The cost of a funeral that includes both cremation and a memorial service varies widely but generally falls between approximately $4,000 and $9,000 in the United States, depending on the services chosen, location, and specific funeral home pricing. Cremation itself tends to be less expensive than traditional burial, but adding a memorial service can increase the total cost significantly.
To break down the costs:
1. **Basic Cremation Costs**
The cremation process typically costs between $600 and $2,500. This fee covers the actual cremation procedure, which includes the use of the crematory and necessary permits. A simple cremation container, often a cardboard or wood box, is required and can cost between $50 and $300. If a viewing or funeral service is desired before cremation, a rental or cremation casket may be used, costing from $800 to $2,500 depending on quality and location[2][8].
2. **Memorial Service Costs**
A memorial service held after cremation can vary widely in price. Use of facilities for a viewing or visitation typically costs between $300 and $600 per day, while the use of facilities for the funeral ceremony itself can range from $400 to $800. Additional costs may include staff for graveside services ($300 to $500), transportation of remains ($200 to $400), and vehicles such as hearses or limousines ($200 to $500 each)[2].
3. **Basic Service Fees**
Funeral homes charge a basic service fee that covers administrative costs and coordination. This fee averages around $2,495 regardless of whether the disposition is burial or cremation[1][5].
4. **Urns and Memorial Materials**
After cremation, the ashes are typically placed in an urn, which can cost from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on material and design. Basic printed memorial packages, including programs and guest registers, may add around $195 to the total cost[1][2].
5. **Regional Variations**
Costs vary significantly by region. For example, median cremation funeral costs in New England are about $7,023, while in the South Atlantic region they average $6,103. Traditional burial funerals in these regions can cost $8,985 and $8,023 respectively[1].
6. **Additional Considerations**
– Embalming is generally not required for cremation and is often omitted, saving $845 or more.
– Transportation fees, including transfer of remains and use of hearses, add to the total cost.
– Some families opt for direct cremation (no viewing or ceremony before cremation) to reduce costs, with prices as low as $800 to $3,000. A memorial service can then be held later, which may be less expensive than a full funeral service[2][4].
7. **Typical Total Costs**
Combining cremation with a memorial service, the total cost often ranges from about $4,000 to $9,000. For example, a full-service cremation funeral averages around $6,241 nationally, while direct cremation alone averages about $2,198. Adding a memorial service with facility use and staff can bring the total closer to the higher end of this range[1][3][5].
In summary, the cost of a funeral with cremation and a memorial service depends on the level of service, choice of container or urn, facility fees, transportation, and regional pricing. Cremation reduces some costs compared to burial, but memorial services and additional options can add several thousand dollars. Families can manage expenses by selecting direct cremation with a later memorial or by choosing simpler service options.
Sources:
[1] finalexpensebenefits.org
[2] memorialmerits.com
[3] dfsmemorials.com
[4] earthfuneral.com
[5] blog.massmutual.com
[8] smart.dhgate.com
