University of Illinois Extension Article
Burial Choices – The Options, Costs and Decisions You Need To Make

[October 10, 2018]  Many of us will have to plan, organize, and pay for a loved one’s funeral sometime in our life. This can be a difficult time to have to make major decisions and to try and understand all the options. This article will review some of the burial choices available today.

Traditional Burial with casket and vault -- According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median traditional funeral cost is $7,181 in 2017; this includes a viewing and burial, embalming, hearse, transfer of remains, service fee and more. Most financial educators would suggest that you round this number up to $10,000 (or even slightly more) depending on where you live. This traditional burial does not include the cost of floral arrangements, cost of the burial plot (and other fees), or possible luncheon. The National Funeral Directors Association projects that by 2030, traditional burials will only represent 23.2 percent of total burials.

Traditional Cremation ¬– According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cremation funeral with a viewing is $6,260, including the casket and urn for the remains. Most individuals who are cremated forgo a service. If you're wanting a cremation without a service, I've seen the cost be as low as $1,000 up to $3,000, depending on where you live.

Water Cremation – Illinois is one of the few states that allows water cremation to be prepared for human remains; it sometimes is also called alkaline hydrolysis. Instead of being put inside of a kiln, the body is heated through a mixture of water and lye. The cost of water cremation isn't clear, as many states do not have it available but a good bet would be to be around the same cost of a cremation without a viewing, between $1,000 - $3,000.

Green Burial ¬– Another option available is a green burial, also is known as natural burial. This one is the most eco-friendly and considered cheaper than traditional burials. One big note here: you must find a cemetery that allows for natural burial. Currently there are very few options in Illinois for natural burials. The remains are buried either in a cotton shroud or willow casket, then buried directly into the ground. This allows the remains to decompose naturally. The cost can range from as little as $500 to upwards of $10,000 or more depending on the land you bury the remains.

Whatever you decide as your burial plan, please let your loved ones know what your wishes are. Write them down and make them clear. Estate planning is difficult, but not letting your family know your desires now can leave them with greater emotional and financial distress later. Plan in advance and take that burden off your loved ones.
 

[News Source: Sasha Grabenstetter, Extension Educator, Consumer Economics
Terri Miller
University of Illinois
County Extension Unit #16 Director]