Average Cost of a Cremation Funeral
Dignity Memorial- MSC Locations
Jul 26, 2023
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
More Americans chose cremation over burial for the first time in 2015, and by 2023, 59% of Americans and 77% of Canadians will choose cremation, according to the Cremation Association of North America.
Along with the rise in cremation, one tradition has remained: the cremation funeral, or cremation memorial. This occasion can be the same as the funeral for a burial—or as dissimilar as you'd like. Whatever shape it takes—from a deeply religious memorial to a joyous celebration of life, an end-of-life ceremony brings people together to say goodbye. It gives friends and family a chance to comfort one another, remember the good times and begin to heal from their loss.
In this article you will learn:
- Why have a funeral service or celebration of life with cremation?
- How much does a funeral cost with cremation?
- Can you have a memorial service without remains present?
Why have a funeral service with cremation?
There’s a misconception that cremation is chosen only when the family does not want to have a funeral or memorial service for a loved one, but that's not usually the case. Families who chose cremation do so for a variety of reasons. Cremation is perceived as simpler and more affordable. Some families choose cremation for environmental reasons or to ensure their remains can fit in available cemetery space. Another reason to choose cremation over burial: flexibility in timing the funeral or memorial.
Cremation funerals serve the same purpose as traditional funerals. Throughout history, funerals have been important rites for all cultures. There's evidence that even Neanderthals used flowers and antlers to decorate the graves of those who died. A funeral brings people together to say goodbye, and that's something people need when grieving. Cremation doesn't change that. In fact, because a cremation funeral can be scheduled at any time, more people are usually able to attend.
This is especially beneficial if there are friends and relatives living in different parts of the country or world. Cremation funerals can be held weeks or months after the actual cremation takes place, allowing people time to take off work, arrange transportation and otherwise plan to be present.
Additionally, cremation funerals can be held in a wide array of places, from modern funeral homes and cemeteries to restaurants, beaches, mountaintops, parks, piers—really any place of significance for the loved one and the family. Many people like the idea of a nontraditional location, and if the family wants the cremated remains (ashes) of the loved one present, that choice is made easier with cremation.
Cremation funerals can be held at places such as the beach
How much does a funeral cost with cremation?
As with the cost of a traditional funeral with burial, or any gathering of people, the cost of a cremation funeral can vary widely depending on personal preferences.
The national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and cremation in 2021 was $6,970. (The national median cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing and burial in 2021 was $7,848, excluding cemetery-related charges.) These costs are expected to rise with inflation.
These prices vary by region. For example, cremation services typically cost more in the Northeast than in other areas of the United States. Your choices, like the size and type of the gathering, food, flowers and merchandise, impact the cost and can range upward of $10,000 for large celebrations to under $1,000 for the most basic options.
Choosing a cremation provider
There is sometimes a perception that cremation is a basic commodity and that choosing a provider doesn't require as much thought as choosing a provider for a traditional burial, but that's not the case. What could be more important than taking a loved one and preparing them for their final disposition?
Mistakes can happen in the cremation process, just as with burial. And unlike burial, errors with cremation are permanent after the process takes place. That's why it's important to choose a provider with a 100% service guarantee that will remember every detail.
To help protect consumers at a vulnerable time, the FTC Funeral Rule specifies that funeral service providers must provide a detailed list of their prices upon request by phone or in person. The Funeral Rule also defines certain services that all providers must include to help families compare providers. Among them:
- funeral planning
- securing permits and copies of a death certificate preparing notices
- sheltering a loved one's remains
- coordinating arrangements with a cemetery or other third parties
Despite these guidelines, understanding cremation funeral pricing can be difficult. Not all funeral providers offer the same services, and it’s sometimes tough to do an apples-to-apples comparison.
A word about low-cost cremation providers
Certain cremation providers advertise low-cost services. Often those providers don’t have brick-and-mortar locations and rely on third parties for use of a crematory. And once that provider passes your loved one to a third party, the provider loses control of the quality of the process and level of care.
When you choose a Dignity Memorial® provider, we manage the process from start to finish and treat every loved one with respect.
Can you have a memorial service without a loved one's ashes present?
At a traditional burial funeral, the body of the deceased loved one is almost always present. Cremation allows you the option of having the body present or not. A funeral service before cremation allows the body of the deceased to be present. After cremation, cremated remains may be present in an urn or other container or the family can choose to display a memory portrait of the loved one instead.
Some families may want a loved one's cremated remains placed in a cemetery as soon as possible. Others might opt to hold a scattering during or after the service. Still others may hold onto the urn or cremated remains indefinitely. Cremation offers this flexibility and, with or without the deceased present, a cremation funeral can be a memorable memorial that deeply reflects the life of the person being honored.
An experienced funeral service professional will design an event that respects your wishes, honors your religious or cultural traditions, and provides a fitting tribute. No matter how you plan to memorialize your loved one, we're here for you. To learn more about a Dignity Memorial cremation, download A Guide for Families Choosing Cremation.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.dignitymemorial.com/cremation/cremation-funeral-costs
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Living Well with Diabetes: How Exercise & Therapy Can Help
Managing diabetes is more than watching your blood sugar. Its about staying active, maintaining your strength, and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.Diabetes affects millions of older adults and can have a significant impact on overall health, mobility, and independence. As we age, managing diabetes becomes especially important because it can increase the risk of falls, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health complications.The good news? With the right support, regular physical activity, and a personalized treatment plan, older adults living with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward better health and a more active lifestyle.Why Is Exercise So Important for Diabetes?When you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which can improve blood sugar control.Regular exercise can also help:Improve muscle strength: Maintain the strength needed for walking, climbing stairs, and completing everyday activities.Improve blood sugar management: Help your body use insulin more effectively.Support heart health: Improve circulation and help manage blood pressure.Improve balance: Reduce the risk of falls and injuries.Maintain independence: Make daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and shopping easier.Increase energy and confidence: Help you feel stronger and more comfortable staying active.Even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference!How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?For many older adults, beginning an exercise program can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with joint pain, weakness, balance problems, or other medical conditions.Thats where FOX Rehabilitation can help.FOX provides personalized physical and occupational therapy designed to help older adults safely improve their mobility, strength, and ability to perform everyday activities.A physical therapist can evaluate your walking, balance, endurance, and muscle strength to develop an exercise program that meets your individual needs.An occupational therapist can help you find safer, easier ways to perform everyday tasks while improving your ability to remain independent at home.Together, these professionals can help address the physical challenges associated with diabetes, including decreased sensation in the feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance.The Benefits Go Beyond Blood SugarResearch has shown that structured exercise programs can help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, preserve muscle mass, and increase overall strength.Regular physical activity may also improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain diabetes-related complications.Most importantly, staying active can help older adults maintain the freedom to do what matters most whether thats spending time with grandchildren, enjoying a walk with friends, gardening, or simply moving safely around their homes.Therapy That Comes to You!One of the greatest benefits of FOX Rehabilitation is that therapy can take place right in the comfort of your own home.FOX provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy through Medicare Part B for eligible individuals.You do not have to be homebound or recently hospitalized to receive services.This means older adults who may benefit from skilled therapy can receive personalized care in their familiar surroundings without having to travel to an outpatient clinic.Take the First Step Toward Better HealthLiving with diabetes doesnt mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With proper management, regular movement, and professional guidance, you can continue building strength, improving mobility, and maintaining your independence.Before beginning a new exercise routine, speak with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have diabetes-related complications or take medications that can cause low blood sugar.Remember: Its never too late to get stronger, move better, and take control of your health!