Sarah Newcomb Award Winning Funeral Director in Chicago

At Need Pricing: Neptune Society Downers Grove Cost Breakdown

August 08, 2024•7 min read

For a complete-comprehensive quote or special-payment arrangement, call Sarah Newcomb, or one of my staff at Neptune Society in Downers Grove at (708) 972-0022.

Neptune Pricing 👇:

Understanding Cremation and Burial Costs: A Comprehensive Guide by Sarah Newcomb, Neptune Society

Hi, I’m Sarah Newcomb, an award-winning director from Neptune Society. One of the most frequent questions I receive as a funeral director is, "What does a cremation or burial cost?" Today, I'm here to walk you through the costs involved in both cremation and burial services, helping you make an informed decision. While everyone's preferences differ, making it challenging to provide a precise estimate, I'll give you detailed numbers to guide your decisions based on our updated pricing effective as of May 1, 2024.

Why Choose Neptune Society?

At Neptune Society, we believe in providing dignified and affordable cremation services, helping you honor and celebrate the life of your loved one without the high costs associated with traditional funerals. Our value proposition is not just about cost savings but also about the compassionate and complete care we offer.

The Importance of Meaningful Funeral Services

It's well established in the scientific and medical communities that complications during the grieving process can hinder healing, leaving families with a sense of unresolved closure and lingering regrets. Every family cherishes a deep-seated love, invests countless hours, and creates precious memories with their loved ones. When faced with loss, the decision isn't just about cost—it's about choosing a service that truly honors the depth of their relationship and safeguards the emotional investments made over a lifetime.

Our fully committed funeral directors take a unique approach, steering clear of suggesting families simply spend money on services or products. Instead, we advocate for an investment in what truly matters—their own journey towards closure and healing. Utilizing our services is not an expense but a meaningful investment in themselves, offering the deep, necessary closure they seek and deserve.

Funeral Home Charges at Neptune Society

First, let's discuss the charges from the funeral home itself. These charges encompass several services:

  • Facilities and Staff: $930

    • Usage of the funeral home for the service.

    • Licensed personnel who assist throughout the process.

  • Transfer of Remains within Service Area (75 miles): $369

  • Use of Licensed Climate Controlled Holding Facility (up to 7 days): $359

    • After 7 days (per day): $50

  • Private Viewing (15 minutes, up to 5 people): $325

  • Witnessing of Cremation at Crematory: $375

  • Cremation/Crematory Fee: $429

Cremation Package Options at Neptune Society

We understand that the details and decisions that accompany the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. To simplify this process and help you memorialize your loved one while saving money, we've bundled our cremation options into packages. Here are the options available:

Everlasting Tribute

  • Includes required basic services and merchandise.

  • Total Cost: $2,465 (Package Savings of $497)

Reflect & Remember

  • For those who choose to have a lasting remembrance.

  • Total Cost: $2,800 (Package Savings of $713)

Final Farewell

  • For those who choose a beautiful scattering.

  • Total Cost: $2,542 (Package Savings of $715)

What's Included in Our Packages

Each package includes:

  • Transfer of your loved one into our care (within 50-mile radius of office) & to a climate-controlled area.

  • Positive identification process.

  • Basic services of the funeral director & staff.

  • Filing & obtaining of death certificate.

  • The cremation process.

  • Standard cardboard cremation container.

  • Compassion Helpline (one year subscription).

  • 12 Weeks of Peace (weekly online grief support resource).

  • Online Obituary.

  • Additional package-specific benefits like discounts on keepsakes & jewelry, urn allowances, thumbprint keepsakes, scattering services, and more.

You can access our most recent General Price List HERE.

Understanding Burial Costs

While Neptune Society specializes in cremation and does not offer burial services, we recognize that some families may prefer burial for various reasons, such as religious beliefs, family traditions, or personal preferences for having a physical place to visit and remember their loved one.

Since I spent time early in my career as a funeral director for Tezak's Funeral Home, I will use their prices to provide a comprehensive understanding of burial costs. Tezak's Funeral Home offers both burial and cremation services, and their prices are known to be fair and reasonable.

Burial Costs at Tezak's Funeral Home

Tezak's Funeral Home Prices:

  • Basic Services of the Director, Staff, and Overhead: $3,800

  • Use of Facilities and Staff for Viewing/Visitation: $695

  • Use of Facilities and Staff for Funeral Ceremony: $600

  • Use of Facilities and Staff for Memorial Service: $650

  • Use of Equipment and Staff for Graveside Service: $300

  • Transfer of Remains to Funeral Home (First Call): $355

  • Use of a Funeral Coach (Hearse): $300

  • Use of a Family Car (Limousine): $400

  • Direct Burial: $3,050

  • Direct Cremation: $2,900

  • Receiving Remains from Another Funeral Home: $2,550

  • Forwarding Remains to Another Funeral Home: $2,690

  • Embalming: $520

Casket Costs

While Neptune Society does not require caskets for cremation, understanding the cost of caskets is crucial for those considering burial. At Tezak's Funeral Home, caskets can vary significantly in price:

  • Range: From $690 to $3,900.

It's important to note that all caskets serve the same essential purpose, regardless of cost. Your choice should reflect your personal taste and budget.

Vault or Outer Burial Container (OBC)

A vault or OBC may be required by the cemetery, not the state. The purpose of these containers is to prevent ground collapse over time. Prices at Tezak's range from $1,090 to $3,800. Your choice here may depend on aesthetic preferences or the level of protection you desire against elements like air and water.

Additional Burial Costs

To give you a complete picture, here are some additional expenses often overlooked in burial services:

  • Cash Advances or Pass-Through Items: These are costs associated with the funeral that we manage for your convenience. They are not marked up and typically include:

    • Certificates and Permits: Approximately $70.

    • Cemetery Costs: Assuming you already own the property, opening and closing the grave costs about $1,300.

    • Obituary Costs: Newspaper obituaries can be costly, averaging around $450. However, we can help you reduce this expense through our robust online obituary features and sharing tools.

  • Flowers: Traditionally ranging from $150 to $400. Nowadays, a more minimalist approach is common, and we encourage a "less is more" philosophy.

  • Clergy or Church Fees: If applicable, these stipends can range from $150 to $500.

Total Estimated Burial Costs

Combining these additional expenses with the funeral home charges, the total burial cost at Tezak's Funeral Home can range significantly, depending on the services and products chosen.

Making an Informed Decision

While Neptune Society focuses on providing affordable and dignified cremation services, we understand that burial is an important option for many families. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision.

For personalized estimates tailored to your specific choices or for further assistance, please contact me, Sarah Newcomb, or one of my staff at Neptune Society in Downers Grove at (708) 972-0022. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Choosing Neptune Society means investing in a meaningful farewell that truly honors the depth of your relationship with your loved one. Our services are designed to provide you with the peace, closure, and personal healing that are essential during this difficult time. We aim to exceed your expectations with meticulous attention to detail and compassionate communication, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.

With us, it's not just about managing a farewell; it's about facilitating a vital step towards healing, ensuring that every family can embrace closure, not as an end, but as a necessary passage towards peace.


Disclaimer

Sarah Newcomb and Neptune Society are not affiliated with Tezak's Funeral Home. The prices shown for Tezak's Funeral Home services were based on recent research and are used solely for comparison and discussion purposes. Neither Neptune Society nor Sarah Newcomb warranties the accuracy of the pricing information related to Tezak's Funeral Home. Tezak's Funeral Home was chosen for this comparison due to its reputation and competitive pricing; no affiliation, promotion, or warranty is implied or expressed.

Please note that while the prices provided in this blog post are updated as of May 1, 2024, they may become temporarily incorrect due to changes in pricing. For the most accurate and complete quote, please contact Sarah Newcomb at Neptune Society in Downers Grove at (708) 972-0022.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with cremation and burial services, helping families make informed decisions during a difficult time. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah Newcomb at Neptune Society.

Sarah Newcomb is an award-winning funeral director with Neptune Society in Downers Grove, Illinois. With over a two-decades of experience, Sarah is dedicated to providing compassionate and affordable cremation services. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt care, she helps families navigate the complexities of funeral planning with ease. Her commitment to honoring each life with dignity and respect has made her a trusted figure in the Chicago area. She works with Caregiving Professionals in Providing a therapeutic experience through narrative therapy and mind-body integration, with a focus on the psychosomatic aspects of caregiving.

Sarah Sebby

Sarah Newcomb is an award-winning funeral director with Neptune Society in Downers Grove, Illinois. With over a two-decades of experience, Sarah is dedicated to providing compassionate and affordable cremation services. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt care, she helps families navigate the complexities of funeral planning with ease. Her commitment to honoring each life with dignity and respect has made her a trusted figure in the Chicago area. She works with Caregiving Professionals in Providing a therapeutic experience through narrative therapy and mind-body integration, with a focus on the psychosomatic aspects of caregiving.

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