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Planning a Funeral in Sacramento

Funerals in Sacramento do not typically feature any sort of geographically specific traditions or practices and are more informed by the faith, culture, and traditions of the deceased and their family.

Typically, practices will begin with a wake or viewing. This is an unstructured or loosely structured opportunity for people to pay their respects to the deceased and the remains are often present in either an open or closed casket or an urn. If the wake is open to others, it is also an opportunity for people to provide condolences and support to the family.

Following the wake, there is generally a funeral or memorial service at a place of worship or funeral home. This service will often incorporate music, flowers, and speeches about the deceased. It may also feature a religious message if the deceased was a person of faith.

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Glen Oaks Memorial Park

Since 1959, Glen Oaks Memorial Park has proudly provided end-of-life services for families. Glen Oaks Memorial Park offers traditional burial, cremation burial, mausoleum, cremation niches, and cremains scattering. One option for cremated remains is our Fountain of Tranquility, Butte County’s largest water fountain.

Regardless of what choices a family makes, they will be able to remember and honor their loved one on the beautiful, serene property throughout time, thanks to Glen Oaks Memorial Park’s endowment care. Glen Oaks Memorial Park can be contacted here for more information or to schedule a visit.

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Near-Term & Immediate Planning

Family members making at-need funeral plans after a loved one dies can be a tough experience dealing with intense emotions and managing grief. Imminent financial concerns may also add to the stress of everything. Making funeral arrangements relieves family members of some of the stress of organizing and catering. Get step-by-step guidance that will make it easier to find, prepare, and make arrangements. Our Planning Center includes the option to schedule virtual and in-person meetings with a specialist, and make arrangements. These resources offer assistance for immediate needs and pre-planning.

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Immediate Planning

Immediate-need planning may include assistance throughout the process, finding intimate and unique settings, flower arrangements, headstone creation, writing an obituary, transportation arrangements, planning for a veteran, customizing a burial, planning cremation and a memorial, and more. We are here to help. Schedule a free one-on-one consultation with a funeral or cemetery specialist by phone, in person, or virtually.

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Free Funeral Planning Guide

Download our free burial & funeral planning guide for step by step guidance and a detailed checklist for funeral arrangements.

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Resources for Funeral Planning in Sacramento

Cemetery.com offers resources to find a funeral home or cemetery in the Sacramento area. We will find and schedule an arrangement meeting with an expert who can plan the necessary steps. Cemetery.com offers all types of resources to help plan funerals, including a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to those planning a funeral for the first time.

Cemetery & Funeral Costs in Sacramento

Cemetery and funeral costs can vary depending on location and arrangement choices. The average traditional full-service burial in Sacramento costs $7103. That includes embalming and care of the body, a visitation or wake, a funeral service, a funeral procession and burial-site service, an average-priced casket, and fees.

Cremations can be a more cost-effective alternative to burial. On average, a full-service cremation, which includes transportation of the body from the place of death to the crematory, cremation, a visitation or wake, a memorial service, and a cremation casket, costs $5743 in Sacramento. This does not include the cost of an urn.Pre-planning for a funeral with a fund or insurance policy can help offset or even fully cover the cost of a funeral.

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Cremation & Memorial Services in Sacramento

Memorial services are a common option when cremation is chosen over burial. There are a variety of options available in Sacramento to honor a deceased loved one either before or after cremation. Some choose a memorial prior to cremation to allow friends and family a chance to say their final farewells, but more often the service is held following cremation with the ashes of the deceased displayed in a decorative urn alongside pictures celebrating their life.

A memorial service like this allows those close to the deceased to grieve together, share stories honoring the life of the deceased, and come together as a small community. These services can be held in a funeral home, house of worship, family home, public outdoor area, or anywhere else deemed acceptable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral service means that a body is present and prepared for burial. A memorial service is held when there is either no body present or only cremated remains are present.

Is burial or cremation better for me and my family?

The choice between burial and cremation is a deeply personal one. Based on the options selected regarding either choice, one might be more affordable or practical, or just better suited to the needs of your family.

What if I am a veteran or the loved one I am planning for is a veteran?

When planning a service for a veteran, the best place to start is with the Sacramento Vet Center. The staff there can help identify eligibility for VA burial and cremation assistance and can help identify other financial assistance as well. They will also need to contact to secure a burial in a national cemetery if desired.

Can I purchase multiple cemetery plots next to each other at the same time?

Yes, most cemeteries will make allowances for families that wish to have multiple cemetery plots in close proximity. A family plot will often be a single row of plots purchased as a package, and in some cases separated by decorative fencing.

What can I do to show my support and condolences in Sacramento?

There is no right or wrong to express your condolences to someone who is grieving, and the way that is best for you may depend on your comfort and your relationship with the grieving person. Reaching out with a call, text, or visit is generally appropriate. Other traditional options include flowers, notes, and providing meals.

Do I need a burial permit in Sacramento?

All burials in the state of California require a permit from the county. That includes full body land or sea burials and ash scattering. However, if the death occurred in California, you may have the necessary permit already.

How much does cremation cost compared to a burial?

In almost all cases, cremation is a much more economical option than a “traditional” burial. Typically you can expect to pay around a third as much for cremation as you would for a full burial in a cemetery with a casket and ground vault.

Can you be buried without a casket in Sacramento?

California law does not require a casket for burial. However, some cemeteries may have rules pertaining to burial containers.

How long will I be grieving the loss of my loved one?

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal process. Sadly there is no set roadmap or timeline that will apply to everyone, as each person experiences loss differently. However, there are a number of resources linked below that can help you find individual care and support during the grieving process.
  • Grief Support Center
  • Find a Grief Center
  • Choosing a Grief Center
  • Find & Contribute to a Funeral
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