The chances are that if you are searching about cremation costs, it is because you want to find an affordable cremation option.  The DFS Memorials network is an independent network of family-owned funeral homes that offer low cost cremations.  To find your nearest provider visit the DFS Memorials website and locate your nearest city/area.  All member funeral homes that join the network offer a complete (no hidden extras) direct cremation for between the price of $495 and $1,395 (depending on where you live).

To help protect you from overspending on funeral costs – or if you want to make sure your loved ones are not burdened with your funeral debt – write down your preferences ahead of time, starting with whether you prefer to be buried or cremated. It’s also a good idea to list the type of service you prefer (a traditional viewing, a graveside service, or cremation), as well as the place of service (at a church, funeral home, or cemetery).


^{Though many people want their cremated remains (or “ashes”) to be scattered in a personally meaningful place, and some families keep ashes at home, more and more people are finding that a designated place in a cemetery is a lasting alternative to help bring healing and lasting remembrance. Cremation cemetery options include in-ground urn burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation niches, cremation benches and pedestals, columbaria and scattering gardens.}


A big factor in the increasing popularity of cremation is the rising cost of in-ground burial. In addition, many religions and cultures have come to be more accepting of cremation, and society is much less tied to any one place. But, even though it may seem like “everyone” is getting cremated, the choice is not always easy. It is a very personal decision that must be guided by your cultural and religious views as well as your finances.

The body is required to be inside a coffin or a combustible container.[44] This allows the body to be quickly and safely slid into the cremator. It also reduces health risks to the operators. The coffin or container is inserted (charged) into the cremator as quickly as possible to avoid heat loss. Some crematoria allow relatives to view the charging. This is sometimes done for religious reasons, such as in traditional Hindu and Jain funerals,[46] and is also customary in Japan.[15]

After the sudden passing of my wife, Caren, I contacted National Cremation. They met me at the hospital and set up an appointment with Mr. Stephen Barreto. He was very professional, knowledgeable, caring and while treating me with the utmost respect, he very patiently explained all my options. Within a very short period, all the arrangements were made and only five days later I received the urn in preparation for a Memorial Service at their location. Although we had a larger than expected turnout, Mr. Barreto went out of his way to accommodate everyone. His assistance and that of the staff was simply outstanding and very much appreciated. Altogether, Mr. Barreto while very compassionate made the whole experience as painless as possible.

In early 2002, 334 corpses that were supposed to have been cremated in the previous few years at the Tri-State Crematory were found intact and decaying on the crematorium’s grounds in the U.S. state of Georgia, having been dumped there by the crematorium’s proprietor. Many of the corpses were decayed beyond identification. Some families received “ashes” that were made of wood and concrete dust.[127]

If you are looking for an establishment to walk you through the entire process of the loss of a loved one, with the very minimum of stress, call these people.  Stephen and staff are incredible.  The had answers to all of our questions, were extremely respectful, very kind, and took charge on many of the behind the scenes steps.  The professionalism and kindness allowed us to focus on grieving for our mother, and not get caught up in paperwork.

How do you want your body to spend eternity? In space, mingling with the stars? Or perhaps as part of a sparkling diamond on someone’s finger? Or, if you’re looking for something more lively, maybe even nestled among colorful underwater creatures as an artificial coral reef bank? These are just a few of the things people are doing with the cremated remains of their loved ones.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. As if losing someone weren’t difficult enough, grieving family members are often left with the burden of funeral expenses. These expenses require many on-the-spot decisions. The stress of making these decisions can often drive families apart when they need each other the most.

Debra received her degree in Mortuary Science from American Academy McAllister Institute in New York then worked as a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer for many years before relocating to Florida in 2004. After working a few years as a Licensed Embalmer in Orlando, she took some time off to be the primary caregiver for her elderly father. Debra joined the Oviedo team in 2019. She is very happy to be back and proud to be serving our families as they are going through their most difficult times. In her free time she and her longtime partner love traveling and spending time with their family and friends - especially their fur baby, Kyson!

National Cremation Society was recommended to us by friends who had previously secured their services. The local representative, Stephen Barreto was both knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to submit the majority of information over the phone. Stephen had all of our paperwork ready when we arrived at the Oviedo office. He explained everything in detail. The kind staff at National Cremation is the major reason they have so many positive reviews. Thank you, Stephen and everyone at the Oviedo location.

An early Methodist tract titled Immortality and Resurrection noted that “burial is the result of a belief in the resurrection of the body, while cremation anticipates its annihilation.”[98] The Methodist Review noted that “Three thoughts alone would lead us to suppose that the early Christians would have special care for their dead, namely, the essential Jewish origin of the Church; the mode of burial of their founder; and the doctrine of the resurrection of the body, so powerfully urged by the apostles, and so mighty in its influence on the primitive Christians. From these considerations, the Roman custom of cremation would be most repulsive to the Christian mind.”[99]

_{Wood – Possessing beauty, strength and warmth, a wood urn offers a classically elegant means of preserving a lifetime of memories and can be as understated or expressive as the person it honors. Consider a chest made of birch, cherry or red Alderwood. Some wooden chests have beautiful inlaid stone or wood accents to complement the color of the chest.}


One smart way to set aside money for funeral and burial expenses is a final expense insurance policy, sometimes referred to as burial insurance or funeral insurance. The purpose of these policies is to pay a death benefit – often between $10,000 and $25,000 – for the specific purpose of covering the costs associated with end of life expenses. These typically include funeral expenses, but may be used for anything the family needs – travel costs for family members, unpaid bills, or medical expenses.