Cremation Options
Cremation Options
Planning a funeral service and cremation can be a very difficult process for families who have just lost a loved one. But it’s important to provide those who are grieving with a supportive environment in which they can begin to find closure, say goodbye, and come to terms with the loss. We offer a variety of cremation services to meet each individual’s unique needs, from a simple cremation to beautifully personalized funeral services followed by cremation.
Three clear paths. One consistent standard of care.
Families choose cremation for different reasons.
Some prefer a simple cremation without a formal service. Some want help planning a quiet gathering or informal remembrance. Others value the familiar structure of a visitation, service, clergy, music, and a more traditional order of events before cremation occurs.
The Nebraska Cremation Society offers three cremation options:
- Essential Cremation
- Guided Cremation
- Structured Cremation
Each option is different in the amount of service coordination requested. The standard of care does not change.
This page is provided for orientation only. It does not create an agreement, initiate services, or replace required authorizations.
What Stays the Same in Every Option
Every cremation option includes the core elements required for lawful, professional, and accountable care.
These include:
- Transfer of the person who has died into our care
- Identification and custody procedures
- Confirmation of legal authority
- Completion of required documentation and authorizations
- Coordination of cremation at a licensed crematory
- Communication regarding process, timing, and next steps
- Written pricing disclosures as required by law

The differences between options do not change the legal requirements, authorization standards, or identification procedures that apply in every case.
Cremation is final. For that reason, every option follows the same basic assurances:
- The right person gives permission
- The right identity is protected
- The right information is in writing
- The right steps happen in the right order.
How the Options Differ
The options differ mainly in three ways:
- Whether a gathering or service is desired
- How much planning and coordination the family wants from us
- Whether the remembrance is simple, informal, or formally structured
The options are not levels of care. They are different paths for different families.
A family choosing Essential Cremation receives the same attention to authorization, identification, custody, documentation, and cremation coordination as a family choosing Guided Cremation or Structured Cremation.
The difference is not how carefully the work is done. The difference is how much gathering, ceremony, and service coordination the family requests.
Cremation without a formal service coordinated by us
Essential Cremation is for families who prefer cremation without a formal service coordinated by The Nebraska Cremation Society.
Some families choose this option because they want simplicity. Some prefer a private family gathering at home, at a later date, or in another setting. Others do not wish to hold a public ceremony.
Essential Cremation generally includes:
This option does not include planning, staffing, or coordination of a formal ceremony or gathering.

Essential Cremation is not a lesser form of care. It is a simpler service structure for families who do not need additional service coordination.
Essential Cremation $1,070
required documentation and authorization
transfer into care within the established service area
identification and custody procedures
coordination of cremation at a licensed crematory
return of cremated remains as arranged
Cremation with help planning a gathering or informal remembrance
Guided Cremation is for families who want cremation, but also want some help creating a meaningful gathering, remembrance, or informal time of support.
This may be appropriate when a family wants something more than cremation alone, but does not need the full structure of a traditional service.
Guided Cremation may include support with:
Guided Cremation $1,955
timing and sequence
simple gathering structure
informal remembrance planning
coordination with a chosen location
guidance about obituary, music, readings, or personal touches
practical support before or during a family-directed gathering
Specific elements are determined by the family’s preferences and documented in writing before proceeding.

Guided Cremation provides flexibility while still giving the family professional guidance.
Cremation with formal service coordination
Structured Cremation is for families who prefer the familiar order and support of a more formal service before cremation occurs.
This may include a visitation, viewing, clergy or officiant, music, printed materials, service coordination, and a defined order of events.
Structured Cremation may include:
Structured Cremation $3,730
scheduling and coordination of a formal service
coordination with a church, chapel, facility, or other location
clergy or officiant coordination
visitation or viewing, if requested and authorized
preparation of the deceased person when appropriate
use of a rental casket when selected
staff support for the service
This option is often chosen by families who value tradition, public support, and a familiar structure while still choosing cremation as the final form of disposition.

All services are defined in advance and documented prior to proceeding.
Choosing an Option
You do not need to select an option before asking questions.
A family may begin by simply asking:
- What happens next?
- Who has authority to authorize cremation?
- What information is needed?
- How soon does cremation occur?
- What does each option include?
- What can wait?
Selection of an option is made after the process has been explained, legal authority has been confirmed, and pricing has been provided in writing.
No services proceed without documented authorization.
Pricing and Written Disclosures
Pricing is provided in writing and reflects the services and coordination requested.
Differences in price are generally based on:
- The level of service coordination
- Whether a gathering or formal service is requested
- Facility or service-related components
- Additional items selected by the family
- Transportation or special circumstances, when applicable
Pricing details are governed by the General Price List, written agreements, and applicable disclosures.
Additional Considerations
In some situations, additional charges may apply. These are identified and discussed before authorization whenever they apply.
Examples may include:
- Transportation outside the established service area
- Specialized equipment or staffing required for safe handling
- Circumstances requiring additional coordination or resources
- Death certificates, obituary placement, urns, keepsakes, or other optional items
Standard service area and related policies are explained separately.
If You Need Guidance
It is appropriate to ask questions before making a selection.
A licensed funeral professional can explain the options, clarify what is included, and help you understand which structure fits the family’s wishes.
Providing information or discussing options does not create an agreement or initiate services.
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