Planning a funeral for a loved one is always a challenging process, but unique considerations arise when arranging services for individuals who are either classified as morbidly obese or taller than standard accommodations allow. In the United States, approximately 9.7% of adults are classified as morbidly obese, with a BMI of 40 or higher, according to the CDC. Additionally, taller individuals may require adjustments to standard burial and cremation practices to ensure dignity and respect.
This guide explores the unique challenges families may face, offers solutions, and recommends disposition methods for honoring loved ones with care.
Understanding the Challenges
Funerals for larger or taller individuals require adjustments to standard practices. These challenges often include:
- Securing appropriately sized burial plots, caskets, or cremation containers.
- Arranging for safe and respectful transportation and movement.
- Managing increased costs for specialized equipment and services.
Open communication with your funeral provider is critical to addressing these issues early in the planning process.
Guidance for Families
If you are planning a funeral for an oversized or tall loved one, these steps can help ensure a smooth and respectful process:
- Select an Experienced Funeral Provider
Choose a funeral provider experienced in handling larger or taller remains. Ask about available equipment, such as bariatric gurneys, hydraulic lifts, and oversized caskets or cremation containers. - Communicate Early
Inform the funeral director about your loved one’s size or height to allow them to prepare appropriately. This ensures they can secure larger burial plots, caskets, or cremation equipment in advance. - Explore Disposition Options
Discuss all disposition options with your provider, including traditional burial, cremation, aquamation, and human composting, based on what is feasible and aligned with your loved one’s wishes. - Plan for Transportation
Confirm that the funeral home can arrange specialized vehicles or equipment to safely handle transportation. - Budget for Additional Costs
Be prepared for increased expenses due to the need for specialized services. Ask your funeral provider about payment plans or financial assistance if necessary.
Grave Plot Sizing and Burial Costs
Standard grave plots may not be sufficient for oversized or longer caskets, necessitating larger or extended plots:
- Oversized Plots: These plots are typically 6 to 12 inches wider and sometimes longer than standard plots to accommodate bariatric or tall caskets. They often cost 15% to 50% more than regular plots due to increased land use and preparation.
- Availability: Oversized plots may be limited, especially in urban cemeteries. Pre-planning or checking availability early is crucial.
- Vaults: Larger or extended burial vaults, required to house oversized caskets, are available but add additional cost, typically $500 to $1,500 above standard vault prices.
Larger Caskets and Cremation Containers
Choosing the right casket or container is critical for both larger and taller individuals:
- Bariatric Caskets: These are up to 40 inches wide (compared to the standard 24 inches) and are reinforced to support weights up to 1,000 pounds. Costs range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on materials and features.
- Oversized Caskets for Tall Individuals: Taller individuals may require caskets longer than the standard 84 inches (7 feet). Custom caskets up to 90 inches (7.5 feet) or more are available and often cost an additional $300 to $1,000.
- Cremation Containers: For both larger and taller individuals, oversized containers are required. Facilities with bariatric capabilities can typically handle containers up to 40 inches wide or extra-long dimensions for taller remains.
Transportation and Handling
The safe transportation and handling of larger or taller remains require specialized equipment and trained professionals:
- Specialized Vehicles: Modified hearses or vans are used for oversized caskets and may add $100 to $300 to transportation fees.
- Hydraulic Lifts: These devices are essential for lifting and transferring remains during preparation and transport, ensuring safety for staff and dignity for the deceased.
- Reinforced Gurneys: Bariatric stretchers with higher weight capacities (up to 1,200 pounds) and longer dimensions ensure safe transport for both larger and taller remains.
Aquamation
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation:
- Capacity for Larger and Taller Remains: Aquamation facilities often use tanks that can accommodate larger or taller remains more easily than traditional cremation chambers. Tanks typically have wider openings and do not require the same size restrictions as flame cremation.
- Environmental Impact: The process uses water and heat to decompose remains with significantly lower environmental impact than traditional cremation.
- Cost: The price of aquamation ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, similar to bariatric cremation.
- See a list of states where aquamation is available.
Human Composting
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, provides another sustainable option:
- No Size Restrictions: Unlike traditional cremation or burial, human composting facilities can handle larger and taller remains without requiring custom containers or equipment. The body is placed into a natural vessel with organic materials like straw and wood chips, allowing it to break down over several weeks.
- Eco-Friendly: This method results in nutrient-rich soil that families can use or donate. Size and weight do not significantly affect the process.
- Availability and Cost: Currently legal in states like Washington and Colorado, human composting costs $5,000 to $7,000 and is becoming increasingly available.
Costs for Funerals for Larger or Taller People, by Disposition
| Disposition Method | Base Cost (USD) | Additional Costs for Larger or Taller Individuals | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Burial | $7,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $9,000–$16,000 |
| Standard Cremation | $3,000–$5,000 | $200–$500 | $3,200–$5,500 |
| Bariatric Cremation | $3,500–$6,000 | $200–$1,000 | $3,700–$7,000 |
| Aquamation | $2,000–$4,000 | $0–$500 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Human Composting | $5,000–$7,000 | $0 | $5,000–$7,000 |
Recommended Disposition for Cost Savings
For families seeking the most cost-effective option for larger or taller loved ones, aquamation is an excellent choice where available. This method is particularly suited for larger and taller remains due to its flexible equipment, lack of size restrictions, and environmentally friendly process.
If aquamation is unavailable, standard cremation with bariatric accommodations offers a widely accessible alternative. While there may be additional costs for larger or longer cremation containers, it remains more affordable than traditional burial.
