Hire a cremation service
If the deceased's remains will be cremated, you will need to select a cremation service.
If you are working with a funeral home, you may choose cremation as part of the memorial package. The funeral home will also be able to provide you with options for an urn for the ashes.
If there will be a viewing, ask the funeral home about a rental casket. This will cost less than purchasing one and you can benefit from the use of a traditional casket for the viewing.
If you choose to purchase a casket for the viewing, you will need a "cremation casket" that complies with the requirements of the crematorium.
A direct cremation has no funeral service and is not attended by anyone. It involves sending the body directly to a crematorium without the assistance of a funeral home or funeral director.
After a direct cremation, the cremated remains are returned to the family. The family can then choose what to do with the remains.
If the ashes will be kept instead of scattered or buried, you will need to purchase an urn to store them.
Helpful Tips
Cremation costs
The cost of cremation depends on whether the cremation will be part of a funeral or if there will be a direct cremation without a funeral.
A funeral with a viewing and cremation will typically cost around $7,000. Depending on the services chosen, such as the type of casket and whether or not you purchase an urn, the cost may range between $3,000 and $10,000 or more.
A direct cremation will generally cost between $2,000 and $2,500. The minimum cost of a direct cremation can be as little as $50 in some areas. Generally a direct cremation will not cost more than $6,000.
Costs will be reduced if you choose not to purchase a casket for the cremation or an urn for the remains. Costs will rise if you choose additional options.
Urn overview
If the deceased will be cremated, you can choose an urn to store the ashes, with the help of the funeral director or the crematorium director. You can also purchase your own urn to use.
Often when the deceased will be cremated, a casket is rented from the funeral home for the visitation and funeral, eliminating the cost of buying a casket. If you opt for visitation and cremation, ask about the rental option.
If you choose cremation, and particularly direct cremation without a viewing, the crematorium may require that you purchase a simple casket made exclusively out of combustible materials for the remains to be cremated in, called a cremation casket.
Typical urn costs
- Cremation casket: $1,300
- Traditional urn: $295
- Alternative cremation container: $150
Cremation caskets
Cremation caskets are caskets that are used in the cremation process.
They must be made entirely of combustible and non-toxic materials.
Cremation caskets can vary in quality and cost. A simple container can cost as little as $50 while a standard wooden casket can cost as much as $1,000 or more, depending on the type of wood used for construction.
Typical cremation casket costs range between $700 and $1,500.
Providers to Contact
Funeral Homes with Cremation Services Near You
Funeral homes with on-site cremation services can help cremate the deceased's remains, as well as plan and execute funerals.
They can provide a place to hold the funeral, assist with the arrangements, and help plan services.
