

If you opt to hold a viewing and service at a funeral home, you will pay for staffing and some usage fees. These transportation-related services can total around $850. They will also submit all the necessary permits for your service. They’ll often arrange to transport family members from the onsite memorial service to an offsite burial. Keep in mind that the figures below are median costs.įuneral homes oversee the transportation of the body to the mortuary and burial site. The information below can help you get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for more traditional services. The National Funeral Directors Association reports on funeral expenses within the United States. If you’ve never planned a funeral, you might not realize just how much a green burial can save you. Bodies may also be buried nude or wrapped in a burial shroud with no other clothing.

Burial clothingīurial clothing made out of natural fibers will fully biodegrade along with the burial vessel. » MORE: Don't have the privledge of time? Get your affairs in order in minutes. Depending on the fabric you choose, a burial shroud could run between $200 and $1,000. Burial shrouds made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen will biodegrade quickly. Wicker coffins are made from woven natural fibers like bamboo or seagrass and start at around $1,000.Ĭaskets are not strictly necessary for burials, either.
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Caskets made out of softwoods like pine, oak, or maple can start as low as $500. They are biodegradable and usually cost between $50 and $500. Cardboard caskets are the lowest-cost option. But there are some great eco-friendly options which cost a fraction of the price. The caskets you buy at a traditional funeral home can wreak havoc on the environment. Ultimately though, it comes down to the wishes of the deceased, and the available budget. You may also choose to spend money on food and drink or hire a musician to perform. Having a religious leader say a prayer or lead a service comes with the expectation that you pay an honorarium between $150 and $300. This freedom allows the service to be as simple or as extravagant as you want. Green cemeteries typically leave it to the next-of-kin to arrange a service. There is also no need for a vault, which saves almost $1,400. Bodies interred in green cemeteries usually cannot be embalmed, which saves over $700. The plot of land, fees associated with burial, and a simple stone marker are included in this cost.Ī portion of the fees will be allocated to the endowment that supports the conservation land.īurials in a green cemetery also cut costs in other areas. The cost of acquiring a burial plot in one can run from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on location. There are currently over 150 green cemeteries operating in the United States.
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If you’re unsure how to do this, check out our post on how to get a death certificate. Note: you will need a copy of the death certificate to secure a burial permit. In most places, a burial permit costs between $10 and $40. Call your local City Hall or equivalent government office to find out if you need a permit. Some jurisdictions require a burial permit to bury a body, dispose of cremated remains, or to transport a body. » MORE: Honoring your loved one doesn't have to be expensive. Here is where you can expect to allocate funds: Overall, a natural burial typically costs much less than a traditional burial. Green burials may lack some of the elements of a traditional burial, but there are still hidden costs. Breaking Down the Costs of a Natural Burial Let’s break down all aspects of green burials to get a better idea of the true costs. So how much does a natural burial cost? That depends on quite a few different factors. Depending on which kind of green burial you choose, it can cost significantly less than a traditional funeral. The average funeral in the United States costs over $11,000. Many may choose to plan funerals that are a celebration of life rather than a grieving of death.Īnd finally, there’s also the cost factor. More personalized service is part of the appeal of these burials.
