Like many things in today’s economy, funeral costs are also rising. However, funeral costs differ in one significant way to many other expenses: The opportunity to both pre-plan and pre-pay for such a life event guarantees significant savings for your loved ones down the road.
Licensed Funeral Director Mark Gustafson, of Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Home, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps – considering the options available and starting a pre-arranged funeral plan with a local funeral home well in advance.
Gustafson and his team offer guidance on the various funeral options available and costs, providing a helpful road map for those navigating this process on their own.
Traditional burials
Traditional burials typically involve preparation of the body, visitation, funeral service where religious rites are administered, followed by a graveside service and of course a casket. The costs for such arrangements vary based on location, cemetery fees, selected funeral home services and merchandise.
At Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Home, families can expect burial services ranging anywhere from $1,995 for an immediate burial to $4,000 for a traditional burial.
While the cost might be steep for some, Gustafson says those planning funeral arrangements for themselves or loved ones need to understand that the level of service they will receive at Harper- Ridgeview is unparalleled. For example, Harper-Ridgeview has licensed funeral professionals on staff with almost 50 years of combined experience working with families and offers an on-site chapel to hold viewings and memorial services.”
Cremation
Cremation involves the body being returned to a homeostasis state by using high heat, which produces cremated remains or ashes. Costs for cremation can vary depending on the services and merchandise items the family selects at the arrangement meeting.
At Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Home, a direct cremation is approximately one-third the cost of a traditional burial, when factoring in the required merchandise items such as an urn and cremation container.
Water cremation
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, involves the body being placed in a pressurized chamber with a mixture of water and alkali. Through gentle agitation and heat, the mortal remains are dissolved and later processed in a similar fashion to cremation.
Similar to cremation, alkaline hydrolysis is a lower-cost alternative to burial
Body donation
Body donation involves providing one’s remains to medical institutions such as the University of Washington for educational purposes in medical schools or research facilities.
Some qualifications govern donation but for those accepted, the body undergoes anatomical study, medical research or use for surgical training, supporting education and scientific advancement.
Once research is complete, a complimentary cremation is provided and the remains are either scattered or returned to the family.
Providing compassionate guidance and support to the individual and their families, Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Home ensures every aspect of the funeral planning process is handled with the utmost care, dignity and respect.
You can learn more about Harper-Ridgeview Funeral Home and how you can pre-plan your final arrangements by calling their friendly staff at (360) 452-9701 or visit their web site at harper-ridgeviewfuneralhome.com.