Death is inescapable and losing a loved one is emotionally challenging. The instant grief and sadness leave you in trauma, making it difficult to take any responsibilities or make decisions. However, some decisions need to be made soon after the death of your loved one in such times. It can be difficult to choose a funeral rite for the deceased, and if families are financially distressed, the prices of the rites and arrangements may cause further damage to their budgets. Due to the high cost of funerals around the country, cremation has gained more popularity in the United States.
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states in their 2021 Consumer and Preferences Report that the cremation rate is 57.5%, while the burial rate is projected to be 36.6%. These statistics show that cremation is now a popular choice among people, and fewer people choose the option of burial. Since the global pandemic, the cremation rate has widely increased in the U.S. The NFDA also predicts that the cremation rate in all 50 U.S states and Washington D.C will exceed 50% by 2035. Similarly, cremation has begun to be the first choice in Oklahoma. It is important to understand the cremation process and its requirement to estimate your budget for the funeral rite of your loved one. Here’s an overview of the cost of cremation in Oklahoma.
What Is Cremation?
It is the process where the human body is incinerated, leaving ashes as the remains. This thermal and mechanical process uses intense heat to reduce the remains of a human body into ashes, also known as cremains.
What Is the Process of Cremation?
Cremation occurs in a furnace, also known as the cremation chamber, specially designed for the process. The body is exposed to an extreme temperature of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours, leaving ashes behind. Once the cremation process is finished, fragments of bones are left. These disintegrated particles are then collected from the cremator to be placed and cooled in a machine that reduces the bones into ashes. The cremains are then handed over to the family of the deceased. Following is the step-by-step guide to the services of cremation which affects the cost of cremation in Oklahoma:
Arrangements
While cremation is efficient and less time-consuming than a traditional burial, some arrangements and logistics are made before the incineration. Here are the arrangements required after the death of your loved one that includes the cremation cost in Oklahoma:
The Process
The most expensive out of all the arrangements is the process of cremation. It is the first payment required for the procedure and logistics. Although, the cost depends on the cremation type and service you choose for your loved one.
Transportation
Your loved one’s body is transported for burning from the place of their death to the crematory. Transportation and vehicle rental also require a certain fee. The expense also depends on the size of the body; if the body has a larger size than the average more workforce and labor would be required. Hence, the cost may exceed. However, the price of every service may differ.
Refrigeration
A waiting period of 24 hours is required before the cremation process in Oklahoma. During the waiting time, the body of the deceased needs to be refrigerated to prevent rotting. Particular charges are applied for the refrigeration, which adds to the cremation cost in Oklahoma.
Casket
A casket is one of the greatest expenses, and the price range depends upon the design and style. However, the laws do not require a casket, and a container is used for cremation. Despite the laws, many families opt for a casket. Typically, the cost of a casket at funeral homes is much higher; therefore, they are easily rented at a much lower price. The cost depends on your casket’s design, style, and size.
Urn
The ashes are returned to the family after incineration. The memorialization depends on whether you want to store them in urns at home or scatter them. A wide variety of urns is available in the market. The cost depends on the material, size, and design you pick for the remains of your loved one. Choose a basic ceramic urn over the metal or glass ones as it is more affordable and cost-friendly.
Death Certificate
In Oklahoma, a death certificate is typically prepared and filed by the funeral director. Only a family member is issued the death certificate of their loved one. It costs $25 to order the copy for the first time, while additional copies are $5.
Paperwork
A legal process and paperwork are required before cremation. Therefore, a certain amount is paid for the documentation to proceed; the cost usually depends on the service you choose.
The cremation cost in Oklahoma also depends on the cremation you choose, so the price of a traditional cremation significantly varies from a direct cremation.
Cost of Traditional Cremation in Oklahoma
Traditional cremation is more familiar among people. It is a time-consuming and costly process as it involves various procedures. The services and costs include labor, transportation, vehicle rent, preparation of the body, and a casket. Although cremation is optional, the cost of a traditional cremation in Oklahoma is around $2,000.
Cost of Direct Cremation in Oklahoma
The least expensive method is direct cremation, as no services or ceremony occurs during the process. No viewing or funeral ceremony is held. Instead, the body is incinerated, and ashes are returned to the grieving family for scattering. Therefore, this method is much cheaper and cost-friendly. The average cost of a direct cremation in Oklahoma is around $945.
Average Cost of Cremation in Oklahoma:
The cost of cremation in Oklahoma can start from $900. However, the average cremation cost ranges between $2,500 to $3,200 according to the services of cremation and the provider you pick. Direct cremation is the most common type of cremation that families choose for their loved ones as it is easy and cost-effective.
What Are Funeral Rite Laws in Oklahoma?
Specific rules and regulations apply to a funeral in Oklahoma. The law sets a specific standard to dispose of cremated remains. The cremation permit is only issued in Oregon if a family member or next of kin signs the authorization form for cremation; this cremation permit has a fee of about $7. After death, a 24-hour waiting period is mandatory to follow before proceeding with cremation. The legal paperwork and arrangement require up to three days; a professional service is approached for the documentation, which charges a fee for their work. Officially, the laws do not require a casket for cremation; a compact container or wooden box is mainly enforced to be used.
Check with the local ordinance if you plan to scatter the cremains on public land. As the cremated ashes do not have adverse effects on the environment, there are no police for cremains or any legal legislation for ash scattering in Oregon. Scattering the ashes is permissible and has various options; however, a permit from the funeral director is required to cremate the body or transport it outside the state. Scattering ashes is harmless for the environment; hence, gardens are provided by many cemeteries to scatter the ashes. However, it depends on each cemetery whether they charge any cost or not. The laws also permit sea burial; however, the burial must take place at 100 feet from any water body, trail, or road.
The cremation rate has increased over the traditional burial in the United States. Among several states choosing cremation over burial, Oklahoma is one of the states to have a cremation rate of around 32%; hence the cost of cremation may vary according to state law.