When a loved one has passed away, there are so many things that may need to be arranged and that can certainly cause you to feel incredibly overwhelmed. Most people have little to no experience when planning the sudden loss of a loved one, but Stardust Memorials is here to help relieve some of the overwhelming feeling by helping you understand all things cremation urns.
Over the last decade, cremation has become more and more popular. Regardless, you still likely have a lot of questions. How much should a cremation urn cost you? Should you buy an urn from a funeral home or from an online source? Why is there such a wide price range for different urns; don’t they all really do the same thing?
Let us help answer your questions–from what urns can be made out of, different sizes, how and where urns are used to the costs associated with all of these.
Materials
The material an urn is made of has a large impact on its price. The most common urn materials on the market today are brass & aluminum. They are easy to personalize, come in a wide range of shapes and colors and are fairly inexpensive to mass produce. They cost, on average, between $120-$150, depending on the size. Don’t let the price fool you; these are well built, long-lasting urns that simply cost less because of the material they are made from.
Wood urns tend to fall in the mid-range price bracket. They are elegantly designed and come in fewer shapes and sizes than brass & aluminum urns. They offer more craftsmanship in terms of build and feel and more are made in the USA. They range from $150-$220, depending on the size.
The move to upper echelon materials such as stone, marble and cultured marble provides urns that are made from harder, earthy materials. They offer more of a traditional appearance than that of brass and aluminum urns and most come with a lifetime guarantee. Also, most are certified to be used as a burial container, saving you the extra cost of having to buy a separate container for burial. They range in price from $200-$300, depending on the size.
Finally, Glass and Cloisonne urns are all handmade and no two urns are ever the same. The look and feel of these urns is unparalleled and you pay the price for that. Prices range from $300-$500, depending on the size.
Size
Since urn prices are determined by what material is needed and how much of that material is being used; the size of the urn plays an integral part. The larger the urn, the more expensive it becomes. A perfect example of this is with our Keepsake Urns. These urns are often shared among family members and only hold a small portion of the cremains. They range in price from $20-$50. Compare that to our Extra Large Brass Urns that have a range of $180-$200 and you see the price increase due to more material.
Urn Placement
Another additional expense that you have to consider is where the final destination of the urn is. Will it be displayed at home, be placed in a burial container or columbarium or will you spread the ashes?
Home: If you wish to keep the ashes of a loved one in your home, you may want to consider your decorating style in addition to how the cremation urn will reflect the life and personality of your family member.
Cemetery: You will need to research the rules of the cemetery you have chosen. Some cemeteries require that you purchase an Urn Vault to protect the urn from damage while buried. Depending on the size and material of an urn vault, you can expect an additional $150 - $200 on top of the cost of the urn. Though not related to the cost of the urn you select, there are added costs to consider with burial. There is the actual burial cost and the grave marker if you plan to have one.
Columbarium: If you choose to go the columbarium route it will require a few steps prior to purchasing the urn, but a little up-front homework can save you from making expensive mistakes. Know the size of the niche at the columbarium and check to make sure your chosen urn will fit.
Scattering: If you are scattering the ashes, make sure you check your local laws on disposing of ashes on public land or water. Also, if you are planning on traveling with the ashes you will need a TSA certified container. A scattering urn or tube can help make this process simpler and dignified, as they are designed with this purpose in mind. Typically lightweight, available in a range of styles, and recyclable after use, a scattering urn can be an appropriate choice for a memorial scattering ceremony.
We know it’s overwhelming at first, but we are here to help in any way we can. If you find you have more questions about pricing and choosing the best urn for your family member contact one of our amazing care team members.
