We know that cost is one of the main deciding factors for choosing cremation. Still, many people want to know, how much does it cost to cremate someone? You have many options with cremation, and those choices determine the cost. We encourage you to “shop around” before making a final decision.
Cremation costs are transparent within the funeral industry by law. It’s prudent to look at many options when considering large expenses, as the total cost will be a determining factor when choosing a cremation service provider. Let’s explore what comprises the average cost of cremation.
Choosing a cremation service provider
Just because a few providers share their total cost and those bottom lines might be similar, that does not mean you will be charged the same amount for all cremation-related services across the board.
Look at a breakdown of costs when deciding on a provider. For example, a funeral home or cremation provider may have a lower charge for merchandise like an urn, but higher fees for arranging third-party services such as placing the obituary in a local newspaper. These costs are called cash advances and are defined later in this post.
Also, when a cremation service provider says, “This is our cost,” you should inquire about any additional costs that fall under third-party or cash advance fees. For example, a funeral home may not own a crematorium, so they may charge you one fee for a cremation, while a third-party crematorium will charge a separate fee.
There are also some state-related fees that differ depending on where the cremation will take place. A great question to ask is, “Is your cremation cost all-inclusive?” Being prepared is one way to avoid headaches later.
Direct cremation costs
Direct cremation is a basic service that ensures that all aspects of the cremation have been performed legally. Cremation services can run the gamut from lavish to austere — from a full, traditional wake and funeral service, to “I just want to be cremated.” When someone is looking for a simple cremation sans embellishments, they are likely seeking a direct cremation. Here is what you should know:
- A direct cremation service does not typically include an urn. (You can choose to purchase one from your provider or provide your own.)
- Generally, a direct cremation package includes the transfer and transportation of the deceased into the provider’s care as well as refrigeration prior to the cremation process.
- Direct cremation generally includes filing all necessary paperwork and paying the medical examiner’s fee.
- Cremation Society of New Hampshire’s direct cremation package is currently $1,295 for members and $1,695 for non members. (CSNH also offers veterans, life celebration and church cremation packages.)
Cash advances
Cash advances are funds providers pay to third parties as a convenience to the family planning a cremation or funeral. Providers can mark up the cost of cash advance items but, by law, must disclose those cost increases on an itemized price list. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire does not add fees to any cash advance charges.
One cash advance the provider usually purchases on behalf of the family is certified copies of the death certificate.
Another cash advance takes place if someone passes away out of state, and the provider pays to repatriate the body back to the state where the cremation will take place.
Cremation planning
Once you have gone through the process of contacting several providers for their itemized costs for cremation services, you may find a place where you feel comfortable and whose staff has provided exceptional service.
Cremation planning locks in your wishes. Once arrangements are made and paid for, they cannot be changed after you’ve died. (You may always update your wishes and arrangements while you are alive.) Your family cannot alter your cremation plan after you have passed, unless this is stipulated in your arrangements.
Cremation planning and prepayment locks in your price for the remainder of your life, no matter how many years pass.
Cremation planning ensures the services you arranged and paid for will be provided (or as comparable a service as exists at that time) at the time of your passing.
You don’t want a lot of surprises when it comes to cost and service options. We encourage you to be informed in every aspect for end-of-life planning, from cost to personalization of services.
This post answers the question:
How much does it cost to cremate someone?
How much does it cost to cremate someone?
When someone is looking for a simple cremation sans embellishments, they are likely seeking a direct cremation. Cremation Society of New Hampshire’s direct cremation package is currently $1,295 for members and $1,595 for non members.
