You might not be surprised to learn that the average cost of cremation services in Hamilton, NJ, is less than that of a typical funeral with burial. Here are some ways cremation allows you to save even more on funeral spending.
Direct cremation costs less because there are fewer expenses involved. There’s no casket, funeral clothes, or transportation to worry about—just a simple cremation container.
You can save even more by ruling out a memorial service. This will also help your family avoid spending on flowers, catering, and other arrangements that would have been part of a traditional funeral or burial service.
The casket is usually the most expensive item purchased for a traditional burial, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. You can rent a display casket for services with cremation, as you only need an alternative container for the cremation itself. You’ll get rental caskets under $1500 for top-of-the-line models – which is significantly cheaper than purchasing one new!
Embalming is an optional cosmetic process done to preserve the body. It is not required by law if you choose cremation, but some funeral homes insist on it for open-casket viewing. It costs a pretty penny too, and you can skip it altogether if you find a funeral home with a more palatable alternative. Of course, it’s in your interest to avoid delaying the visitation if you can help it.
As for services, you can hold a simple ceremony that does not require the funeral facility’s full resources. Or you could find somewhere better suited to your budget, especially if you are having a memorial or celebration of life gathering.
Going with a family plot can also help keep the cost of burying cremated remains down. Family burial plots allow you to spread out and keep your relatives together in one area of the cemetery. If your only option is a single unit, urns for ashes take up a lot less space than a casket which means lower fees. Alternatively, you could scatter the ashes instead, for free or next to nothing at a sentimental place.
You can also save money on physical memorials, if only for the time being. Memorializing a loved one is about keeping their memory alive, not just paying homage to their body. A durable traditional marker might cost you more than you can afford on a tight budget. But you can create an online tribute, for instance, for less.
Many factors go into calculating how much cremation costs in general, including your location and the firm you choose. The important thing is that when planning a funeral on a budget, you want to take time to consider all your options.
You will also want to work with a Hamilton, NJ cremation service provider that gets it, like us. At Saul Funeral Homes, Inc. we take great pride in our affordable services and product offerings. Pre-need or at-need, we are one swipe away. Call or visit us today.