Everything You Should Know About Cremation in 2019

Did you know that forty percent of Americans are now choosing cremation over a traditional funeral? It’s true. Recent statistics show that cremation is increasingly common and fast becoming the preferred option for a funeral. Needless to say, this is not a popularity contest but the statistics tell a story and it makes a lot of sense. In other words, cremation is often the most affordable option  but this is not the only reason why so many are choosing cremation over a full-service funeral. 

With this in mind, let us take a closer look at the most important factors and everything you should know about the cremation process in 2019:

The Process and Cost of Cremation

Cremation is a process that reduces the human body down to ashes. There are several types of cremation including mechanical, dissolution and thermal cremation. As already mentioned, this is usually the cheapest option when it comes to a funeral but also convenient for the arrangements. Although there is no need to understand every last detail, the cost of cremation will depend on certain aspects of the process. For this reason, you need to know a little about what happens:

What Happens During the Cremation Process?

Cremation takes place in a chamber in the crematory. The body of a deceased is placed inside a coffin-like container and then moved to this chamber. Also known as a retort, this chamber is used to reduce the deceased body down to bone fragments. Cremation takes approximately two hours and the chamber requires an additional hour to cool down before the ashes can be removed. Lastly, these fragments are then placed inside a plastic bag and handed to the family.

Pricing and Affordability of Cremation

If you contact a number of funeral homes, price is likely the first thing that will catch your attention. However, location is another major factor for the cost as the price of cremation is much higher in some states than others. That being said, direct cremation is always the least expensive option.

Why? Direct cremation is the least expensive option because there is no actual viewing ceremony or funeral. When the paperwork is complete, the ashes are provided to the friends or family.

In this instance, the family might organize a memorial service or some kind of private ceremony. Either way, the costs are minimized for the funeral home and then passed on to the organizers.

Note – You will need to obtain an urn which is used to hold the ashes. After the cremation, a funeral home will usually place these ashes in a bag and the urn will be needed to put the ashes on display.

How Much Does Cremation Cost in 2019?

As a rule, cremation usually costs in the region of $4,000 and this should include all costs. From transporting the body, covering the cost of a casket and taking care of the cremation process to preparing the body for a memorial service. Alternatively, a cremation only service can cost as little as $1,000 - $1,500.

Quite often, the casket is the most expensive part but for a cremation, you can choose a rental casket. The caskets used for a cremation have an insert in which the body is placed. For this reason, the body never touches the outer casket which means it can be used over and over. Purchasing a casket can cost more than $5,000 for a traditional funeral whereas a rental casket can be $1,000.

In case you might be asking yourself, this cost of cremation is significantly less than a full service funeral which can cost up to $10,000. Once again, the casket is costly but then you also have endless fees to cover including the digging of a grave and a rather expensive headstone.

The Rising Demand for Cremation in America

As you can see, cremation is more and more common in America for good reason. The process is very convenient and surprisingly good for the environment. Furthermore, the ashes can be taken home and used in a memorial service which can still make for a very personal occasion.

However, the main benefit of a cremation service is most often found in the cost. Indeed, cremation is the most affordable option and certainly cheaper than a full service funeral. Whether you opt for direct cremation or not, choosing an attractive urn makes all the difference and this is still an occasion when friends or family can say goodbye in a most memorable way.

By the way, if you are interested in cremation or keepsake urns, please check out our products. We provide beautiful handcrafted urns for memorial services.

Click here to check them out