If you’ve not already purchased an urn, or have chosen not to, the cremains will be given to you in a plastic container or a cardboard box. Perhaps you’ve decided to scatter the ashes at some place of personal significance, in which case an urn really isn’t necessary. There are few laws that prohibit the scattering of ashes. Indeed, some cemeteries have established “scattering areas” on their properties where a family can stew the cremains- for a fee, of course. And there are services (for hire) that will scatter cremains from ships or aircraft over the site selected.

Thought you were saving money by selecting a cremation, were you? Average costs for a direct cremation (no viewing, no service) may range from $500-$800. Remember, funeral directors are trained to sell the cremation “extras”(e.g., embalming, viewing, etc.)resulting in an average $3500-$4000 bill when all the amenities clients choose are tallied.

Many cemeteries require urns be placed in a vault if the cremains are to be buried. Grave sites could range from $95-$1200 depending on location. Columbarium (niche wall structure) could range on average from $200-$900, again depending on location. Plan on an opening and closing fee $75-$700, with an overtime rate for evenings, weekends or holidays. There may be a cost for “installation” of the grave liner or vault.

Markers and monuments can range from $450-$10,000. Often cemeteries and memorial gardens dictate their rules and regulations for markers, specifying not only the shape and size, but also the exact metal alloy content for bronze markers. Plan on a fee of at least $.25 to $.40 per square inch to install. The cost of perpetual care is included in the price of the lot. This cost is to maintain the landscape maintenance (i.e. mowing, trimming, removal of flowers, etc.) Be aware, however, that perpetual care does not cover the grave marker. In most instances, the marker is covered by the person’s homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you want a top-of –the-line cremation service and you go to Calvary Hill Funeral Home in North Houston, expect to pay $5,995. But if you want the same cremation service and you go to George H. Lewis and Sons in Tanglewood, expect to pay $13,807. The package that both operators offer is the same in other respects, part of SCI’s Dignity Memorial line. SCI said the cost difference stems from the levels of staffing, types of vehicles used in the services and the widely varying operating costs associated with running funeral homes in different parts of town.