How to Hold a Cheap Funeral in Sacramento

Many Sacramento families aren’t prepared for the high cost of funeral services, especially if their loved one passes suddenly. Not only are you grieving, but now you’re facing thousands of dollars in unexpected funeral expenses. Keep reading to learn where to find the cheapest funeral services. 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cost of a traditional burial can be significantly higher than cremation. In a recent survey, the NFDA found that the national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was $8,300, while the median cost of a funeral with cremation was $6,280. 

The NFDA says a direct cremation, that is, a cremation without viewing or service or any of the extras that come with traditional cremation services, is even less, at about $2,645 if the family provides a container.

Cremation has seen a rise in popularity that’s partly due to the expense of other options.

H2: Holding a DIY Memorial in Sacramento

If a funeral is most appropriate for your loved one and they belonged to a faith community or a community group, you may be able to save on costs by using their facilities and staff. A good funeral director can suggest the most affordable options for your family. 

However, one way to hold down costs is to throw a do-it-yourself memorial. A memorial is different than a funeral because strictly speaking, a funeral refers to gatherings with the deceased present, either ready for burial in a casket, or cremated and the remains in an urn, or present in a casket but later to be cremated. 

A cremation opens up less expensive options for celebration.

You can choose an affordable location like a city park for a family picnic (find Sacramento City Park permit information here), a favorite restaurant that was meaningful to your loved one and family, or consider renting a community facility like Sacramento’s Hart Senior Center. Food can be as simple as a potluck and as complex as a catered dinner. Even if you choose burial over cremation, you can save money by keeping gatherings small and simple.

Scattering Options for Sacramento Families

Another way to save money on funeral expenses is to consider a small scattering service instead of renting a larger location for a full funeral or memorial. Or, hold a small scattering service for family members and a larger celebration of life at a later time. 

Here are some options in and around the Sacramento area for scattering.

State Parks

You’ll need to apply for a permit to scatter at a California state park and follow rules regarding lakes and rivers, but there are plenty of options in Sacramento and Placer Counties to consider, including park areas near Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake.

National Parks

National Parks, like Yosemite, also require a permit. The Yosemite Chapel keeps a book listing the names of those scattered there.

The San Francisco Bay or Other Waterways

Ashes are often scattered in the San Francisco Bay. Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, they must be scattered 3 miles from shore. California state law says scattering “at sea” (which includes navigable waterways) must take place 500 yards from a shoreline and does not include a bridge or pier, lake, or stream.

Sacramento Old City Cemetery

If you have a family plot at Sacramento’s Old City Cemetery, you can have your ashes buried there for a nominal cost. There is no scattering garden and no new applicants are being accepted, only those with existing links to the grounds.

Private Property

A private setting in a place your loved one had a connection to can be a thoughtful location. Whether in the Sierra Foothills or near the American or Sacramento Rivers, there are many options for a peaceful place in nature. You must get written permission to scatter cremains on private property. 

If you plan on scattering a loved one in California, you’ll need to fill out this permit.

Direct Cremation Is Affordable and Simple

Direct cremation is a cheaper and more straightforward funeral service after a sudden passing. Direct, or simple cremation, includes only the essential services to care for your loved one’s remains. When their death is verified, a direct cremation provider picks up your loved one at their place of passing. After filing the necessary paperwork, a cremation occurs. You receive your loved one’s ashes at your home (or address of your choosing) via USPS Priority Mail Express. 

Tips for Choosing the Cheapest Cremation Service

Not all cremation services are the same. To ensure you receive the lowest price and highest care, choose a provider that offers the following: 

Affordable Starting Cost: You should be able to find prices at or below the national average for direct cremation. If their starting price is high, you will pay much more after adding optional services. However, on the other hand, if their price seems too good to be true, see the tips below.

Transparent Pricing: You should know exactly what your cremation cost includes. Some providers sneak in extra charges or apply service fees that weren’t discussed when you signed. 

Additional costs should apply only if special preparation is needed. 

Around-the-Clock Care Team: Choose a cremation provider with a trained and compassionate care team available 24/7. 

Convenient At-Home Arrangements: You should be able to make funeral arrangements from the comfort and privacy of your home. Look for a direct cremation provider who doesn’t make you drive to a funeral home to make arrangements or pick up your loved one’s ashes. 

Flexible Memorial Services: Instead of paying a lot for a prepackaged memorial service, direct cremation allows you to take your time and plan a meaningful memorial. There is no right or wrong way to honor your loved one, and memorial services are more affordable when you design them yourself. Afterward, you may choose a permanent memorial for your loved one with burial or interment. Some families prefer to scatter the ashes or store them securely in a cremation urn or memorial jewelry. 

Grief Resources and Support: Direct cremation costs less, but you can still choose a provider with a wide range of online resources. You deserve a provider who understands the grieving journey and offers access to helpful information. 

Tulip Cremation offers the most straightforward and transparent direct cremation in Sacramento. Call our care team 24/7 at (844) 942-4909 or arrange online.