Cremation has become the new norm, chosen by over 50% of families. But it’s not the only personalized and affordable option. As you make final arrangements, understand the full range of possibilities and costs with guidance from cremation services.
Traditional Burial
Many still prefer casket burial for spiritual or cultural reasons, making it a prominent choice. A viewing and service are held before the body is laid to rest in a cemetery plot. With the casket, burial vault, headstone, and service fees, costs often exceed $10,000.
Cremation
With cremation, the body is reduced to bone fragments through high heat. The cremated remains are collected in an urn. A traditional service still occurs before cremation. An urn burial or scattering of ashes follows. Typical cremation services in Hayward costs run from $2,000 to $5,000.
Direct Cremation
This is cremation without a formal viewing or ceremony before the process. After cremains are collected, a memorial service may follow. Direct cremation is an affordable option, starting at under $1,000.
Green Burial
A green burial eschews chemical embalming and metal caskets, which can harm the environment. Instead, biodegradable shrouds or caskets are used for natural underground decomposition. Graves are marked with rocks or trees. Costs are around $3,000–$7,000.
Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting)
This emerging, eco-friendly option gently converts remains into soil. The body is placed in a vessel with wood chips and air to accelerate natural breakdown. The soil can be buried or spread. Costs are estimated at around $5,000–$7,000.
Cryonics
Although not legal everywhere, cryonics freezes the body for future resuscitation if technology advances. Bodies are frozen with antifreeze-like chemicals to prevent ice formation before being cooled to -320 F. Estimated costs exceed $200,000.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
Touted as “flameless cremation,” this process uses heated water and alkali to dissolve tissues over several hours. The remaining bone is dried and crushed. An urn burial or scattering follows. Costs are comparable to cremation.
Body Donation
Donating your body to science is a cost-effective option, starting at under $1,000. Medical schools use body donations for anatomy training and research. Cremation and ash return may follow studies.
Pre-planning with cremation services in Hayward, CA, guides today’s meaningful options beyond standard cremation. Understanding all the choices will lead you to a personalized, healing farewell that fits your final wishes. Contact Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Funeral Center today to learn more.
