What Goes into Cremation Service Costs?

Based on a report by Smart Asset done in 2018, it’s safe to assume that cremation services in Levittown, PA cost about 20% to 30% less than the average funeral service. However, cremations still cost money. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly goes into the cost of cremation services so you can be better prepared financially when it’s time to plan one.

For starters, there are basic direct cremation services that can be the least expensive cremation option. People can add on a wide range of additional services to these basic cremation costs including church services, memorial services, perfect memorial urns, and more. However, the most common and basic cremation costs include:

• • Cremation – Generally the cost of the cremation itself includes transferring the body from the place of death to a funeral home or holding place, as well as body identification, legal form processing, transferring the body to the crematory, the cremation and delivery of cremated remains to the designated party.

• • Cremation Container – Cremation containers are combustible containers usually made of materials like wood, cardboard, cloth covered wood fiver, plywood, or other flammable materials. The body is placed in the cremation container for the cremation process to protect the body during transportation and to maintain the deceased’s dignity. Cremation containers can cost as little or as much as you want, as they range from basic free ones provided by the crematorium to more ornate wooden containers.
  • Disposition Method – Cremations may have additional costs because of how the cremains are handled after the cremation. Disposition methods can range from affordable options like the bereaved picking up the cremains themselves, to more expensive options like mailing the cremains, or traveling to scatter them in a special location. Scattering ceremonies can sometimes costs thousands of dollars depending on the bereaved’s preferences.

• Number of Death Certificates – Most funeral homes and crematories charge a fee per-copy for the death certificate. This fee can be anywhere from $5-$20, so be sure to check with your provider for a specific number. The more copies of the death certificate you want the more expensive it will be.
• Crematory Fees – The crematory fees cover the cost of the cremation itself like the use of the cremation chamber and a temporary container or urn to hold the cremains until their final disposition.
• Additional Fees – There may be additional fees for permits or extra costs depending on the state. For example, in Pennsylvania, one must file a cremation permit for $5.

Cremation services are generally very cost effective but can cost more if you choose to spend more on extra goods or services. Be sure to get a quote from your cremation provider as fees and costs vary from crematory to crematory, as well as from state to state. If you have more questions about Levittown, PA cremation services, please reach out to J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel. You can stop by and visit us at 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067, or give us a call at (215) 295-7725 for more information on what we can do for you.