What is The Cost Difference Between Burial and Cremation
When it comes to trying to establish average costs of burials or cremations, there are many factors to consider. The type of casket, vault, cemetery plot, grave marker, embalming, and many other factors impact the overall cost. A simple burial may cost significantly less than a cremation with a full service, keepsakes, flowers, etc.
Costs themselves vary by geographical region and funeral home. On average, if you were to compare a simple, no-frills burial with a simple, no-frills cremation, the cremation cost would be a little under half as much.
Understanding Funeral Costs
Some of the considerations which impact the overall cost of funeral arrangements are:
Professional Service Fee
This is your base service fee. It typically covers:
- Transfer of the body to the funeral home
- Arrangement meeting with the director
- Registration of the death with Alberta Vital Statistics
- Application for permission to cremate from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- Funeral Director Statements of Death
- Certificate of Cremation and Burial Permit
Embalming or sanitary care fee
- Optional service, usually recommended if there is a viewing
Cremation Cost
Burial Plot
- Both urns and caskets can be interred if desired. Costs vary greatly between cemeteries
Casket
Urn
Urn or Casket Vaults
- These are required by some cemeteries. Some families prefer them.
Headstones and Monuments
Church or Hall Rental Fees
Clergy Fees
Catering for Luncheon
Merchandise
These are optional selections that families may wish to include:
- Keepsakes and Jewelry
- Memorial Cards
- Guestbook
- Memorial video
- Other Stationery
Obituaries
- Costs vary between publications
Flower Arrangements
There are other options available as well depending on the region and the funeral home. How expensive a funeral is, goes far beyond cremation versus burial, and depends greatly on many choices a family makes.
What is a dignified way to honour your loved one, that is also cost-effective?
Direct cremation is the most cost-effective way to honour your loved one when they pass. It is also what Essential Cremations specializes in. A direct cremation is when the deceased is transferred from the place of death to the funeral home or crematorium for immediate cremation. No service is conducted prior to the cremation (although a brief, family viewing is sometimes held). The cremated remains are returned to the family within a few days in a basic plastic urn, an upgraded traditional urn, or in cremation jewelry. Families can then arrange their own memorial at a later date if they wish.
If cost is an important factor in your funeral planning, we strongly recommend that you consider direct cremation. For those who are eligible, a $2,500 death benefit is available through the Canada Pension Plan or financial assistance through Alberta Human Services.
If you would like more information on our affordable cremation services call: 780-539-2383 or e-mail: info@essentialcremations.com
