What Goes into the Cost of Cremation Services?

One big reason why people are choosing cremation services in Dixon, IL is that they can cost between 20% to 30% less than the average funeral service. When death can be pricey, that’s a lot of savings.  

Cremation services are generally very cost effective, but they can cost more if you choose to spend more on extra goods or services. But what exactly goes into the cost of cremation services? Most basic direct cremation services include at least the cremation itself. There may be additional fees for permits or extra costs depending on the state, so always ask your provider about what is and is not included in the cost.  

People can add on a wide range of additional services to these basic cremation costs including church services, memorial services, urns and more depending on what they need or want. However, it’s safe to assume that cremation service costs include:  

1. Cremation – Generally the cost of the cremation itself includes transferring the body from the place of death to a funeral home or holding place, as well as body identification, legal form processing, transferring the body to the crematory, the cremation and delivery of cremated remains to the designated party.  
2. Crematory Fees – The crematory fees cover the cost of the cremation itself and a temporary container or urn to hold the cremains until their final disposition.  
3. Cremation Container – Cremation containers are combustible containers usually made of materials like wood, cardboard, cloth covered wood fiver, plywood, or other flammable materials.  The body is placed in the cremation container for the cremation process to protect the body during transportation and to maintain the deceased’s dignity. Cremation containers can cost as little or as much as you want, as they range from basic free ones provided by the crematorium to more ornate wooden containers.  
4. Death Certificate – Most funeral homes and crematories include one copy of the death certificate in the cost, but then charge an additional fee per-copy for the death certificate. This fee can be anywhere from $5-$20, so be sure to check with your provider for a specific number. The more copies of the death certificate you want the more expensive it will be.  

Cremations may have additional costs because of how the cremains are handled after the cremation. Disposition methods can range from affordable options like the bereaved picking up the cremains themselves, to more expensive options like mailing the cremains, or traveling to scatter them in a special location. Scattering ceremonies can sometimes costs thousands of dollars depending on the bereaved preferences.  

Always be sure to get a quote from your cremation provider as fees and costs vary from crematory to crematory, as well as from state to state. You don’t want to be caught with a surprise when it comes time to pay.  

For more information on Dixon, IL cremation services please reach out to Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation. You can visit us at 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081 or call (815) 626-1131.