An elaborate service with amenities? Or a simple “farewell?” There are myriad options for funeral and burial services, and pricing has trended toward “a la carte.” Prices are usually posted on a provider’s website.
Phillips Robinson, a legacy full-service funeral provider, offers a long list of a la carte services for any imaginable situation. Burial starts $2,995 for securing permits, death certificates, final disposition and all associated administration and facility costs. Cremation is $1,195. Embalming for a viewing is $995, and the small print clarifies that it is not necessary. “Cosmeticizing, dressing and casketing” for a viewing is $175. Care of unembalmed remains is $300.
A Larkspur natural burial is about $4,000. Alternatively, burial of cremated remains is $2,000. An optional natural shroud cloth at $1,000, and it’ll be another $750 if the family wants a stone memorial. A living memorial planting of native plants is $300.
A columbarium spot at St. George’s Episcopal Church is $1,000 and includes the urn that is designed to fit in the space. The church provides a name plate. There is no charge for funeral services, although families often make a donation. Associated costs like the cremation itself and transport are levied by the funeral home.
Nashville Cremation Center charges $1,600-1,700 for a funeral director and staff, transporting the remains, bathing or disinfecting and the cremation itself. A memorial service held at another facility is an extra $700.
Body Farm at the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center: no cost.