re: Least expensive method to bury someone

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Basically what I'm asking is what is the least expensive way to handle it while maintaining some dignity. I'm thinking cremation and a small service in an extended family member's home. Does that sound correct?

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My wife died three years ago. She wanted cremation. It cost $495 and included one official death certificate. I bought nine more at $8 a piece if I remember right. So all in for under $600. I'm sure costs have risen post Covid though. I also didn't need that many certificates. When I settled her estate everybody took a copy except the life insurance policy.

We had a "celebration of life" party at a restaurant that included our closest friends and family. I picked up the bill for all. Around $1k for that. It was a great time of just hanging out with those closest to us. Laughing over cocktails just remembering the joy she gave us.

She had access to a family tomb in NO but she didn't want that. She didn't want the whole burial thing. It made her mother upset but she and I discussed it before she passed and that is what she wanted. I bought an LSU purple urn from Amazon and it sits on a shelf. She said to spend the typical funeral costs on a fun trip and spread her somewhere nice.

Bottom line is, if you can get her wishes including y'alls daughter, and not worry about traditional customs and what other people would do/wish.