In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements. This shift is attributed to various factors, including environmental concerns, flexibility in memorialization, and cost considerations. Understanding the options and costs associated with funeral home cremation packages is essential for making informed decisions during a challenging time. Here’s what you need to know before talking with a funeral director.

What You Need to Know Before Talking With a Funeral Director

  • Cremation Process is Standard Across Providers – Regardless of the package price, the cremation procedure itself remains the same. Costs vary based on additional services such as transportation, paperwork assistance, urns, and memorialization options.
  • Understanding Package Inclusions is Crucial – Funeral homes and cremation providers offer different packages that may include transportation, professional services, cremation fees, urns, and memorial options. Reviewing these details carefully ensures you only pay for what you need.
  • Direct Cremation is the Most Affordable Option – Direct cremation, which includes only the essential services without a formal ceremony, is typically the least expensive choice. It allows families to hold private memorials at a later date if desired.
  • Pre-Planning Can Reduce Costs and Stress – Arranging cremation services in advance helps lock in current pricing, avoids unexpected expenses, and provides peace of mind for both individuals and their families.

Overview of Cremation Services

It would be helpful that you understand a bit about the cremation process before you make funeral service arrangements for your loved one.

Definition and process

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to bone fragments (called ash, cremated remains, or cremains) through high-temperature combustion. This method serves as an alternative to traditional burial and involves several steps:

  • Transportation: The deceased is transported to the crematory.
  • Identification: Proper identification procedures are followed to ensure the correct handling of remains.
  • Preparation: The body is prepared, which may include removing medical devices or jewelry.
  • Cremation: The body is placed in a cremation container or casket, placed in a chamber, and subjected to intense heat.
  • Processing: The remains are processed into a fine, sand-like consistency, commonly called “ashes.”
  • Return: The ashes are placed in an urn or alternative container and returned to the family.

It’s important to note that the basic services are the same – regardless of how much you pay for the crematory fee.

Talk with your funeral director about whether decorative urns are included in a cremation package.

Historical context and trends

Historically, cremation has been practiced in various cultures for centuries. In the United States, cremation rates have risen steadily over the past few decades. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the national cremation rate surpassed 50% in recent years, reflecting a significant shift in societal preferences.

Understanding Cremation Packages

Most funeral homes and cremation providers have several packages available. Since the cremation act is the same regardless of how much you pay, it’s important to read the details of what each package includes. Here are some typical cremation packages to help you understand the packages outlined on the general price list.

Components of a typical package

Cremation packages are designed to simplify the arrangement process by bundling essential services. A typical package may include the following:

  • Transportation: This cost is for the transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home or crematory. Please note the funeral home’s service area, as a local transfer may be free with the package. In some cases, the transfer of remains back to the family may be included in the package.
  • Professional Services: Funeral directors must help you with the paperwork, including filing for death certificates and notifying the Social Security Administration and the major credit agencies.
  • Cremation Process: The cremation procedure is the same regardless of the package you purchase.
  • Urn: Some cremation providers include an urn in the package, while others return the cremated remains in a temporary container, such as a sturdy cardboard box.
  • Memorialization: Cremation providers and funeral homes have many memorial options, such as an online obituary, cremation jewelry, or other keepsakes.

Variations across providers

While the core components are similar, cremation packages can vary significantly among providers. Some may offer additional services.

  • Viewing or Visitation: Some funeral homes will arrange a visitation before cremation. This gives opportunities for family and friends to view the deceased before cremation. A rental casket is often used for this type of service. After the cremation occurs, the remains are returned to the family at a later date, who may decide to have a graveside service or scattering service when the remains are laid to rest.
  • Memorial Services: Some cremation providers and funeral homes will help coordinate services and provide a place for a traditional funeral or memorial service.
  • Direct Cremation: Direct cremation includes the transportation of the body from the place of death to the cremation provider, the professional services, and the cremation. This simple cremation package is typically the most affordable — especially if you plan ahead.
  • Keepsakes: A wide range of memorial products and keepsakes are available. Some funeral homes and providers offer memorial jewelry or personalized items containing a portion of the ashes.

Cremation Society of Philadelphia offers low-cost cremation services in these areas of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, Berks County, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon, Wyoming, and Monroe — and these areas of New Jersey: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May. Contact us to learn about funeral pre-planning or at-need services.