Cremation Cost Archives - Going Home Cremations

The Differences Between Cremation And Burial – Choosing The Best Option For Your Loved One

01.23.2022

When someone passes away, it might be hard and confusing for the family to decide which preparation to choose between cremation and burial. Recently, cremation has become the most popular choice over burial. However, whether to choose cremation or burial depends on several factors.

The Remains of The Deceased

With traditional burial, the deceased is placed into the ground and rests there. The body remains intact. On the other hand, cremation is the process in which the body is burned into ashes. Both processes can take place immediately after the death and can be held with other funeral services.

In addition, in case of burial, it provides a gravesite for the family to visit. However, most families that live far away can only visit on special occasions. With cremation, the family has several options to choose what to do with the ashes afterward: scattering, keeping the ashes at home, or burying the ashes.

Learn More: What to Do with The Ashes Afterwards.

Cremation Cost vs. Burial Cost

In general, cremation is cheaper, which makes it become the most popular choice these days. The cost of cremation in Florida can be as low as $800 and usually less than $2000, whereas that of a basic burial ranges from a few thousand.

Learn More About Cremation Cost Breakdown: How Much Does Cremation Cost?

Below is the cost breakdown for a basic burial service:

- Fee for basic service – $4000
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home – $300
- Car for the transportation of flowers and other belongings – $130
- Preparation of the body – $200
- Embalming – $700
- Use of the staff and facility for the viewing and funeral – $900
- Hearse – $300
- A memorial print package such as memorial directories, registration book, acknowledgment cards – $150

Those do not include:

Grave plot- $1000
Burial vault – $1300
Opening and closing fee – $1200
Casket (metal) – $1000 – $15000
Headstone – $1500

Environmental Impact

There has been continuing debate over this topic. Basically, either option leaves behind some consequences because they both release pollutants during processing. However, we are looking forward to some technological advances that make both funeral methods environment-friendly at an affordable price.

Conclusion: Choosing From Cremation and Burial

In addition to the three basic factors above, there are more that people need to consider when making decisions. In most cases, which to choose significantly depends on the family’s financial status, the deceased’s will, and sometimes, religions and beliefs.

In Florida and across the U.S, there has been a substantial increase in cremation because of the cost and its convenience.

If you have difficulty choosing between options or need consultation, Going Home Cremations, with 20 years of experience in cremation and funeral services, is willing to help. We work and give you advice in your best interest.

For further information, please visit Our Affordable Cremation Page or Call Us For A Free Consultation!

What Is The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated?

12.21.2021

If you want to save, direct cremation is a good option. Direct cremation is the cheapest way to be cremated. On average, people generally pay $1,500 for Florida’s direct cremation and about $1,000 at Going Home Cremations.

What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is cremation without ceremony and funeral services. After passing away, the body is taken directly to a crematory for the cremation process – there are no attendees, embalming, viewing, or visitation.

This can save families thousands of dollars as well as make the cremation process faster for families in case they need death certificates for estate matters.

Advantages Of Direct Cremation

Direct cremation offers a few advantages.

Firstly, it’s the cheapest alternative to traditional cremation and burial. The cost is cut down because it does not include a memorial service.

Secondly, direct cremation process is very fast, with the actual cremation only taking between one to three hours and the whole process can be done days earlier than other options.

Another advantage is that, once the cremation is completed, the family can still have their own service. However, it saves a considerable amount of time and money.

Direct Cremation – The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated

Regarding regular cremation, the body is transported from the hospital or hospice to a funeral home. The funeral home then performs normal funeral body preparations like embalming, dressing, and body preparations for cremation viewings. This can cost upwards of $7000.

The cost of cremation is higher due to the following payments:

Expensive Casket (The family can choose a simple and plain casket, which is more affordable.)
Embalming
Funeral Home Charges
Cosmetic and Dressing
Funeral Chapel or Church

Also, the environmental concerns of embalming have also made cremation and traditional burial less popular.

Direct Cremation Cremation Services In Florida

Direct cremation has become more and more popular now in Florida. The average cost of Florida direct cremation falls at $1500. Here at Going Home Cremations, we offer at the price of about $1000 for a Florida simple cremation.

For further information, please visit Our Affordable Cremation Page or Call Us!

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Florida?

12.17.2021

The average cost of cremation in Florida ranges from $700 to $3000. The cremation cost can be as low as a few hundred dollars or can reach thousands of dollars depending on the type of cremation, cremation service provider, and add-on cremation services you would like to have.

Cremations that fall below the $700 price, in general, have a lot of additional fees, so in truth, their direct cremation (the cheapest cremation) prices when everything is said and done are closer to $1200.

Cremation Cost Breakdown

Cremation Cost: The cost to have your loved one cremated, which is the biggest cost.

Transportation: The cost to have your loved one picked up and brought to the crematory.

Refrigeration: In the state of Florida, there is a mandatory 48 hour waiting period before your loved one can be cremated.

Casket

Death Certificates: set by each county in Florida

Paperwork fees

Obituary: Obituaries can be a surprisingly expensive cremation add-on, which may cost close to $1000. However, at Going Home Cremations, we include a premium obituary for free.

Urn: The price may vary and it can be very expensive.

Here At Going Home Cremations, We Include An Urn For FREE In The Cost Of Our Cremation.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated?

If you want to save, direct cremation is a good option.

With direct cremation, there is no ceremony – the body is taken from where the person died, directly to the crematory, and not prepared for viewing. This can save families thousands of dollars as well as make the cremation process faster for families in case they need death certificates for estate matters.

Cremation is becoming more and more popular compared to traditional burials.

Is it cheaper to get cremated than buried? A typical cremation costs about 25 percent of a traditional burial. This might be another reason that explains the rise in cremation’s popularity.

More Americans are choosing cremation over traditional burials. A survey was conducted by insurance firm Choice Mutual, studying 1,500 people in the U.S. on their burial preferences and practices. Results show that 44% of Americans plan on being cremated, increasing from the 1960s, while traditional burials were the second most popular choice, with 35% of Americans preferring this method.

How People Plan on Being Buried 2020 vs. 2021 — Source: Choice Mutual

Since 2015, cremation has become the top choice for families when it comes to cremations vs burials. It’s predicted that within 20 years over 80% of people will choose cremation as their final wish once they pass away. In Florida, it seems like cremation is getting close to the 80% already, due to the lower costs compared to normal funerals and the ease of arranging direct cremations in Florida. Especially areas where “snow bids” tend to migrate like St. Petersburg, Tampa and Fort Meyers, Florida. One of the biggest issues for Florida families is figuring out what’s an appropriate price to pay for cremation in Florida.

At Going Home Cremations, we offer direct cremations in St. Petersburg, Fort Meyers, Trinity, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Port Charlotte, Florida. But most importantly, we want all families searching for Florida direct cremations to understand the average cost of a cremation in Florida so they can make the best choice for their families.

For more information, Please Check Here!

Can You Have a Cremation Without a Service in Florida?

10.02.2021

At Going Home Cremations there are common questions we get from families when they are arranging a cremation. One of the most common ones is if they have to “have a cremation without a service” or “a cremation without a funeral” or a “cremation without a ceremony”. We wanted to answer this common cremation question for families when unfortunately, the time comes and they need to finalize cremation arrangements for their loved one.

The answer: No, you do not have to have a service when you cremate your loved one.

In Florida, you can have a cremation without any type of service or ceremony. This type of cremation is called a direct cremation, and is different than they type of cremations you get at a funeral home.

Direct cremations are cremations where your loved one will be cremated in Florida and there will be no viewing or service associated with the cremation. This type of cremation, a direct cremation, is being coming more popular for families in Florida. The popularity is for a few reasons, but the main reason is that direct cremations are much lower in price compared to a cremation with a formalized funeral service. For example, a cremation with a service can easily be $4,000-$5,000 whereas a direct cremation will be closer to $1500-$2000. The cost difference is due to not having a service and also you do not need to embalm your loved one if there is no service or viewing.

Another benefit of direct cremations are they tend to occur faster than normal cremations with a service. You do not need to wait to have your loved one embalmed or wait for the service. Furthermore, your loved one can go direct to being cremated, which will help you receive your loved ones ashes in a much more timely manner.

Especially during the time of COVID, it can be even more difficult than normal to have a formalized viewing or service when arranging a cremation. The issue with social distancing is another reason why direct cremation is becoming so popular in Florida. Furthermore, as a family you can have a direct cremation of your loved one and then hold a service yourself once COVID is no longer a major concern or even hold a virtual service. Both of these options, where as a family, you do the service without funeral professionals, you can save considerable money and ensure your close friends and families safety.

If you arrange a cremation at a funeral home, they tend to be very pushy about services. So please be aware, in Florida, you do not need to have a service or a funeral for a loved one if you do not want to. If a funeral home is pushing you to have a service, we would suggest to possibly seek another facility to help you have a direct cremation of your loved one.

At Going Home Cremations, we offer direct cremations in South West Florida.

The Difference Between a Cheap Cremation And An Affordable Cremation In Florida

09.26.2021

Arranging a cremation for your passed loved one can be daunting, especially trying to disseminate why the prices of a cremation can vary widely. Today, we will explain why cheapest is not always the best when it comes to arranging a cremation after your loved one has passed. Even when it comes to the funeral industry, there’s an old saying, you get what you pay for. This is true in all aspects of life and it can be especially important to understand when arranging a cremation for your loved one.

There are cremation service companies in the Florida that advertise cheap cremations that out the door are $495. However, if you start asking questions to these cremation companies you find out some facts you really need to think on before sending your loved one there. When you start to investigate, these are companies that are cremating your love ones in storage facilities in storage units.

Before the cremation, they are refrigerating your loved one and keeping the bodies in a 12 x 24 storage unit in a refrigeration box. If you take a look at their website or their marketing materials, you will not easily be able to find out those details. This is where it is VERY important when you are trying to find where to arrange your loved one’s cremation, you ask questions and look at their reviews. If you have been speaking to a facility that does cremate your loved one in a storage facility you need to ask yourself is this what you want for your loved one?

On the other side, some cremations are done at your local Florida funeral home. Those cremations usually tend to run $3000 to $4000. However, you will be comforted knowing that your loved one will be cremated at a funeral home and not a storage unit. But in that comfort, you will be paying huge markups for the cremation and funeral homes have a tendency to upsell products pretty aggressively.

You might be thinking then what is the solution to arranging a cremation for my loved one where I know they are cremated respectfully but you won’t be dealing with significant markups? This is where direct cremation facilities come into play. Now the tricky part, is you still need to verify with every facility where their cremations occur. But a great way to tell, is generally a more respectful cremation facility will have their cremation costs be between $1000- $2000. These direct cremation facilities are usually companies that are working out of a nicer facility as well. They have numerous staff members, and positive reviews on line. These type of cremation facilities can do an Honorable and dignified cremation for your family.

At Going Home Cremations our cremation prices are lower than about 80% of the funeral homes and cremation providers out there. We have all five-star reviews and a very good, long-standing reputation. We go above and beyond to help your family through this very difficult time. We are an alternative to high priced cremations through funeral homes and very cheap cremations through a storage unit in Florida. Feel free to call Going Home Cremations so we can answer any questions for you.

Different Types Of Urns And Cremation Jewelry

08.12.2021

At Going Home Cremation we have many different types of cremation urns.

Families seek out ways to remember their loved ones after our cremation has been done. Using a unique urn after a cremation is a way to capture aspects of your loved one’s personality for years to come. There are many different options when it comes to urns after cremation and below, we explain some of the options.

Going Home Cremation Has Cremation Urns and Cremation Jewelry.

Choosing a cremation urn is not something you do every day. There are many choices available. It can be difficult knowing where to start. Going home cremation has a complete catalog of cremation urns and jewelry. You also can call us so we can guide you through helping you find an urn of your choice.

Most cremation urns are a box shape or a vase type of container that is specially crafted to hold ashes. Cremation urns are made from a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, and marble. They can range from very basic to very decorative and ornate. The more ornate urns are meant to be a work of art and displayed in the home.

There are many different styles and types of cremation urns.

There are single large urns and smaller urns where you can divide the ashes. At Going home cremation we have both.

The large individual urns usually hold 200 to 300 Cubic inches. Basically, I like to describe the average size of ashes similar to a 5-pound bag of sugar. A full-size urn is usually 9- 12 inches tall and usually about 6 to 8 inches wide.This type of cremation urn is enough for one person.

There is also a companion urn that is made to hold two family members. The ashes can either be separate or commingled. These urns are much larger. Usually about 12 inches tall and about 12 inches wide. These are the types of urns to use if you had parents that wanted to stay together or something along those lines. However, when it comes to these urns, you need to be ensured if they are separate or commingled in case you ever wanted to separate the ashes at a later date.

Going Home Cremation also has a wide variety of scattering urns. Scattering urns are very popular in Florida for a cremation. These type of urns allow you to cremate your family member in Florida and either spread or place your loved one in the ocean. However, make sure to always follow local and state laws when it comes to scattering cremated remains. These are urns that are biodegradable so the ashes can be scattered from the urn directly or you can put the urn in the water and it will biodegrade.

Keepsake cremation urns are meant to keep only some of the ashes and give the family members. Keepsake urns are meant to hold a tiny bit of ashes up to about a cup of ashes. There are cremation keepsake necklaces and jewelry.

At Going Home Cremation we have very unique cremation keepsake urns where we can mix ashes in with glass and have it made into different shapes. The wide variety of materials that keepsake urns come in are crafted from versatile options for different family members.

Going Home Cremation also has the ability to personalize some of our urns. The wood urns can have engravings on them, the metal earns can usually have engravings and or photos.

Feel free to call us at Going Home Cremations if you need any help in selecting a cremation urn. We are located in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and Saint Petersburg.

We are here for you.

Finding an Affordable Cremation Service Near You In Florida

04.09.2021

When a loved one passes away in Florida one of the first things you will do is look into arranging an affordable cremation in your area of Florida. But this can be a daunting task, you don’t know what an average price of cremation in Florida is and you aren’t sure which cremation service facility you should choose. At Going Home Cremation, we wanted to write a how to guide on how to find an affordable cremation service near you.

The first thing you need to decide is if you are going to want a viewing or not with the cremation you are arranging. A viewing can add thousands of dollars to your price and make the affordable cremation much less affordable. If you choose to arrange a cremation without service, then you are looking at a direct cremation. A direct cremation is a cremation where there is no viewing of the body and the body goes directly to the Florida crematory. The average price for cremation with viewing in Florida is close to $3500, whereas a Florida direct cremation the price can range from $1200- $2000. There is a significant difference between the two prices, saving you a lot of money. If you do choose a Florida direct cremation, the first thing you need to do is look up local direct cremation facilities near you. For example, if you live in Sarasota you would look up “affordable direct cremation services in Sarasota” or “affordable direct cremation near me.”

Once you have performed your initial search of affordable cremation facilities in your local Florida area, you should pick two to three to call. However, we have some tips on figuring out which Florida cremation service facilities near you that you should call.

Look up their Google reviews. We advise making sure any facility you choose or even call, should have close to all 5-star Google reviews.
Look for their General Price list on their website. Their general price list will show you the range of prices you could pay in arranging a cremation service near you. There are additional fees like the Medical Examiner fees and death certificate fees that you need to be aware of.
Get a feel for their website. As the world is evolving, it is important that business’ keep up. You want to pick a Florida cremation facility that has an updated website that is easy to navigate. If you think you want to have an obituary for your loved one, check that their website has an obituary option. Also, if you plan on celebrating the life of your loved one of social media, make sure they have a Facebook presence where you can share your loved one’s obituary.

Now that you have your list of facilities to speak to about arranging a cremation service near you, we suggest asking some specific questions to each facility.

Ask them for the total price of their affordable direct cremation and what it includes. For example, is an urn included in their price? Or is an obituary? At Going Home Cremations, we include both an urn and an obituary at no additional cost. Make sure to ask the facility to itemize every fee and for them to let you know exactly what each fee entails.
Ask them how long it will take for them to pick up your loved one and how long their average cremation takes. Some facilities take much longer than others.
Get a feel for who you are speaking to when arranging an affordable cremation near you. Do they seem emphatic or do they seem like they want to get off the phone? Make sure to pick a facility that emphasizes you and that you can tell they’d go above a beyond for you if needed.

The final step is choosing the cremation service facility that is near you is finding a facility that is a combination of an affordable cremation price and great customer service. At Going Home Cremation, we pride ourselves on providing affordable cremation services where we lead with our emphatic service.

Options to Pay for A Cremation in Florida

03.13.2021

Cremations in Florida can vary in price greatly and be a very expensive purchase for the family. However, there are options for families that have to pay for a direct cremation and cannot afford to pay the whole price all at once. At Going Home Cremations, we want to make sure our families can afford their cremations so we have created this article to help guide families that are arranging a cremation in Florida.

Choose a direct cremation

If you choose a direct cremation over a normal cremation with a viewing or a funeral, you will save thousands of dollars. The average direct cremation price in Florida is around $2,000 whereas a funeral in Florida can be over $15,000. With this smaller price point, we have seen many families can then afford to cremate their loved one without as significant of financial concerns when they choose a direct cremation in Florida.

Life Insurance Policy

If your loved one had a life insurance policy, then there is a good chance the simple cremation cost can be covered by the life insurance policy in Florida. The exacts depend on the life insurance policy and who the beneficiary is for the policy. In general, these policies can take 30 to 60 days to be paid out in Florida, so most families will need to arrange an intermediate payment plan. However, some direct cremation facilities will help you process the life insurance policy and then you do not have to defer the payment.

Payment Plans

Many direct cremation facilities include Going Home Cremations work with families for payment plans by referring them to companies that can help with payment plans. In general, the families will apply for a payment plan so they can make smaller payments for their direct cremation in Florida.

Burial Insurance

Families can purchase burial insurance and so when the time arrives that a family member passes, the insurance will cover the cremation costs. It is important that the beneficiary of the policy be involved in arranging the cremation in Florida.

Crowd Funding

We have seen an uptick in families using crowd funding to help cover cremation and burial costs. Websites like GoFundMe can help families cover some or all of the cremation costs.

Veteran Benefits

If your loved one was a veteran, when they pass, you should reach out to the VA to see if they can help covering the cremation costs.

Employer Programs

Some employers offer their employees assistance in paying for a cremation or burial when an employee or their direct family member passes.

Body Donation

You can donate your loved one’s body to science which will eliminate all costs associated with their death. However, you have no control of the body at that point.

At Going Home Cremations, we will try and help our families figure out how to pay for their loved one’s direct cremation in Florida.

Scattering Ashes and Average Cremations Cost in Florida

09.28.2020

In St. Petersburg, , there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Cremation renders ashes harmless, so there is no public health risk involved in scattering ashes.

Ashes are called Cremains. Cremains are considered final disposition, so no laws or rules can hinder you from doing as you please with the ashes. You must be careful about scattering cremains on private property.

The average cost of cremation in the state of Florida is between $2,500 to $3,500. This is lower than a casket burial but can result in financial hardship for some individuals and their families. These prices are the average cost when dealing with a large funeral home. If you deal with the cremation establishments direct you can save thousands.

Our average cost for cremation is $695.00 to $1,500. We help families with the final costs of cremation by offering lower than average costs in St Petersburg, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Bradenton, Naples, Ft Myers and all of Southwest Florida. The reason our cost are so much less, is that we do not have large funeral home buildings, hearses, or funeral director staffing.

You can deal direct with the cremation facility, and pay much less, without sacrificing service. When dealing direct with the crematory at Going Home Cremations, you will receive personal caring attention at your time of need just as if you were using a funeral home, but without absorbing the cost of their overhead.

Cremation Cost vs. Burial Costs

09.28.2020

Burial Vs Cremation: Cost Comparison

Frequently, people choose cremation because they perceive it to be cheaper than burial.

While this is mostly true, extra options can frequently increase the total cost of cremation to as much and sometimes more than a basic burial.

Below is the approximate costs associated with each one, beginning with the basic costs and then with the added options that may be offered:

Basic Burial Services:

Fee for a basic service – $4000
Transportation of the body to the funeral home – $300
Preparation of the body – $200
Embalming – $700
Car for the transportation of flowers and other belongings – $130
Use of the staff and facility for the viewing and funeral – $900
Hearse – $300
Memorial print package such as memorial directories, registration book, acknowledgement cards – $150

Additional Burial Costs:

Grave plot- $1000
Burial vault – $1300
Opening and closing fee – $1200
Casket (metal) – $1000 – $15000
Headstone – $1500

Direct Cremation:

If the previous costs are unaffordable, there is another cheap cremation option. Here is a breakdown of what is included:

The body is cremated immediately after death. You will engage the services of a crematory, bypassing the expense of a funeral home.
The body can be cremated in a simple cardboard container.
No memorial service is held.
No embalming or other preparations of the body are necessary because there is no service, viewing, or wake.

Dealing directly with a Crematorium

In most areas, you can transport the body to the crematorium and take care of the paperwork such as the death certificate and transit permits yourself.

In some states you will have to hire a funeral director for these services. Therefore, you should look into your state’s requirements in advance.

The Cost of Direct Cremation

It can be as low as $700 and usually no higher than around $2000, depending on what is mandatory in your state and also with who you deal with.

Additional Cremation Costs:

Urn – $250
paperwork – $300

If you must use the services of a funeral director, some charge much more than others for the same service or will attempt to sell you unnecessary options.

Therefore, be sure to look around and make comparisons. For those interested, our Cremation Price Guide compares the costs from 40 different states.

Advantages of Burial:

Provides a gravesite for family and friends to visit
Considered a more natural method by some
Required by some religions
The body can be exhumed if necessary
May give loved ones more closure

Disadvantages of Burial:

Normally much more expensive than cremating
Difficult for loved ones who live away to visit

Cemeteries can have restrictions on leaving flowers, taking pictures, or visiting hours

Category: Cremation Cost

The Differences Between Cremation And Burial – Choosing The Best Option For Your Loved One

The Remains of The Deceased

Cremation Cost vs. Burial Cost

Environmental Impact

Conclusion: Choosing From Cremation and Burial

What Is The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated?

What is Direct Cremation?

Advantages Of Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation – The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated

Direct Cremation Cremation Services In Florida

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Florida?

Cremation Cost Breakdown

What Is The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated?

Cremation is becoming more and more popular compared to traditional burials.

Can You Have a Cremation Without a Service in Florida?

The Difference Between a Cheap Cremation And An Affordable Cremation In Florida

Different Types Of Urns And Cremation Jewelry

Finding an Affordable Cremation Service Near You In Florida

Options to Pay for A Cremation in Florida

Scattering Ashes and Average Cremations Cost in Florida

Cremation Cost vs. Burial Costs

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