How to Arrange a Cremation
- 1). Contact a funeral home and ask for a general price list. This list should contain an itemization of all the services offered by the funeral home and what they cost. Repeat this process with other funeral homes in the area and comparison shop for the best prices.
- 2). Choose an establishment to handle the services you would like. Be sure it will provide for transportation of the body, oversee the cremation, provide death certificates and file any necessary permits with the county.
- 3). Obtain a written disclosure that explains how a cremation is performed.
- 4). Sign a written authorization prior to cremation.
- 5). Decide if you want to be in attendance during the cremation. This is not usually done, but if you feel you would like to be there, obtain permission from the funeral home.
- 6). Select a cremation container. Most state laws say that you do not need a casket for a cremation, but you do need a cremation container, which is much less expensive than a casket. (The least expensive cremation container is a cardboard box that is specially made for cremations.)
- 7). Decide whether to have a casket for viewing prior to cremation. This will raise the cost of the cremation substantially but may be a good idea if you are having a viewing. The casket can be incinerated at the time of cremation.
- 8). Determine how you'd like to dispose of cremated remains: in a mausoleum, buried in a cemetery, retained at a residence, or scattered at sea, on private property or in a scattering garden. Be sure to investigate all additional costs associated with these options; some are more expensive than others.
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