Type C1—Direct Cremation.

This is the simplest disposition. A memorial service or other ceremony may be arranged separately, if desired. Included in the prices quoted are: Daytime removal from a hospital, convalescent home, or other institution; transport to the crematory; a container for cremation; the cost of cremation; all necessary fees and permits, one copy of the death certificate; and providing the cremated remains in a basic container for pickup by next of kin or other responsible party. They will aid in making claims for Social Security death benefit or veteran services. Shipping or delivering ashes elsewhere will be an extra cost. People ask what they can do with ashes if they don't wish to scatter at sea (Type C2). Legally in California, you may keep them at a place of residence, bury in a consecrated cemetery, scatter in a designated area of a cemetery, place in a niche in a columbarium (a building on cemetery grounds built to inter ashes), or bury or scatter ashes on private land with permission of the owner.

Type C2—Direct Cremation, plus Scattering Ashes at Sea.

This includes the same as Type C1 plus scattering the ashes, often with the ashes of others, by unscheduled plane or boat, 500 yards or more from the California coast. At extra cost, you can schedule the trip for your ashes only, have members of the family accompany the ashes, or combine the scattering of ashes with a memorial service.

Type B1—Direct Burial.

This is the next simplest disposition. A memorial service or other ceremony must be arranged separately, if one is desired. Included in the quoted prices: Daytime removal from a hospital, convalescent home, or other institution; minimum required professional services; the simplest casket; unscheduled transport to a local cemetery for burial; all necessary fees and permits; one copy of the death certificate; aid in making a claim for Social Security death benefit, and/or veteran's burial rights. The price does not include the cost of embalming. It will be necessary to make separate arrangements for a burial plot, for a burial vault or liner, and charges for opening and closing of the grave. A grave marker will be an additional cost.

Type B2—Graveside Service.

A ceremony held at the graveside or at the crematory, in the presence of the body. In addition, a separate memorial service may, of course, be arranged elsewhere at any later date. Included in the quoted price: Daytime removal from hospital, convalescent home, or other institution; the simplest casket; necessary professional services; transport to the cemetery for a scheduled graveside ceremony and burial (or to the crematory for a ceremony there); all necessary fees and permits; one copy of the death certificate; aid in making a claim for Social Security death benefit and/or veteran's burial rights. Please note that the price quoted does not cover any visitation or viewing, use of the mortuary chapel, coach transport, or cortege to the cemetery. Cemetery charges as described in Type B1 are also not included.

Type B3—Body Burial and Funeral Ceremony.

Daytime removal from hospital, convalescent home, or other institution; the most simple casket; embalming, dressing, cosmetic, and related professional services; receipt and handling of flowers at the mortuary chapel; two hours of visitation/viewing at the mortuary; use of the mortuary chapel for a ceremony with ushers; after the ceremony a scheduled transport in a funeral coach to a local cemetery for a graveside committal; a memorial register, memorial folders, acknowledgment cards; all required fees and permits; one copy of the death certificate; counseling; and aid in making a claim for Social Security and/or veterans' death benefits.

There are many variations to the above plan. The FCA recommends that members interested in full funerals obtain the chosen funeral home's General Price List, consider it at home, and discuss it with family and the funeral director. They may also wish to consult with friends with previous experience in such planning. For example, casket prices will range from $300 to $10,000 or more. One can rent a more elaborate casket for a ceremony and use a plainer model for burial. Or you may want to specify a price range if you want a casket that is more expensive than the casket included in this price. Also, refrigeration of the body is a less intrusive (and inexpensive) alternative to embalming.

What Could Add to the Costs

There may be extra charges if any of the following are required or requested: Home removal, night or weekend removal, transport to or from points outside the normal service area; scheduled transport (that is, by appointment) instead of unscheduled transport (that is, at the mortician's convenience); honoraria for clergy, musician, pall bearers; extra copies of the death certificate ($13 each at present); newspaper notices or obituaries; transport of flowers or passengers; sales taxes; extra services required for donation of organs and tissues, or for autopsies.

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