If we’re fortunate, planning a loved one’s disposition is rare. Rare, but inevitable, and one of the primary concerns with disposition is the cost. Traditional funerals and burials have become much more expensive over the decades, pressuring the market into providing a less costly but still dignified option.
For many families, that alternative is direct cremation. In this guide, we’ll address how direct cremation minimizes disposition expenses. We’ll also take a look at the other cost-related factors involved in a loved one’s final arrangements.
First, a high-level look at disposition costs. Here’s how traditional funerals and burials, traditional cremations, and direct cremations stack up:
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average price of a traditional Florida funeral is about $6,500. Between Miami and Orlando, average funeral costs differ by almost $1,000.
This also does not include the cost of a casket or cemetery plot – both of which are necessary for most burial practices. These two can add another $2,000 to $2,500 to the final cost. In all, families can expect to pay upwards of $9,000 for a traditional funeral service with burial.
The traditional cremation process is similar to a traditional funeral with burial. The funeral home is rented out for the memorial, and there may be a viewing prior to disposition.
The only goods and services involved are those absolutely necessary to carry out cremation. As a result, direct cremation prices are much lower. In Florida, the average cost of direct cremation is about $1,500, but this figure is lower for many, as it includes optional goods and services.
The price difference between traditional cremation and direct cremation is stark. It can be greater than $5,000, in some cases. Why does the type of cremation make such a big difference?
Embalming and cosmetics are not required for direct cremation, as the body is placed in refrigeration prior to cremation.
As budget friendly as direct cremation is, there’s still room for flexibility, and many people do decide to add in certain goods and services. For example, the following options are available:
While these can increase the cost of direct cremation, they can help with informal remembrance ceremonies and are therefore popular additions to direct cremation plans.
One of cremation’s primary advantages is its flexibility. With cremation, people have additional post-disposition options, so families can choose to remember their loved one the way they choose. Some of those options include:
This approach is generally cost-free, and Florida ash-spreading regulations are relaxed. However, you’ll need permission from the property owner before ashes can be scattered or buried in the area. Also, if the cremains are to be scattered over the water, you may need to rent a boat, as Florida laws require scattering to occur a certain distance away from the coast. If you’re planning on scattering ashes in a public park, a permit will likely be required and the typical cost is up to $75.
There’s also a big range in cost. An exterior-facing, single space vault may only cost a few hundred dollars. A family-sized space inside of an ornate columbarium, though, usually costs a few thousand dollars or more. In densely populated areas and in high-demand cemeteries, the price can be over $10,000 for a space.
Most types of disposition come with serious sticker shock. With funeral home services, rentals, and caskets all climbing in price, the traditional funeral is out of reach for many families.
Fortunately, traditional funerals represent only one disposition option among many. Cremation, and direct cremation specifically, offers the dignity that comes with a traditional funeral. And it also offers the flexibility and lower cost that many families require.
Bringing the highest quality cremation services to families in Orlando, Florida and surrounding communities in: Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Marion County, Flagler County, Sumter County, and Broward County. Learn more about our service areas, click here.
Cremation Specialists of Florida
customerservice@cremationspecialists.com
1148 C East Plant St,
Winter Garden, FL, 34787
Online cremation arrangements are available 24/7
To begin the process, click here. Our online cremation service is simple to navigate, each page of the process leads you to the next, make payments online, and choose only the items that best suit your needs.
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