Funeral Planning

Burial Choices

Conventional Cemetery Burial

Many people choose a conventional cemetery burial because other family members are buried there, or because a burial lot has already been purchased. However, if keeping costs down is important, families should know that conventional burials are often the most expensive option.

Typical costs for conventional burial include:

• Cemetery lot: $1,500 to $5,000
• Concrete burial vault (often required to prevent ground sinking): $1,000 or more
• Interment fees (grave digging, filling, and cemetery overhead): $1,000 to $1,500
• Casket: $2,000 to $5,000 or more
• Grave marker: $7,000 or higher

If burial in a specific cemetery is not a priority, families may want to shop around for lower-cost cemeteries. Some offer cheaper plots but may lack an endowment care fund, meaning long-term maintenance of the grounds could be uncertain once all lots are sold.

Simple Burial

A simple burial typically involves minimal services:

• Remains are embalmed only if required by law.
• A basic casket is selected.
• The body is interred privately in a burial plot secured by the deceased or the family
• Simple burials do not include:
  • Cemetery plot or associated cemetery expenses
  • Use of a funeral home, funeral, or memorial services
  • Death certificates
  • Burial clothing, obituary notices, or special containers for ashes
  • Any additional services beyond basic handling

Green Burial

Natural or green burial is an environmentally friendly option. It includes:

• No embalming fluids
• Biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or coffins
• No concrete burial vaults
• Burial at a shallower depth (typically two feet) to promote natural decomposition and plant growth
• Natural grave markers, such as flat stones

Green burials usually cost about half as much as conventional burials, making them a great option for families concerned about both cost and environmental impact. In a direct green burial:

• The funeral director collects the remains and obtains the necessary death certificates and permits.
• The body is refrigerated until burial.
• A biodegradable shroud or casket is used.
• Burial occurs privately without a funeral procession or graveside service.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is a simple and cost-effective option:

• The body is placed in an appropriate container.
• Cremation is performed promptly, without embalming (unless required by law).
• Ashes are either returned to the family or disposed of according to the family’s wishes.
• There is no viewing, funeral service, or procession.

Home Funerals

Consider conducting the funeral in your home.  Until 1870, funerals were always conducted in the family’s home. They are experiencing a revival.  You don’t have to have a Funeral Home conduct the funeral, which can significantly lower the cost of the funeral. A Death Doula can help your family plan and conduct a funeral in your home.  For more information, the National Home Funeral Alliance offers a downloadable Home Funeral Guide.

Water-Based Cremation

Also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis or Aquamation, has not been approved in Pennsylvania yet.  It has been approved in Ohio so plans for transportation of the body is feasible.  The advantage is the heat and the pollution from fire- based cremation can be avoided with this process.  After the water based cremation, the bones are crushed just like in the fire-based cremation, resulting in a box of ashes which can be returned to family.  

Body Composting

The composting of bodies is another alternative but currently requires transporting the body to another state (California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington).

Whole Body Donation: Humanity Gifts Registry

The Humanity Gifts Registry is a nonprofit agency operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It coordinates the receipt and distribution of bodies donated for medical and dental education across the state. The Registry, formerly known as the Anatomical Board, has served the public since 1883.

For more information, visit their website or contact them by phone, (215) 922-4440 • M-F 8-3pm.