When you lose a loved one, one of the last things that you want to think about is the preparation that will be necessary for his or her remains. However, it is best to review the differences between different types of services so that your family can select a process that allows you to grieve in the best manner. In addition, you should consider the financial cost of your selection, since the deceased loved one would probably prefer that you maintain a large amount of insurance money for the living expenses of the beneficiaries. Here are a few differences between embalming and cremation services, which are commonly offered by most funeral homes:
Pricing
Cremation
If you are trying to save as much money as possible, cremation may be a better option due to its lower cost. Cremation involves the subjection of the human remains to temperatures between 1400 F to 1800 F for about two to 2.5 hours, leaving bone fragments behind. The cremated remains of a deceased person usually weigh between three and seven pounds and can easily fit into a decorative urn or box.
The cost of the cremation usually includes the price of the actual cremation process and that of a suitable container. A reasonable price for cremation is generally $700 to $1,200, depending on the region where the cremation is performed.
The cost of an urn may vary based on the material selected. A resin urn may cost between $25 and $160. However, ceramic or metal urns may cost $100 to $250. Wood veneer urns are usually priced between $30 and $140.
Embalming Services
The cost of embalming services usually includes cosmetic services to prepare the face, hair and clothing of the deceased loved one for viewing and typically ranges from $495 to $1290.
In addition, a casket must be purchased for the embalmed remains, which costs more than $2,000 on average for a plastic, fiberboard, wood or metal product. However, a bronze, mahogany or copper casket can cost over $10,000, and since the remains must be buried, the added expense of a cemetery plot and the grave preparation along with the headstone is also necessary.
Memorial Service Differences
Cremation
Regardless of the preparation type that you select for your deceased loved one, a funeral service can still be performed. However, if cremation is selected, the body of the deceased person will not be available during the services. Instead, you can choose to display life-filled pictures of the deceased person to remind loved ones of the good times experienced when he or she was alive.
Embalming Services
The embalmed remains of a deceased person can be displayed for a final viewing during a funeral. However, this may not be advisable if the person's body was extremely damaged before his or her death. In addition, the viewing of the actual body can incite a strong emotional response from the deceased person's family members. Still, some people cherish a final viewing of their loved one before burial.
If you are making arrangements for the remains of a deceased loved one, consult with a funeral home director, like those at Danks-Hinski Funeral Home, to help you determine the best options for you and your family.
Share25 February 2016
Following the death of my grandfather, I found myself in the awkward position of having to write the obituary. I wanted to capture the spirit of him and list everything he was proud of in his life, including his family and work accomplishments. However, at the same time, I knew that I had a limited amount of space to work with. After spending hours researching obituaries, I finally felt confident in my skills and proceeded to write my grandfather's. In my opinion, it was perfect. Writing an obituary while you are grieving your loss is challenging, but I hope that my website helps you write one for your loved one that helps capture who they were as a person.