When someone we love passes away, it’s a time of sadness, reflection, and in many cases, confusion.
This is especially true when it comes to planning a funeral in Houston, TX.
With different types available, each with its own specific costs and services included, it can seem overwhelming.
This guide aims to provide a clearer understanding of the types of funerals and what they generally include.
The Different Types of Funeral Services and How Much They Cost
Traditional Full-Service Burial ($7,000 – $12,000+)
A traditional full-service burial is what most people picture when they think of a funeral.
There’s a viewing or visitation, which allows friends and family to say their final goodbyes to the deceased.
This is followed by a formal funeral service, either in a church, funeral home, or another location.
Then, a procession (often a motorcade) leads to the cemetery for the burial.
The cost for a traditional full-service burial can range from around $7,000 to over $12,000, based on the specific services selected.
This price typically covers:
- Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home
- Embalming and body preparation for viewing
- Use of facilities for viewing and the funeral service
- A hearse to transport the body to the cemetery
- A burial casket
It’s important to remember that costs such as the burial plot in the cemetery, a gravestone or marker, and flowers are usually separate.
Direct Burial ($1,000 – $4,000+)
Direct burial is a simpler, more streamlined option.
In a direct burial, the body is interred soon after death, skipping the processes of embalming and viewing.
The deceased is simply placed in a modest casket and then buried.
Because of this, the costs are lower than a traditional full-service burial, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
This cost usually covers:
- Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home and then to the cemetery
- A simple casket
While a direct burial doesn’t include a formal funeral service, families often choose to hold a separate memorial service at a later date.
This can be as simple or elaborate as the family wishes.
Cremation with Service ($2,000 – $10,000+)
Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes using high heat.
In a cremation with service, there can be a traditional funeral service, which may take place before or after the cremation.
In some cases, there may be a viewing or visitation before the cremation.
The costs for this type of service can vary widely, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the specific services selected.
Typically, the cost includes:
- Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home
- Use of facilities for viewing and the funeral service
- The process of cremation
- An urn or temporary container to hold the ashes
As with traditional burials, additional costs may include flowers and other memorial items.
If a service is held at a rented venue or place of worship, there may be extra costs associated with that as well.
Direct Cremation ($600 – $3,000+)
Direct cremation is the simplest and most economical cremation option.
The body is cremated shortly after death, with no viewing or visitation beforehand.
The ashes are then returned to the family in an urn or temporary container.
The cost for a direct cremation can range from $600 to $3,000, making it a more affordable choice for many families.
The cost for a direct cremation typically includes:
- Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home and then to the crematory
- The process of cremation
- An urn or temporary container to hold the ashes
Since there’s typically no viewing or service included with a direct cremation, some families choose to hold a memorial service at a later time.
This could be a simple gathering at a family home, a more formal service at a place of worship, or even a ceremony where the ashes are scattered.
Green Burial ($1,000 – $4,000+)
Green burials, or natural burials, aim to have a minimal impact on the environment.
The body is not embalmed with the typical chemicals used in traditional burials. Instead, the body is prepared using natural methods and is placed directly into the earth in a biodegradable shroud or casket.
The costs for a green burial can range from $1,000 to $4,000 but can go higher depending on the specific choices made.
Typically, the cost of a green burial includes:
- Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff
- Transportation of the body to the funeral home and then to the burial site
- A biodegradable casket or shroud
Depending on the green cemetery, additional costs may include a tree to be planted over the grave or a natural stone marker.
Some green cemeteries do not allow traditional headstones.
Home Funerals and Laws Around Them
A home funeral is when the family takes care of the deceased’s body at home and conducts most of the funeral process themselves.
This can include washing and preparing the body, filling out necessary paperwork, and sometimes even the burial.
Home funerals can be a more personal and private way to say goodbye to a loved one, but they also require more effort and responsibility from the family.
In the U.S., home funerals are legal in all states.
However, the specifics about what is and isn’t allowed can vary greatly from state to state.
For example, some states require the involvement of a funeral director for certain parts of the process.
In some states, such as Colorado, Idaho, or Louisiana, families can handle every part of the funeral process without the need for a funeral director.
In other states, like California and New York, a funeral director is required for certain aspects, such as filing the death certificate or transporting the body.
Some states, including Connecticut, Indiana, and Nebraska, require the involvement of a funeral director in all parts of the funeral process.
Understanding Funeral Laws in Texas
In the state of Texas, the law allows for a greater degree of family involvement in the funeral process.
It does not necessarily require the services of a funeral director for every aspect of the process.
Families are permitted to file the death certificate and manage the custody of the body, including transportation.
However, Texas law does mandate that if a body is not buried or cremated within 24 hours, it must be embalmed, refrigerated, or placed in an approved, sealed container.
This can mean that a funeral director or mortuary is involved in at least some parts of the process, since many families do not have the resources to manage these requirements at home.
Furthermore, in the case of cremation, Texas requires the involvement of a licensed funeral director or cremation provider.
This is because crematories in Texas will not accept bodies directly from families.
These regulations provide an important level of safety and professionalism in the handling of the deceased.
Although the law does not always necessitate a funeral director’s services, many families choose to involve them due to their expertise and experience.
Our funeral directors can help navigate the complex paperwork, logistics, and emotional challenges that arise during the funeral process.
In Conclusion
Planning a funeral can be a challenging task, especially during a time of grief.
There are many decisions to make, such as choosing the type of service that best honors the deceased and meets the family’s needs.
Understanding the different types of funeral services, along with their associated costs, can make the process less overwhelming.
The process of saying goodbye to a loved one is a deeply personal journey, and the right choice will depend on many factors.
It’s important to have open conversations with all family members involved and consult with professionals as needed.
Remember, this guide is a starting point.
It’s always a good idea to do further research and ask questions to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision.
Whether it’s a traditional funeral, a direct burial or cremation, a green burial, or a home funeral, the goal is the same: to provide a meaningful and respectful farewell to a loved one.
By understanding these options and their costs, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that feels right for your family.