As a general rule, local cremation costs are far more affordable than the costs associated with a funeral and traditional burial. However, families exercise even more fine-grained control over cremation costs by selecting the services that are right for them. When selecting cremation services, these are the things to consider:
Do You Want a Visitation, Funeral, or Memorial Service?
A direct cremation with no other service is the most affordable cremation option. For families with budget issues – particularly in the case of an unexpected immediate need cremation – direct cremation is the best option.
However, some families want additional services to provide closure and say goodbye to the loved one. Funerals, memorial services, and visitations add cost to cremation planning, but provide a venue for friends and families to say their farewells and commemorate the life of the deceased.
Choosing cremation does not preclude these services, but planning these services does add cost on top of the basic cremation fee. In addition, these services may also incur related costs, such as:
Renting a coffin
Paying a facility fee
Paying for staff support
Transportation
Other related costs
Do You Need Help with Cremation-Related and End-of-Life Details?
Some families prefer to manage cremation-related and end-of-life details on their own, while others would prefer help with things like:
Getting certified copies of the death certificate
Writing and publishing the obituary
Filing for Veterans benefits
Notifying Social Security
and other end-of-life details. Families keep costs down by managing these details themselves, but for some families, it’s worth the cost to have someone else help take care of these particulars. Help with these services does add to the base cremation cost, but the cost is worthwhile for the peace of mind it provides some families.
What Do You Plan to Do with the Remains?
What you plan to do with the remains plays a significant role in cremation costs. Aside from the cremation fee itself, one of the most significant cremation costs is the cost associated with the urn. If you’re planning to scatter the remains, a simple and inexpensive scattering urn is a practical, low-cost option. However, if you’re planning to display the urn at home, inter the urn in a columbarium, or even create a garden memorial, you’ll need a higher-quality urn that is suited for the setting, raising the cost.
Ultimately, your family controls local cremation costs by selecting the services that matter most. Balance needs and desires with budget to create the cremation plan that best serves your family’s needs.