More Philadelphians are choosing cremation over burial due to the lower cost, convenience, and environmental benefits cremation provides. In fact, the Cremation Association of North America listed Pennsylvania as one of the Top 10 States for Cremation Growth. While the funeral industry has been plagued in the past by ambiguous costs and price gouging, the new wave of affordable cremation is lowering Philadelphia cremation costs and making services more transparent.
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Burial vs. Cremation Cost in Philadelphia
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost for a funeral in 2012 was more than $7,000 – and more than $8,000 for a funeral with a vault. In contrast, cremation costs a fraction of the price of burial because many burial-related fees are eliminated.
What’s Included in the Cost?
Factors contributing to funeral or burial costs include a casket, burial plot, headstone or grave marker, embalming fees, funeral service fees, and burial fees.
Factors contributing to cremation costs include transporting the body to the cremation facility, cremation arrangements, crematory fee, urn, and scattering service fees.
How Is Direct Cremation Service From a Cremation Provider Different Than Direct Cremation from a Funeral Home?
The cremation process is the same regardless of who completes the process. Only one body is placed in the crematorium at a time, and the cremated remains (or ashes) look the same. Also, direct cremation providers must follow the same regulations as funeral homes. They still have to fill out the appropriate cremation authorization form (or cremation permit) and have the signature from the medical examiner before the cremation can occur.
So, if you are looking for affordable service in Philadelphia PA, and don’t want a traditional funeral that includes a viewing, consider simple cremation package options offered by direct cremation providers.
Can I Still Have a Memorial Service If I Choose Direct Cremation?
Yes, you can have memorial services for your cremated loved one. You can have a religious service at your house of worship or a religious or secular service at a favorite outdoor location, home, or cemetery. Some families choose to say their goodbyes at a scattering ceremony.
In short, low-cost options are available. Learn more by contacting Philadelphia Cremation Society.
Philadelphia Cremation Plans
Philadelphia cremation plans are affordable for many families and individuals requiring end-of-life services. A direct cremation, which omits the viewing service, is a simple, dignified plan that offers the best value. Philadelphia cremation costs range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand – much lower than the average burial cost in the area.
Philadelphia Cremation Society offers three cremation packages; the most affordable is only $995. Additional fees apply for transferring the deceased from outside Philadelphia County or from a private residence, county coroner fee where applicable, and certified copies of the death certificate.
Even as costs remain low, basic cremation services offer Philadelphia residents a dignified way to remember their loved ones. Families may opt to pair direct cremation with post-cremation memorials. Scatterings or burials at sea are popular for honoring a loved one. Biodegradable urns (like tree planters) and keepsake urns (like diamonds made of pressed ashes) also offer unique ways to keep precious memories alive.
Key Takeaways About Choosing Cremation
- Cremation is almost always more affordable than burial
- Cremation is popular in Pennsylvania and is increasing in popularity across the rest of the country.
- The cremation process is the same regardless of the provider.
- You can have a service for your family member even if you choose direct cremation.
- There are a lot of cremation ash options, such as scattering at sea or using a tiny portion of remains to grow a cremation ash diamond.
