What options are available for affordable funerals?
Several respectful options cost far less than a traditional funeral with burial. Each involves trade-offs worth understanding before you choose.
Key points
- Direct cremation is usually the least expensive option offered by funeral homes.
- Direct (immediate) burial avoids embalming and viewing costs but still involves a casket and cemetery charges.
- A memorial service after direct cremation or burial can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
- Whole-body donation can sometimes cost the family little or nothing, but it must usually be arranged in advance and isn't guaranteed.
Direct cremation
Cremation without embalming, viewing or a funeral beforehand. The provider collects the person, files paperwork, performs the cremation and returns the cremated remains. It is usually the lowest-cost option from a funeral home or cremation provider, and many families hold a memorial gathering afterward on their own schedule.
Trade-offs: no public viewing (ask about a brief private family viewing); some faith traditions prefer burial or a funeral with the body present. See direct vs. traditional cremation.
Direct (immediate) burial
Burial shortly after death without embalming or a viewing. A brief graveside service is often possible. This avoids preparation, viewing and ceremony charges.
Trade-offs: cemetery costs — the plot, opening and closing, often a vault or liner, and a marker — still apply and can be substantial. Using an existing family plot or a VA national cemetery (for eligible veterans and family members) can change the cost significantly.
Memorial service instead of a funeral
A memorial service is held without the body present, often after direct cremation or burial. It can take place at a home, place of worship, park or community space, at any time. Costs are whatever you choose them to be. See memorials and celebrations of life and our memorial service planner.
Green or natural burial
Burial without embalming, in a biodegradable casket or shroud, typically without a concrete vault. Natural burial grounds and some conventional cemeteries offer it.
Trade-offs: availability varies by region, and burial-space prices vary; it is not always cheaper than conventional burial, but it avoids several costly items. The Green Burial Council lists certified providers.
Home funerals
In most states, families can care for their own dead at home for a short time and hold a gathering there before burial or cremation. Some states require a funeral director's involvement for certain steps, such as filing the death certificate or transportation.
Trade-offs: requires time, physical care and knowledge of state rules. Home funeral guides and some funeral homes help families do this.
Whole-body donation
Medical schools and some other programs accept whole-body donations for education and research. Many programs cover transportation and cremation, and return the cremated remains to the family later — sometimes after a year or more.
Trade-offs: programs have acceptance criteria and can decline a donation at the time of death (for example, because of certain medical conditions or if an autopsy is performed), so families need a backup plan. Pre-registration is usually required or strongly recommended. Choose an accredited medical school program or a reputable organization and ask exactly what is covered.
Cremation or funeral societies and nonprofits
Some areas have memorial or funeral societies — consumer groups that negotiate prices with cooperating funeral homes or publish local price surveys. The Funeral Consumers Alliance lists local affiliates.
How to choose
Consider the person's wishes, faith and family expectations, whether you want a place to visit, and the total budget. Then compare prices for the option you've chosen at two or three providers. See how to compare prices and save, use the cost calculator, and if money is very tight, read what to do if you can't afford a funeral.
Sources and references
- Federal Trade Commission: Shopping for Funeral Services
- Green Burial Council (nonprofit): Green Burial Council
- Funeral Consumers Alliance (nonprofit): Funeral Consumers Alliance
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Burials and memorials
Rules, benefit amounts and prices change. Where a source is a government agency, check it directly for current figures. See our sources and fact-checking policy.
This guide is general educational information from Serene Farewells, an independent publisher. It is not legal, medical, financial or tax advice, and Serene Farewells is not a funeral provider. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. Spot an error? Tell us.