider.

The reality is that even though funeral arrangements are personal, emotional, and full of tradition and meaning, there’s also a financial aspect to them. Understanding your rights and how best to choose and pay for the items most important to you will help guide you through the more practical side of cremation planning. Once you are done with the budgeting and planning, you can turn your attention to the real task at hand – paying tribute to those you love or making sure that your own plans are clear so that your life can be celebrated in a way that’s both meaningful and in concert with your values. Whether you are planning for yourself or someone else, it is a gift to those you love to plan this final chapter.