Last Updated on: September 28, 2023
Reviewed by Kyle Wilson
Making arrangements for the cremation of your loved ones is not an easy task in such an overwhelming situation. There are many things you have to consider while making some important decisions and it can seem a daunting task.
However, one of the least expensive ways to pay for cremation in West Virginia is to arrange a low-cost cremation. This cremation is also known as direct cremation and it will be held when the applicant asks for only cremation and doesn’t require any funeral or memorial services.
Customized Options Await
If you opt for cremation along with funeral services so that your loved ones can decently celebrate your end-life ceremonies, you can expect the cremation to cost between $6,000 and $8,000. However, if you add some accessories like flowers, a costly urn, or other services to make your ceremony more personal, the cost will be higher than that.
Below is the table that indicates the average cost of a funeral along with viewing and cremation services according to the NFDA.
| Services | Cost |
| Basic service fee | $2,300 |
| Transfer of remains to funeral | $350 |
| Embalming | $775 |
| Other services (dressing, grooming) | $275 |
| Staff for viewing | $450 |
| Staff for funeral | $515 |
| Service car | $150 |
| Basic memorial package | $183 |
| Urn | $295 |
| Cremation casket | $1,310 |
| Total | $6,970 |
When you choose direct cremation, the deceased body is cremated instantly without any services like viewing or embalming. After cremation, the funeral home gives the ashes to the family of the deceased. That’s all for direct cremation and this is the reason why it is the most affordable final arrangement method.
Meanwhile, the cost of direct cremation may vary and you can expect something in between $2,000 to $5,000 based on the state you live in and your funeral home charges. Moreover, you are also allowed to engage the crematory services directly without getting services from a funeral home. In this way, you can also save a significant amount of money. Aside from financial benefits, families can also use direct cremation if they want to hold a memorial service after some days.
While planning a direct cremation, remember that you may have the following rights:
Most of us don’t know that a casket is used during the process of cremation. Typically, cremation caskets are different as compared to traditional caskets as they have no metal parts like hinges or handles. Instead of this, they consist of wood or reinforced cardboard along with no extra finishes. In short, a cremation casket is a standard, pine box that can be easily disintegrated into the cremation chamber.
For cremation costs, you can expect to pay between $120 and $600. If you want some kind of viewing or visitation before the cremation, you are allowed to rent a traditional casket from funeral homes. Most funeral homes reuse these rental caskets, but they use a special sheet to line the caskets so they are completely sanitary. A rental casket may cost you between $400 and $600 or even more.
An urn is a container in which the ashes of a cremated body are stored. After the cremation of a deceased body, the funeral home provides the surviving ones with a basic container containing ashes. However, if you want something more presentable, you can buy your own urn either through a funeral home or a third-party company.
Urn prices may range from $70 to $2,250 or even more depending on the style you select, the urn material, its size, whether it is engraved, and other factors that contribute to the overall cost of the urn.
Here are some common types of urns from which you can choose:
1- Double Urns: These types of urns are usually larger as they hold the ashes of two people. For example, they can be used to hold the ashes of a husband and wife. So you can expect to pay $150 to $1,500 for a companion urn.
2- Environmental-Friendly Urns: If you are concerned about the environment, an earth-friendly or biodegradable urn can be the right choice. You can also choose water urns that disintegrate into water or maybe a biodegradable urn that will be degraded naturally. Its price may range from $70 to $300.
3- Cremation Boxes: If you want to keep the ashes of your loved ones in your home, buying a cremation box could be the best. These are decorative wooden boxes that are designed to hold ashes for long periods. Cremation boxes also take the place of the traditional vase urns and their price may vary based on how complicated the box is. However, you can expect to pay $50 to $300 for a cremation box.
4- Jewelry and Mementos: Several businesses are there nowadays that take a portion of the ashes of your loved ones and create a jewelry piece for you like a ring or necklace. They also offer you some other unique options such as mixing a portion of the ashes with clay, ink, or paint to create some work of art.
A basic cremation service cost may vary from $800 to $3,000. It depends on the funeral home you choose, the items and services you purchase, and the state where you live. However, the cost will be increased if you add services like viewing, memorial, flowers, or any expensive cremation caskets or urns.
No-cost cremation is donating the deceased body to science for research purposes or to an organ donation center. In other words, it’s possible to have your body cremated at no cost. If you donate your bodies, your body will be cremated for free and ashes will be handed over to your family.
First, the funeral home verifies the identity of the deceased and authorizes it from the family. After that, the staff will remove the jewelry and medical devices (if any) from the body. Then the body is placed in the cremation container and moved to the place where the cremation will be held.
Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent
Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.
Burial Senior Insurance provides information and services related to burial insurance for senior citizens, including policy options and end-of-life support services.
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