Top 10 Tips to Keep Cremation Cost Down
When a loved one passes on, you just can’t predict how the next few days will go. You know you’ll have to work with professionals and arrange the cremation service but beyond that, it can be hard to predict how things will flow. Once you contact a cremation provider, you will look over the cremation packages. It’s best to start with a package because you will get everything your loved one needs for one price and you won’t have to worry about leaving anything out. There are various packages and if you are on a budget, you will have to choose wisely. Here are a few tips to keep the costs down if you are on a tight budget.
St. Louis Cremation is one of the best providers of affordable cremation services in St Louis, MO and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of grieving families cope with the death of a loved one while also providing the support they need to move ahead. We provide on-site cremation services and help you to reduce funeral costs. Call us today at (314) 241-8844.
Although there are many factors to consider for the entire cost of cremation, it usually boils down to 3 things. First, your location, as big cities tend to be expensive. Second, the funeral home or crematorium you chose. Lastly, if you have additional service requested.
How much does cremation cost in Missouri?
If we are talking about the standard full-service funeral with cremation then the average cost will be around $3,000 – $5,000. This means the funeral home will handle everything from taking the deceased to the funeral home, embalming, caskets, paperwork, cremation, and more. This is very convenient and will give you a peace of mind because you won’t be worrying about the service as everything is being handled. The downside is that the cost is high and if you are on a tight budget, you should try other options.
How to keep cremation costs down?
Tip 1: Consider direct cremation
If you want cremation, but don’t feel like spending $5,000 on it then direct cremation is the way to go. With this type of cremation there is no embalming, viewing or a casket and everything could be handled by the crematory itself. The cost for direct cremations in Missouri starts at around $800 – $1,200 which makes it a lot more affordable than full-service funerals mentioned above.
Tip 2: Consider not using an expensive urn
With any cremations, most funeral homes will have your loved one’s remains put into any urn that they have available whether they are expensive or not. If your cremation cost is already at a minimum, you can make further savings by finding an urn that is much more affordable.
If the crematory has no free options to offer you then try this: go online and look for “cheap cremation urns” or something similar – there are thousands of results available with loads of websites where you can find really cheap wooden urns starting from $20-$50 range.
Tip 3: Just get the package
When you see the packages for the cremation services, the provider will point out everything they include. Your loved one will get transportation from their place of death to the crematory. They will get professional care before, during, and after the cremation. And they will get a simple container for their remains. That’s really all you have to have and if you want to keep costs down as low as possible, going with a direct cremation package is your best bet.
Tip 4: Do your research
Remember that one factor to consider is the location and if you want to keep the cost low, you better do your research and compare the prices for what the funeral home or cremation provider charges for their services. Ask the funeral home for their general price list as many of them are able to provide the prices for their packages. Furthermore, you can inquire if these packages are customizable.
Tip 5: Pre-plan the cremation
Another cremation cost saving tip that you can do is to pre-plan your cremation. By planning ahead of time, you are able to make smart decisions instead of rushing and making a mistake by choosing the wrong package. Another good thing about pre-planning is it locks the price of the cremation which means if ever the prices go up in the future (which surely does), you won’t be paying extra.
Tip 6: Find inexpensive memorial options
If you want to do something to honor your loved one after their cremation, you can certainly do so. There are some memorial services that cost a lot of money. You can do something that costs little to nothing, however, if you need to cut costs. For free, you can gather close family in a family home and have a meal. Everyone can bring something to share potluck-style. You could also meet in a park and share memories about the person. That doesn’t cost, either. There are plenty of things you can do without any cost, or for very little.
Tip 7: Avoid upsells from funeral directors or staff
There are some funeral directors and staff that will try to sell you a cremation package that may contain extra items that you don’t really need. You better steer clear from this type of director or staff and instead customize the package to fit your needs.
Tip 8: Consider green cemeteries
If you are looking for a more earth-friendly cremation option, consider green cemeteries. Green cemeteries often don’t use traditional vaults and burial containers so there will be less to remove from the spot when it is time for cremation. It also reduces the number of materials needed in creating each grave and can help lower costs associated with cremating your loved one.
Tip 9: Consider scattering ashes
Another way to cut back on costs is to scatter your loved one’s ashes. By scattering the ashes, you don’t have to buy an urn to store them in, which adds to the costs. You also don’t have to buy a burial plot in a cemetery, an urn vault, or a headstone. Scattering can be free, depending on where you do it. And it’s a nice way to give your loved one a special final resting place.
Tip 10: Donate to science
Several non-profit organizations accept anatomical gifts for scientific research and to aid in the progress of medical technology, education, and training. The charity will cover many of the costs involved with the end of life, in addition to the tremendous benefits that body donation gives to the medical community.
So, if you want to save money on cremation fees, do your homework, compare rates, buy cremation products online, find inexpensive memorial options, etc. and if you really want to save money, consider donating your (or a loved one’s) body to science.
When you are working on preparing for a cremation service in St. Louis, MO, let the professionals at St. Louis Cremation know what your budget is and how you will want to honor your loved one. We can help you figure out what you can cut out and what you have to keep in order to get your loved one the services they need at a price you can afford. You want them to be in good hands and they will get nothing but the best services and treatment from us. We can give you a tour of our facilities and answer any questions you have about the process.