Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota has conducted a Price Survey for Direct Cremation in the Twin Cities metro area, and we've put together FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to help you learn about the variety of options and choices available to you when you choose Direct Cremation.
(Scroll to bottom of page to view or download the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey.)
Over 60% of Minnesotans now chose Cremation as the way to prepare their body for its final resting place. Cremation is changing the way we think about our final exits.
Many of the calls and email inquiries to Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota are about some aspect of Cremation. We hope the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey and FAQs will guide you as you consider whether to choose Cremation for your final disposition. We also hope that if you haven’t already made your final plans – your after-death arrangements – that you’ll be inspired to make a plan, talk to loved ones about it, write it down, and…rest in peace. Learn more about Planning HERE.
(Scroll to bottom of page to view or download the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey.)
Over 60% of Minnesotans now chose Cremation as the way to prepare their body for its final resting place. Cremation is changing the way we think about our final exits.
Many of the calls and email inquiries to Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota are about some aspect of Cremation. We hope the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey and FAQs will guide you as you consider whether to choose Cremation for your final disposition. We also hope that if you haven’t already made your final plans – your after-death arrangements – that you’ll be inspired to make a plan, talk to loved ones about it, write it down, and…rest in peace. Learn more about Planning HERE.
FAQs
What Is Direct Cremation?
The term “Direct Cremation” is best understood as meaning the minimal use of a funeral home and funeral home personnel to carry out the cremation of a dead human body. Some funeral firms use the term “Immediate Cremation” or “Basic Cremation.”
Direct does NOT mean you cannot have a gathering, worship service, celebration of life or other commemoration of the one who has died – with or without the cremated remains present. It means only that you’re not hiring the funeral firm to provide those services.
When you choose direct cremation, the body is taken directly from the place of death to the crematory. Normally, the body stops at the funeral home or crematory (some funeral homes have their own on-site crematory) where it is sheltered (refrigerated) long enough to secure the death certificate and cremation permit – and for the family to sign the cremation authorization form.
The term “Direct Cremation” is best understood as meaning the minimal use of a funeral home and funeral home personnel to carry out the cremation of a dead human body. Some funeral firms use the term “Immediate Cremation” or “Basic Cremation.”
Direct does NOT mean you cannot have a gathering, worship service, celebration of life or other commemoration of the one who has died – with or without the cremated remains present. It means only that you’re not hiring the funeral firm to provide those services.
When you choose direct cremation, the body is taken directly from the place of death to the crematory. Normally, the body stops at the funeral home or crematory (some funeral homes have their own on-site crematory) where it is sheltered (refrigerated) long enough to secure the death certificate and cremation permit – and for the family to sign the cremation authorization form.
On the RIGHT is a list of what is included in the price of a Direct Cremation.
Some funeral homes charge additional fees for such services as removal of the body after hours or on weekends. Before the body is taken directly from the place of death to the crematory, you have another option: You may choose to keep vigil with the body after death before calling the funeral firm. Learn more about caring for our dead at home HERE. |
▪ Basic Services of Funeral Director ▪ Transfer of Deceased from Place of Death to Funeral Home ▪ Filing Necessary Paperwork ▪ Filing Necessary Paperwork ▪ Care/Shelter of Remains Until Cremation ▪ Crematory Fee ▪ Alternative Containers for Cremation Process & Cremated Remains |
What Does Direct Cremation Cost?
In the Twin Cities Metro area, the price of Direct Cremation – for exactly the same set of services – ranges from $750 to $4,200.
You can find the 10 lowest-priced Direct Cremations on our 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey chart at the bottom of this page.
Why do prices vary so widely for the same set of services?
One reason Direct Cremation pricing varies is simply because it costs some funeral firms more to operate. If a funeral firm has a large facility, a fleet of cars, and a large staff, their overhead expenses are higher. The price is usually higher if a funeral firm is owned by a publicly traded corporation. Less overhead and non-corporate usually means less cost to the consumer.
None of the top advertisers of cremation services in the Twin Cities Metro area are among the 10 lowest priced. “Minnesota’s largest provider of cremation services” and “America’s trusted cremation provider” offer exactly the same set of services for a Direct Cremation as the 10 providers on our Price Survey. One difference: they spend more on advertising. So will you, if you choose them.
All of the funeral firms on our 10-lowest-price 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey are, as required by law, licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section.
Why don’t all funeral homes post their prices on their websites?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) strongly recommends that consumers “shop around” before choosing a funeral or cremation provider. Unfortunately, most funeral firms don’t post their prices online. Thus, families have to visit a funeral home or call to obtain prices. (Funeral firms are required to give you a copy of their price list when you ask for one in person, or when you call and ask for prices.) The standard funeral firm General Price List (GPL) can be initially overwhelming, which is one reason it can be helpful to view the GPL in the comfort and privacy of one’s home.
Learn more about the funeral home General Price List (GPL) HERE.
In the Twin Cities Metro area, the price of Direct Cremation – for exactly the same set of services – ranges from $750 to $4,200.
You can find the 10 lowest-priced Direct Cremations on our 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey chart at the bottom of this page.
Why do prices vary so widely for the same set of services?
One reason Direct Cremation pricing varies is simply because it costs some funeral firms more to operate. If a funeral firm has a large facility, a fleet of cars, and a large staff, their overhead expenses are higher. The price is usually higher if a funeral firm is owned by a publicly traded corporation. Less overhead and non-corporate usually means less cost to the consumer.
None of the top advertisers of cremation services in the Twin Cities Metro area are among the 10 lowest priced. “Minnesota’s largest provider of cremation services” and “America’s trusted cremation provider” offer exactly the same set of services for a Direct Cremation as the 10 providers on our Price Survey. One difference: they spend more on advertising. So will you, if you choose them.
All of the funeral firms on our 10-lowest-price 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey are, as required by law, licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section.
Why don’t all funeral homes post their prices on their websites?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) strongly recommends that consumers “shop around” before choosing a funeral or cremation provider. Unfortunately, most funeral firms don’t post their prices online. Thus, families have to visit a funeral home or call to obtain prices. (Funeral firms are required to give you a copy of their price list when you ask for one in person, or when you call and ask for prices.) The standard funeral firm General Price List (GPL) can be initially overwhelming, which is one reason it can be helpful to view the GPL in the comfort and privacy of one’s home.
Learn more about the funeral home General Price List (GPL) HERE.
What is an alternative cremation container?
Minnesota law requires that a body be placed in a covered, rigid container for the cremation process. “Alternative” is funeral firm lingo for: “other than a combustible (wood) casket which you can purchase from us for several hundred dollars, or buy from another vendor.”) An alternative cremation container is usually made of corrugated cardboard. |
What is an alternative cremated remains container?
“Alternative” is funeral firm lingo for: “other than a cremated remains container (urn) that you buy from us or purchase elsewhere.” It's sometimes referred to as a temporary cremated remains container. The alternative container included in the price of a Direct Cremation is made of plastic or cardboard. Cremation urns are available in various materials, styles, and prices, and can be purchased from funeral homes, online retailers, and other places. Though you may purchase an urn before the cremation (so that the cremated remains are returned to you in the urn you’ve purchased), you may also take your time in purchasing an urn, since the crematory will provide an alternative container for you. |
What is a Private Family Viewing?
Family members who were unable to be present for the last days/hours of life – or for the actual death – of a loved one may wish to arrange for a private family viewing of the body before cremation, usually at the funeral home. Often, there is an additional charge for this.
What is a Witness Cremation?
Families can request to be present for and witness the cremation. What is viewed is the cremation container being placed inside the crematory chamber (called a retort), the door closed, and the process started. The cremation inside is not viewed. Often, there is an additional charge for this.
The crematory will have a space for families to gather and witness the cremation, usually a room with a window to view the process.
Some funeral firms liken the witnessing of a cremation to being present at the graveside for burial. However, unlike burial, cremation is not the final destination.
When choosing Cremation, remember: the amount you spend is not equal to the amount you love.
Go to our Cremation page to learn about:
Family members who were unable to be present for the last days/hours of life – or for the actual death – of a loved one may wish to arrange for a private family viewing of the body before cremation, usually at the funeral home. Often, there is an additional charge for this.
What is a Witness Cremation?
Families can request to be present for and witness the cremation. What is viewed is the cremation container being placed inside the crematory chamber (called a retort), the door closed, and the process started. The cremation inside is not viewed. Often, there is an additional charge for this.
The crematory will have a space for families to gather and witness the cremation, usually a room with a window to view the process.
Some funeral firms liken the witnessing of a cremation to being present at the graveside for burial. However, unlike burial, cremation is not the final destination.
When choosing Cremation, remember: the amount you spend is not equal to the amount you love.
Go to our Cremation page to learn about:
- The Cremation Process
- Options Before or After Cremation
- Final Disposition of Cremated Remains
- Mailing Cremated Remains
- State-by-State Cremation Statistics
SURVEY METHOD
Prices for the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey chart were obtained over the phone by volunteers of Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota using a uniform script of questions. Calls to funeral firms were made between April 1 and May 1, 2017. Minnesota statutes regulating the funeral industry require funeral firms to give current and accurate price information over the phone. Please note that a funeral firm’s General Price List (GPL) will state that “prices are subject to change without notice.”
Prices for the 2017 Direct Cremation Price Survey chart were obtained over the phone by volunteers of Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota using a uniform script of questions. Calls to funeral firms were made between April 1 and May 1, 2017. Minnesota statutes regulating the funeral industry require funeral firms to give current and accurate price information over the phone. Please note that a funeral firm’s General Price List (GPL) will state that “prices are subject to change without notice.”