Funeral Service Packages
Understanding common funeral service packages helps you compare options and make informed decisions. Most funeral homes offer variations of these standard packages.
Remember: All funeral homes must provide itemized General Price Lists (GPL). You can select individual services instead of packages and are never required to purchase unwanted items.
Most Affordable
Direct Cremation Package
Basic cremation without viewing or ceremony
Included Services:
- ✓Transportation from place of death
- ✓Basic services of funeral director
- ✓Filing death certificate
- ✓Cremation permits
- ✓Cremation container
- ✓Cremation process
- ✓Basic temporary urn
- ✓Return of cremated remains
Not Included (Additional Cost):
- •Viewing
- •Embalming
- •Memorial service
- •Premium urn
- •Flowers
Best For: Families seeking lowest cost or planning separate memorial later
Balanced Option
Cremation with Memorial
Cremation plus memorial service
Included Services:
- ✓All direct cremation services
- ✓Memorial service coordination
- ✓Facility rental for service
- ✓Guest book and memorial cards
- ✓Basic floral arrangement
- ✓Audio/visual equipment
- ✓Reception coordination (optional)
Not Included (Additional Cost):
- •Viewing before cremation
- •Embalming
- •Premium urn
- •Catering
Best For: Families wanting a memorial service without traditional viewing
Full Service
Traditional Funeral
Complete service with viewing, ceremony, and burial
Included Services:
- ✓Basic services of funeral director
- ✓Embalming and preparation
- ✓Use of facilities for viewing
- ✓Funeral ceremony coordination
- ✓Transportation (hearse)
- ✓Basic casket
- ✓Burial plot
- ✓Grave opening and closing
- ✓Basic memorial package
Not Included (Additional Cost):
- •Premium casket
- •Headstone/marker
- •Flowers beyond basic
- •Reception/catering
- •Obituary costs
Best For: Families preferring traditional ceremony with viewing
Simple & Traditional
Immediate Burial
Burial without viewing or embalming
Included Services:
- ✓Basic services of funeral director
- ✓Transportation
- ✓Basic casket
- ✓Cemetery plot
- ✓Grave opening and closing
- ✓Death certificate filing
Not Included (Additional Cost):
- •Embalming
- •Viewing
- •Funeral service
- •Premium casket
- •Headstone
- •Reception
Best For: Families wanting burial but minimal service, or certain religious traditions
Eco-Friendly
Green/Natural Burial
Environmentally conscious burial option
Included Services:
- ✓Basic services of funeral director
- ✓Transportation
- ✓Biodegradable casket or shroud
- ✓Natural burial plot
- ✓Grave opening and closing
- ✓Death certificate filing
Not Included (Additional Cost):
- •Embalming (prohibited)
- •Traditional casket
- •Concrete vault
- •Elaborate headstone
Best For: Families seeking environmentally sustainable option
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Direct Cremation | Cremation + Memorial | Traditional | Immediate Burial |
|---|
| Cost Range | $700-1.5K | $2K-4K | $7K-12K | $2.5K-5K |
| Viewing | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Memorial Service | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | Optional |
| Embalming | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Casket Needed | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Timeline | 2-3 days | 1-2 weeks | 3-7 days | 2-3 days |
Tips for Choosing
- •Budget: Determine what you can afford before meeting funeral directors
- •Preferences: Consider deceased wishes and family traditions
- •Timeline: Urgent need vs. pre-planning affects options
- •Attendees: How many people will attend the service
- •Location: Service at funeral home, church, or other venue
- •Flexibility: You can customize any package by adding or removing items
Ready to Explore Options?
Connect with funeral homes to request detailed pricing and customize packages to your needs.